Can You Put Aloe Vera on a Baby? A Guide for Parents

With its cooling, soothing properties, aloe vera gel is a popular home remedy for minor skin irritations and burns. Derived from the juicy leaves of the aloe plant, aloe vera has been used topically for centuries to promote skin health. This has many parents wondering: can I use aloe vera on my baby’s delicate skin?

The answer is yes, aloe vera can be safely used on babies when properly sourced and applied. Read on to learn more about using aloe for common baby skin issues, how to choose aloe products, and proper application guidelines.

Is Aloe Vera Safe for Babies?

When used topically, pure aloe vera gel is considered gentle and non-toxic for babies The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aloe as a natural skin protectant, meaning it is generally recognized as safe

Both the gel from the aloe plant and aloe-based skin care products are safe options Just be sure to use products specifically formulated for babies or children,

It’s critical to only apply aloe vera topically and avoid oral ingestion. Consuming aloe latex found in the plant’s rind can cause gastrointestinal upset. Only use pure inner aloe vera gel.

Benefits of Aloe Vera for Baby’s Skin

What makes aloe vera so soothing for children’s sensitive skin? The clear gel contains the active compounds aloin and aloe-emodin which have the following properties

• Anti-inflammatory – Reduces swelling, redness, and irritation
• Antimicrobial – Inhibits bacteria, viruses, and fungi
• Vulnerary – Promotes wound healing and regeneration
• Moisturizing – Hydrates and softens skin

This makes aloe vera helpful for treating and preventing many common skin conditions in babies, including:

• Diaper rash: Soothes inflamed skin and provides a protective moisture barrier.
• Dry, flaky skin: The gel’s water content hydrates while the emollients soften.
• Eczema: Calms red, itchy outbreaks thanks to the anti-inflammatory action.
• Cradle cap: Helps loosen dry scalp skin when gently massaged into patches.
• Sunburn: Instantly cools, reduces pain, redness, and later peeling from minor sunburns.
• Insect bites and stings: Anti-inflammatory compounds reduce swelling, pain, and itching.
• Cuts, scrapes: Seals the wound and promotes faster healing with the mucilaginous gel.

So whether your baby has irritated skin from drool rash or is teething, aloe vera can provide soothing relief and speed up healing.

Choosing Aloe Vera Gel or Lotion for Baby

When selecting an aloe product for your child, read labels closely. Look for:

• 100% aloe vera inner leaf gel – Avoid added “fillers” like thickeners or colorants.
• Fragrance-free – Babies’ skin is sensitive to fragrances which can cause reactions.
• Preservative-free – Harsh chemicals like parabens can irritate skin.
• Organic – Choose a plant-derived, eco-friendly formula for peace of mind.

For babies under 6 months, an aloe lotion may be preferred over a sticky gel. Or select a soothing diaper rash cream with aloe as an ingredient.

If using pure aloe gel from a home plant, be sure the leaves are pesticide-free. Carefully wash the outer rind before filleting the leaf for the clear inner gel.

How to Apply Aloe Vera Gel on Babies

When using aloe vera on your baby’s skin, follow these tips:

• Do a small test patch first, especially if baby has sensitive skin.
• For young infants, dilute pure aloe gel with a few drops of water to reduce strength.
• Apply a very thin layer of gel to avoid over-hydrating the skin.
• Don’t put on open wounds or broken skin to avoid stinging.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes which can be irritated.
• Reapply 2-3 times per day or as needed for soothing relief.
• Store gel in the fridge between uses to prevent spoilage.

While aloe vera is very safe, always consult your pediatrician before using any new botanicals or home remedies. Watch for signs of redness, swelling, or rash that could indicate an allergy.

Most babies tolerate pure, natural aloe vera gel very well. Follow safe sourcing and usage guidelines for happy skin!

6 Tips for Using Aloe Vera on Your Baby’s Skin

1. Choose 100% pure inner leaf aloe vera gels and lotions designed for babies.
2. Look for organic, fragrance-free formulas without harsh additives.
3. Use aloe vera to relieve diaper rash, eczema, cradle cap, and other skin irritation.
4. Test apply on a small patch of skin first to check for allergies.
5. Gently smooth a thin layer of aloe gel onto affected areas up to 3 times daily.
6. Avoid using aloe vera gel on open wounds, mucous membranes, or eyes.

What About Giving Aloe Vera to Babies Internally?

While topical aloe vera is well tolerated, ingesting the gel or latex can be dangerous for infants and children. Consuming aloe should be avoided due to:

• Risk of vomiting and diarrhea from the laxative effects.
• Abdominal cramping, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Potential toxic effects on kidneys and liver with repeated use.

The FDA requires warning labels on oral aloe vera products for these reasons. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid consuming aloe supplements to prevent exposure through breastmilk.

For treating constipation, talk to your pediatrician about safe and gentle remedies for your baby. There are many other options besides using aloe vera internally.

So stick to external uses of aloe vera gel only when caring for your precious little one! Handled properly, aloe can be a parent’s best friend when it comes to soothing many common skin woes.