Dear mommies,
Despite knowing that using sanitizers is for the safety of my baby, I'm worried. First of all, hand sanitizers are made from at least 60% alcohol (the recommended minimum). My baby has sensitive skin. Even the smallest amount of alcohol dabs would make her skin flushing red. I'm not entirely convinced that alcohol sanitizers is the best option here. Are there any other choices out there? What are other mommies using?
Rest assured, mommy. The safety of hand sanitizers concern many mommies out there, just like you. We must first clarify what sanitizers do and why it's important for our baby.
Babies tend to put their hands or fingers in their mouths a lot. So keeping the hands of your baby germs-free is important.
Although some parents may suggest using hand soap and water to clean your baby’s hands, it can be inconvenient to carry around a soap bar in a plastic bag.
Many parents turn to hand sanitizers for a quick and convenient solution. But, the effects of using hand sanitizers on your baby can be worrying. So, how can you pick the right hand sanitizer for your baby?
There are mainly 3 types of ingredients used in hand sanitizers available in the market: alcohol, benzoalkonium chloride and plant-based. Which one is more suitable for your baby?
3 Types of Hand Sanitizers
Alcohol-Based
The main ingredient of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is alcohol or isopropanol. Alcohol and isopropanol are effective at killing most germs and bacteria.
The main concern about alcohol-based sanitizers is the incidents of alcohol poisoning from ingestion. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers usually contain 60% to 95% alcohol. By comparison, wine and beer contain only about 5% to 12% alcohol.
In 2015, six-year-old Nhaijah Russell swallowed three or four drops of alcohol-based hand sanitizer at school. After she was rushed to the emergency room, she was confirmed with .179 blood-alcohol level. That is twice of what is considered legally drunk in an adult.
Nhaijah was lucky. In severe cases, alcohol-based hand sanitizer consumption can lead to acute alcohol poisoning in babies and children. This may lead to coma, seizures, vomiting and stomach irritation.
Alcohol poisoning is especially worrying in areas where hand sanitizer dispensers are easily accessible to babies and children, such as kindergarten, schools and indoor playgrounds.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also cause dryness and cracking on hands. When used on your skin, alcohol strips away oil on your skin that retains moisture. This can lead to skin irritation and symptoms of dermatitis, like rashes, itching, blisters and swelling.
Ingredients: At least 60% alcohol or isopropanol
Efficacy: 99.9% effective
Concerns: Alcohol poisoning, may cause redness and dryness in sensitive skin
Safety: ⭐
Conclusion: Not recommended for baby
Benzalkonium Chloride
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are made from benzalkonium chloride – a naturally occurring organic salt.
Benzalkonium chloride is an antimicrobial agent. It kills most germs and bacteria and stops them from growing. It is a popular ingredient in health and beauty products, like hand wipes, antiseptic creams and anti-itch ointments.
Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are safer for your baby because it contains only 0.1% benzalkonium chloride.
Because the level of benzalkonium chloride it contains is so low – only 0.1%, alcohol-free hand sanitizer is safer for your baby. The rest of the hand sanitizer mainly contains water and natural plant extracts that moisturize your skin.
Also, alcohol-free hand sanitizer provides your baby continuous protection, even after the solution has dried.
Plant-Based
Which One Should I Choose For My Baby?
To recap, both alcohol-based and alcohol-free hand sanitizers are effective at killing most germs and bacteria.
However, when using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, babies risk acute alcohol poisoning and dermatitis.
With alcohol-free hand sanitizers, parents don’t have to worry about this. Alcohol-free hand sanitizers are mainly made of natural ingredients that are safe for babies and children.
Bioion Alcohol-Free Baby Sanitizer is a better and safer choice for your baby with soft, sensitive skin. It is made from 100% natural plant extract and it kills 99.9% germs and bacteria on any surfaces in 30 seconds.
P.S. Dear mommies, we now deliver all your orders to your doorstep so you can take some time off your busy schedule and get your well-deserved rest!
