Does Baby Powder Make Your Baby Fair? Is It Even Safe? — What to Use Instead

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video answers whether applying powder makes a baby fair, and first explains whether powder is safe for children at all. Older powders: The powders that used to come earlier contained talc and sometimes asbestos, both of which were not safe for children. Talc caused inhalation injury, meaning children had difficulty breathing, and asbestos is a carcinogen. Today's baby powders: Most baby powders today use cornstarch powder, and this too is not completely safe for children. It can also cause irritation or rashes on the child's skin, and inhaling it can sometimes cause problems in the lungs, i.e. breathing difficulty in children. The verdict: There is no need to apply powder to children. Applying powder does not make a baby fair. What to use instead: In place of powder, or in the diaper area, apply a diaper rash cream. On the child's face, apply a baby moisturiser from a good company. The video shows three recommended baby moisturising creams on screen along with their prices, and any one of them can be chosen. Relevant for: parents asking whether baby powder makes a baby fair; parents wanting to know if talc, asbestos or cornstarch powders are safe for babies; parents worried about skin irritation, rashes, or breathing difficulty from powder; parents asking what to apply in the diaper area instead of powder; and parents looking for a suitable moisturiser for a baby's face. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician before using any product on your baby's skin, especially if your baby has a rash, sensitive skin, or breathing trouble.