by Kris Mery

Created on: November 17, 2009

Growing up the smell, or sight, of baby powder was one of the first things I saw to be associated with babies. I saw the stuff everywhere. I never really thought too much about it, other than it was just something everyone used. It was just part of having, and diapering, a baby. Honestly I didn't even think too much about it when I received several bottles of the stuff at various baby showers when I was pregnant with my oldest child. I even undid the seal on one and set it up along with everything else on my changing table all nice and neat and ready to powder that little bottom I was about to diaper. I looked forward to that sweet smell (of the powder, not the diaper).

Then one day I saw an article about baby powder and how dangerous it can be. I could have hit myself over the head with the "how did I miss this's". Its not like I did not know that talcum powder on condoms can cause cancer in women. That was part of a research paper I did in college. If it hurts us as adults... Why did I not realize it can do the same for infants? All of a sudden I felt very silly. I could see the average person not knowing that, but I had the research in my hand just years before.

Of course that is not the only issue with baby powder. If breathed into the lungs it can cause breathing problems as well. There are ways to avoid, or lessen the chances of that happening, especially with the new cornstarch based powders... A big part of that is just being careful not to get it into the air where we can all breath it in. However, that only fixes the respiratory problems.

I do know some moms (and grand moms) who still swear by the stuff. It does absorb moisture, and supposedly helps prevent diaper rash. I understand the theory, but not having used it myself I can not say for certain if it helps with rashes or not. Personally I won't chance it, especially having a daughter. However, it does lead to the question of what to do with all that baby powder I was given. I do not like to waste things... but I have not found a single use for it that I am comfortable with.

Learn more about this author, Kris Mery.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.