Blogs

HOW TO CHOOSE A MASSAGE OIL FOR A STRONG BABY A...
In India and many other parts of Asia, the tradition of baby massage is an old one. The practice of baby massage with oil has become an integral part of...
HOW TO CHOOSE A MASSAGE OIL FOR A STRONG BABY AND HEALTHY SKIN
In India and many other parts of Asia, the tradition of baby massage is an old one. The practice of baby massage with oil has become an integral part of babies’ skincare routines in most households today and for good reason. An oil massage can provide multiple benefits, not just for your baby, but for you too. What are the benefits of baby massage for newborns, infants, and babies? Regular oil massages moisturize your baby’s skin deeply, protect it from infections, help to improve its texture, promote good muscle strength and calm down your baby and you! They are also said to relieve gas and colic in babies. Since they involve touch, baby massages are also a great way to bond with your baby. Choosing the right baby massage oil is crucial to gain maximum benefits from this time-tested childcare practice. Read on to know how you can do that! How to choose a good baby massage oil? When choosing a baby massage oil, there should be 3 main considerations: Safety Benefits Ease of application Your baby’s skin is still in its developmental stage. It is thinner than an adult’s skin and has a more alkaline pH value that can be disturbed by using the wrong products. A baby’s skin is more prone to dryness and irritation than your skin — which is why you must be very careful about any skincare products you apply on his/her skin, including any baby massage oils. Let’s look at each of these parameters in detail. Safety: Toxin-free, fragrance-free, no undiluted essential oils At the most basic level, your baby massage oil should be free from harmful chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin. These include parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, toxins, and allergens. Read the product label and screen these ingredients carefully.Harsh fragrances can also irritate your baby’s delicate skin, so look for fragrance-free options.But this is not all. Just because an oil is natural, it does not mean that it is safe for use on your baby’s skin. Some oils such as Tea Tree oil, Mustard oil, Avocado oil, and even Peanut oil can actually irritate your baby’s skin due to certain compounds present in them. All essential oils like Lavender oil, Chamomile oil, and Peppermint oil are a big no-no for your baby. Essential oils are very potent and need to be diluted with a suitable carrier oil, like Sunflower oil before being used on your baby’s skin. For babies older than 3 months, a safe dilution ratio of 0.5 to 1 per cent is recommended. You should completely avoid the topical use of dilute or undiluted essential oils completely on babies younger than 3 months of age, and for older babies, consult a paediatrician before using them. Benefits: Moisturizes, nourishes, and provides protection from skin infections and irritation You must select the most nourishing natural oils to reap maximum benefits from an oil massage for your baby. A combination of safe natural oils that are nourishing, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory works best to provide your baby with the all-around care that his/her skin and health need. CITTA’s Nourishing Baby Massage Oil is a conscious blend of 12 natural oils that manages to achieve this. It combines the wisdom of our traditions with scientific knowledge in a chemical-free and fragrance-free natural formulation that is highly effective for a baby’s skin.Coconut oil, Almond oil, Sesame oil, Sunflower oil, Brahmi oil, and Castor oil provide nourishment and moisturize your baby’s skin deeply. Basil oil, Turmeric oil, and Ashwagandha oil protect your baby’s skin from infections and irritation with their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Working together, this unique combination of natural oils promotes good muscle strength and skin health in your baby. Ease of application: Non-sticky consistency that spreads and gets absorbed into the skin easily The best baby massage oil will have a consistency that spreads easily on your baby’s skin and gets absorbed easily into it. Different oils have different consistencies, some may be heavier and thicker than others. The right baby oil for you would be one that lies somewhere in between so that it is non-sticky and comfortable for your baby. Our baby oil is crafted to have a lightweight, non-sticky consistency that makes it super convenient to use, before baths or even afterwards, as you would prefer. It quickly gets absorbed into your baby’s skin and gives it a moisturized, soft feel while nourishing it from within. What should I avoid when choosing a baby massage oil? As mentioned previously, you should avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and essential oils when looking for a baby massage oil for your little one. Reading the product label carefully and purchasing from a reputed brand are some good practices that you should follow for every babycare product that you buy. What precautions should I take while using baby oil? Always conduct a patch test before using any massage oil for your baby. Apply a little quantity of oil on a small area like the elbow and observe for 24-48 hours. Most allergic reactions show up within this timeframe, but some may take longer, so observe for at least 3 days before you start using a new product for your baby’s skin. If you notice any kind of skin irritation or infection, you should discontinue using the product. If there are other signs of discomfort, such as breathing difficulty, excessive sweating, fever, etc., you should seek medical attention at the earliest. Apart from these precautions, it is important not to put oil in your baby’s ears or navel area, as it can lead to fungal infections. The strokes used while massaging a baby also need to be gentle and soft, since a baby’s skin and organs are both much more delicate than an adult’s. Remember, your baby’s skin may react differently to a product than another baby’s, for example, a baby with an extremely dry skin condition may react better to a heavier formulation, but one with an oily skin condition may not respond as well. It is always good to take these precautions and understand the particular needs of your baby’s skin. Conclusion A good baby massage oil is one that has safe natural ingredients, is nourishing, and protects your baby’s skin from skin infections and irritation. It should also spread and absorb easily into your baby’s skin. A combination of anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and nourishing oil can help to achieve multiple benefits that the practice of oil massage has to offer, for the baby as well as the caregiver.
Read More
Skincare is self-care: 5 tips for taking care o...
The scorching summer heat can take a heavy toll on your skin. Whether it’s the excessive sweating in coastal regions like Mumbai, the extreme heat in Delhi, or the drying...
Skincare is self-care: 5 tips for taking care of your skin this summer
The scorching summer heat can take a heavy toll on your skin. Whether it’s the excessive sweating in coastal regions like Mumbai, the extreme heat in Delhi, or the drying winds in Jaipur — your skin definitely needs extra care and nourishment to face the harsh summer weather on a daily basis.
Read More
How to choose the best baby powder?
With summer getting hotter by the day, taking care of your baby’s sweaty skin becomes more important than ever. Baby powders can help. There are many available in the market...
How to choose the best baby powder?
With summer getting hotter by the day, taking care of your baby’s sweaty skin becomes more important than ever. Baby powders can help. There are many available in the market today — how do you choose the best baby powder? What should you look for in a baby powder so that it works well for your baby’s unique skin conditions? If you are looking for answers to these questions, keep reading. Why is it important to use baby powder? It is important to use baby powder for multiple reasons. A baby powder contains ingredients that absorb excess moisture and oil from your baby’s skin, which is crucial for preventing rashes such as heat rash. Heat rash is caused by moisture getting trapped on your baby’s skin. The sweat glands get blocked, and this results in a reddish rash that is usually warm to the touch and painful. Using baby powder helps prevent rashes. Other than that, the folds of your baby’s skin, such as neck creases, elbows, etc., are prone to accumulating excess moisture. Using baby powder in these areas reduces skin-to-skin friction and allows your baby to feel comfortable in every weather. What to look for while choosing a baby powder? Choosing the right baby powder is important to gain maximum benefits. Here are a few things to look for in a good baby powder: Talc-free formula: Talc is a harmful ingredient for your baby’s and your health as well. It is used to absorb moisture and reduce friction in many baby powders, but it can be contaminated with asbestos, which is known to be a cancer-causing chemical. To avoid any detrimental effects, look for safe, talc free baby powder Natural, safe ingredients: If you are wondering how will a baby powder be effective if it doesn’t contain talc, the answer is naturally absorbent ingredients. Ingredients like Corn Starch, which is a household staple in Indian homes, efficiently absorb moisture and excess oil from your baby’s skin. Oat Kernel Flour and Kaolin are also natural and safe ingredients that not only absorb excess moisture and oil from the skin but also soothe irritated skin with their natural antioxidants. CITTA’s Soothing Baby Powder is made with these very ingredients to keep your baby’s skin sweat-free and prevent rashes naturally. Free from harsh chemicals: This is an important consideration for all baby skincare products. Babies have delicate skin which is more prone to irritation and infections. Look for a baby powder that is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, toxins, and allergens that can potentially irritate your little one’s skin. Fine texture: A good baby powder should easily glide on your baby’s skin. Look for a fine texture. Dermatologically tested and approved: Ensure that the baby powder you choose is dermatologically tested and approved as safe for babies. When it comes to your baby, you should only trust brands that follow stringent testing procedures, like CITTA. Our products are formulated after extensive research and undergo multiple tests to ensure maximum safety for your baby’s skin. They are made with ethically sourced natural ingredients and manufactured in a hygienic environment with rigorous quality checks. Which baby powder is best for babies? Considering the above criteria, the best baby powder is talc-free, natural, free from harsh chemicals, dermatologically tested, and has a fine texture that glides easily on the skin. CITTA’s Soothing Talc-Free Powder is a great option. How should I use baby powder? And how much? Many people are unaware of the correct usage of baby powder. Here are a few pointers to help you use baby powder correctly for your little one: Do not apply directly onto your baby’s skin: Sprinkle a little baby powder on your palm, away from your baby’s face, and then apply gently onto your baby’s skin. Baby powder contains fine particles which could otherwise be ingested by your little one. Use sparingly: Use only a small quantity of powder at a time, as necessary. If you apply too much baby powder, the excess will fall off your baby’s skin anyway. Also, there are chances that the baby powder may accumulate in your baby’s skin folds if applied in large quantities, which might irritate your baby’s skin. Do not apply baby powder on your baby’s face: Apply only in areas with the maximum accumulation of moisture, like folds of the skin, neck creases, armpits, elbow creases, and back of the knees. Applying baby powder on your baby’s face can again lead to the ingestion of fine particles, which can cause health issues in your baby such as breathing difficulties and lung damage. Keep the baby powder away from your baby’s reach to avoid ingestion Is baby powder safe for newborns? With a major baby care brand being sued over the safety of their baby powder, many parents are worrying if baby powders are safe for their little ones. Talc-free, toxin-free, and dermatologist-approved baby powders are safe for newborns. The correct usage of a baby powder is also an important factor that determines the safety of a baby powder. At CITTA, we take extra efforts to ensure that our baby powder formula is gentle and safe for newborns. Since our baby powder contains Corn Starch, which has larger particles than talc, it also reduces the risk of ingestion, while being equally effective as a talc-based powder at absorbing excess moisture and oil from your baby’s skin. Oat Kernel Flour and Kaolin in CITTA’s Baby Powder add the extra benefits of soothing your baby’s skin and protecting it against rashes. Choosing the correct baby powder can feel like an overwhelming task with so many options in the market. But if you read the product labels carefully, and make the considerations listed in this article, you can choose a baby powder that is safe and effective for your baby. Also Read: BEST NATURAL ALTERNATIVES OF TALC FOR BABY POWDERS
Read More
5 Tips to get rid of Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a common skin condition in babies, yet many parents can feel worried when their little one is affected by it. It is the common name for Seborrheic...
5 Tips to get rid of Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a common skin condition in babies, yet many parents can feel worried when their little one is affected by it. It is the common name for Seborrheic Dermatitis of the scalp in infants. In simpler terms, it is the baby version of dandruff. Cradle cap causes their scalp to develop yellow or white crusty patches. The patches or flakes can be oily or dry. Although it is mostly limited to the scalp, it can also affect the baby’s face, nappy area, and folds of the skin. Babies are usually affected by cradle cap in the first year of their life, most commonly around 2-4 months of age. The flaky scales look the same on all skin tones, but the skin under the scales can look different for various skin tones. Cradle cap is not a painful condition and usually clears up on its own within a few weeks or months. It does not cause any itching or discomfort to your baby, so you need not worry too much. The cause of cradle caps in babies is not clear yet. Doctors think it might be linked to excessive sebum production by the oil glands. A type of yeast found on the skin, called Malassezia, may also have a role to play in the development of cradle caps in your baby. Although it is not medically necessary to get rid of the cradle cap, there are a few things you can do if you want to remove it. However, you must keep in mind that these are not scientifically proven methods, so the results could be temporary. You should also remember to be gentle with your little one’s skin in all situations. Here are 5 tips to get rid of cradle cap: Use a brush to remove the scales from your baby’s scalp Use a gentle hair brush or toothbrush with soft bristles to loosen the flakes on your baby's hair and brush them off. Be careful to not scrape too hard at your baby’s scalp, it can be irritated easily. You can use brushes specially made for this purpose and gently brush your baby’s scalp once a day. You can do this with both wet and dry hair. If you notice any signs of redness or irritation, discontinue or reduce the number of times you brush your baby’s scalp. Wash your baby’s hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo Maintaining good hair hygiene can help prevent hair conditions like dry scalp, itchy scalp, and cradle cap. Washing your baby’s hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo can also help to soften the scales and temporarily remove the cradle cap scales from their scalp. Remember to use a shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, silicones, mineral oils, allergens, and toxins, since these chemicals can irritate your baby’s scalp. CITTA Baby Shampoo is natural, tear-free, and toxin-free – a great option for your baby. It is infused with Coconut oil, Almond oil, Olive oil, and Oats which help to hydrate and soften the cradle cap scales. They nourish your baby’s scalp and promote healthy hair growth. The gentle formulation also maintains the optimum pH balance of the scalp. Hydrate your baby’s scalp As mentioned previously, hydrating your baby’s scalp with natural oil can help to loosen the cradle cap scales, making it easier to remove them. Choose a natural, fragrance-free, nourishing oil such as Coconut oil or Almond oil, or a mix of 12 nourishing natural oils like CITTA’s Baby Massage Oil, and gently massage your baby’s scalp with a small quantity of oil. Be careful around the soft spot on your baby’s head. Leave the oil to absorb for around 15 minutes and then wash it out with a gentle shampoo. Apply dermatologist-prescribed ointments or creams If your baby’s cradle cap does not go away in a few weeks, your doctor may prescribe certain anti-fungal or zinc creams. Applying them as directed can help you get rid of the cradle cap. Seek medical attention if the cradle cap gets infected or causes discomfort If your baby’s cradle cap gets infected or spreads to other parts of the body, you should seek medical attention. Cradle cap is a common condition in babies, and is usually harmless. You can try the above remedies at home for cradle cap removal, but always remember to be gentle on your baby’s skin. Only use safe, natural products that are free of harsh chemicals and gentle on your baby’s skin. Seek medical help if the rash causes discomfort.
Read More
How to treat heat rash in babies?
Temperatures have started to soar all around us, summer is at its peak. Besides being overall exhausting, the scorching heat combined with excessive sweating is also an invitation for heat...
How to treat heat rash in babies?
Temperatures have started to soar all around us, summer is at its peak. Besides being overall exhausting, the scorching heat combined with excessive sweating is also an invitation for heat rash in babies. It can be a cause of major discomfort for your baby as well as you. Heat rash Symptoms? Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, summer rash, or miliaria rubra, usually shows up as red bumps on your skin. Your baby can show multiple symptoms of heat rash, and they can vary according to their skin type as well. Heat rash can cause your baby’s skin to be inflamed and irritated. Other symptoms include redness, itchiness, or a burning sensation. A heat rash can appear on any part of the body including the face. Mostly, however, the rash will appear where there is friction due to rubbing of body parts, or where tight clothes rub against the skin of your little one. Inner thighs, neck folds, armpits, and elbow or knee creases are babies' most commonly affected areas. If you observe any other severe symptoms, like fever, sore throat, pus, or infected rash, or if the rash persists for a longer time, you should seek medical attention at the earliest. Summer Skincare Tips for your babies Why is heat rash caused in babies? Heat rash is caused when sweat gets trapped under the skin. Typically, when sweat remains in contact with the skin for a long period of time on hot and humid days, the sweat ducts become clogged, resulting in a heat rash. This can happen if your baby is overdressed — the extra layers of clothing can make it difficult for sweat to escape. Non-breathable, synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting uncomfortable clothes can also lead to a similar situation. How long can heat rash last? Since a baby’s skin is not able to regulate temperatures as well as an adult’s, and because it has a higher base temperature, it is more prone to heat rash and other types of rashes. But a heat rash usually goes away on its own, in around 2 to 3 days. With proper treatment, you can make your baby’s heat rash clear up faster. How do you get rid of heat rash? There are certain home remedies as well as treatments that can help you get rid of the heat rash your little baby is suffering from. Move your baby to a cooler environment The first step is to make your baby feel a little more comfortable by moving him/her to a cooler environment and allowing their overheated sweaty skin to air-dry. This could mean an air-conditioned space or a naturally well-ventilated space. Dress your baby in lightweight breathable fabrics with a loose fit Appropriate clothes can make your baby feel comfortable and cool. Remove extra layers of clothing. Cool down the affected skin with a cold compress If the affected area is small, dab a piece of cloth in cold water and gently apply it over the area to cool it down and relieve irritation. If the affected area is large, you can consider a quick cold bath without using any soap. You could use gentle cleansers with non-irritating ingredients, such as Baby Wash. Dust the affected skin with Baby Powder containing Oatmeal Oat Kernel Flour helps to soothe your baby’s inflamed skin and reduces itchiness. Dusting the heat rash-affected area with a baby powder that contains Oats and other naturally absorbent ingredients like Corn Starch can help to keep your baby’s skin dry and irritation-free. Talc Free Baby Powder is made with Corn Starch, Oat Kernel Flour, and Kaolin to absorb excess oil and moisture while also soothing your baby’s skin. Use medicated creams to soothe the rash Medicated creams containing Zinc Oxide can help to soothe your baby’s rash. Do not use detergents and skincare products with harsh chemicals Your baby’s skin is extra sensitive when affected by a heat rash. So you must be extra careful about any products you put on their skin. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulphates, silicones, mineral oils, allergens, and toxins. You could explore CITTA’s range of baby skincare products for gentle skincare that will not irritate your little one’s skin. Heat rash can be painful and make your baby very uncomfortable. However, it usually clears up on its own in a few days. Home remedies and the right treatment can ensure a speedy recovery for your baby. Apart from that, you can keep your baby well-hydrated and in cool environments to prevent heat rash. Dressing them in breathable fabrics is also a helpful idea. With these tips, we hope you will be able to navigate through your baby’s heat rash episode.
Read More
How to make a special gift for Mother's Day?
Mother’s Day is just around the corner (14 May, in case you’re wondering)! While mothers need to be appreciated every single day, Mother’s Day presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate...
How to make a special gift for Mother's Day?
Mother’s Day is just around the corner (14 May, in case you’re wondering)! While mothers need to be appreciated every single day, Mother’s Day presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate them and make them feel special. Whether you want to make your mom feel special or send love to the mother figure in your life, a thoughtfully curated gift is a great way of showing what she means to you. Keep reading for Mother’s Day gift ideas that you can put together easily for every type of mom! Breakfast in bed Who doesn’t love breakfast in bed? If your mom is someone who prepares elaborate meals for the family every single day, preparing her favorite breakfast for her on Mother’s Day is a gesture that she will surely appreciate, and remember for a long time. Is there a special family recipe that she makes only on celebratory occasions? How about you making it for her instead? She will definitely love it. A thoughtful addition to the backyard garden or kitchen garden Does your mom have a green thumb? Do you sometimes wonder if she loves her plants more than you? If that’s the case, adding some exquisite orchids in a planter customized with her initials is sure to impress her! Think of her preferences when you go to the nursery — is she a flower person? Or more of a leafy plant person? Is there a herb she’s been meaning to get for ages but just didn’t get the time for? Personalized self-care hamper Mothers do so much for everyone every single day! Whether your mother is a homemaker or a working mom, most likely, motherhood leaves her little-to-no time for self-care. A special hamper with curated self-care essentials can make her feel special while also making it easier for her to indulge in self-care rituals. Create your very own mix of luxurious skincare, comforting scents, and healthy, indulgent snacks to show her that she deserves the best care. Remember to choose natural, healthy, and safe products made from the highest quality ingredients — skincare, makeup, or snacks. Also adding products that are easy to use and really essential, like our Hydrating Mist and Moisturizing Balm, which make for the easiest yet luxurious skincare routine post-bath, is a great idea. Think of how you can make her life easier and better while curating this hamper, and she will surely be impressed with your efforts. Customized home decor pieces If your mom is someone who obsessively curates home decor and has a theme for every quarter of the year, gifting her a custom home decor piece with her initials is a great idea. You could get it done such that it follows the current decor theme she has going, and she would really appreciate your attention to detail. On the other hand, if your mother loves collecting home decor items from her travels, you could customize a timeless piece with a travel memory together that she would love to display around the house. The classic greeting card and cake A Mother’s Day greeting card coupled with a delicious cake makes for a charming gift for every mother! Greeting cards can seem like a boring option, but they have an old-world charm that’s unparalleled, especially when they are handmade. Write a heartfelt message on your Mother’s Day card to make it special for your mom. You could even include her favourite poem in there! These are simple gestures, but they say so much. To see her kids devoting their time and efforts into making something beautiful exclusively to celebrate her — no mom would not like it! The mother figure in your life deserves to be appreciated, loved and celebrated for everything she does. Thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts can be a great way of making her feel special and showing how much you care. We hope that this list helps you to put together a gift that your mother will cherish for a long time. Happy gifting! Also Read:7 BEST FATHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR EVERY DAD
Read More