Category Archives: Did You Know

If you are searching for a multi-purpose cleaner suitable for most surface and areas in the house, you can consider an all purpose cleaner. As the name suggests, an all purpose cleaner is created to clean different surfaces and is versatile for general cleaning around the home. It can be used to clean the kitchen top, windows, walls, toilets, kitchen appliances, and furniture.

Because an all purpose cleaner can be used all around the house, commercial and industrial all-purpose cleaners may contain a certain quantity of chemicals in order for it to be effective on the dirtiest surfaces, which may then be too much for surfaces which only require superficial cleaning. How safe would the cleaner then be if it contained a higher than necessary quantity of chemicals on a surface?

More so on a surface that a child regularly comes in contact with?

It is important that the cleaner is child safe and free from toxic chemicals where possible. In Singapore, organic all purpose cleaners are available and these are made from natural plant derived ingredients and also contains mineral surfactants. These cleaners, apart from being child and pet safe, are also environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

The organic option is definitely a safer choice for people suffering from allergies, sensitive skin, asthma or sinusitis. Big Little Me currently carries a range of cleaning products from Bio+Green Crystals, and they are all doctor endorsed as safe for allergy, asthma, autism and ADHD sufferers.

Alcohol is an active ingredient in most sanitisers due to it’s properties to kill germs and bacteria. However, as most of us know, alcohol can be a skin irritant and dries skin when used excessively. It is also too potent to be used on a young child’s skin. As a result, companies have developed alcohol-free sanitisers by using a replacement, benzalkonium chloride. Its properties inhibit or kill the growth of germs and bacteria.

However, studies have shown that long term exposure to benzalkonium chloride could lead to asthma and dermatitis.

How now, brown cow? What if I told you that there is a product, called Bio Shield, which actually protects the skin by killing off harmful germs and bacteria when they come in contact with the skin, and is alcohol-free? That these are vitamin based sanitisers, vitamins that can be found in our body, so that it is absolutely safe for people with sensitive skin?

These products are known as body protectants and they “sanitize” even before the germs and bacteria come in contact with you. Take an active approach to healthier and cleaner living.

People with sensitive skin usually find it difficult to find a sunscreen that does not aggravate their skin. Some sunscreens contain chemicals such as dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) or sulisobenzone which irritate the skin.

Increasingly, manufacturers have taken sensitive skin into account and are promoting sunblock that are gentler on the skin. Natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are used instead of chemical. Sunscreens with these active ingredients are recommended even for babies and children as they provide the same protection without being absorbed by the skin. If you have skin allergies, you should also consider options that are free from alcohol or fragrances.

Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen is also suitable for people with eczema as they do not cause chemical reaction with the skin to provide the protection. These are the sunscreens that leave a slight whitish hue on your body after applying them to the skin. Because sunscreens tend to dry the skin, remember to wash off thoroughly and moisturise your skin at the end of the day.

Here is our recommendation for a light and non-greasy titanium dioxide based sunscreen: Buds SolarCare lotion, with SPF25 protection.

Goat milk soap is organic and is wonderful for people with conditions such as eczema, dry or sensitive skin. To understand the benefits of goat milk soap, we need to look at the qualities of goat milk.

Goat milk is high in vitamin A, which helps to repair skin tissue, reduce wrinkles, control acne and provide relief for psoriasis. The rich butterfat found in goat milk boosts the moisturizing properties of soap made from it, and is particularly effective for people with dry skin. Unlike many water-based soaps, organic soap made from goat milk is naturally rejuvenating, moisturizes the skin, soothes dry and damaged skin and possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Goat milk also contains a mineral known as selenium, which helps prevent damage to the skin due to extensive exposure to the sun.

Most importantly, goat milk contains alpha-hydroxy acids. These acids penetrate the top layers of the skin to remove dead skin cells. Through the removal of the dead skin cells, it stimulates the skin and causes new healthy cells to be regenerated, resulting in a skin that is smoother and shinier. In water-based soap, harsh chemical acids may be used instead for this purpose, which damages the skin.

Diaper rash is the bane of all existence for all new moms. It could be a result of the body wash, or diaper, or lotion, or baby has sensitive skin. For babies with persistent diaper rash, more often than not, the poor parents have to go through the hassle of figuring out what is the cause of the diaper rash, and then go through another round to figuring out which diaper cream works best for their child.

When Ollie was born, he had some diaper rash. But being new parents, we figured we just had to keep using water to wipe rather than using baby wipes to keep the diaper rash at bay. We did not use any diaper cream at all. After a couple of days, we figured that it seemed to get even more aggravated, so we ended up with our first tube of diaper cream, and we constantly used it after. With QT, he was in the Special Care Nursery for 9 days as he was born 6 weeks early. He had a mild case of diaper rash and the doctor prescribed a maximum strength diaper cream for QT..which stank to the high heavens. Urgh.  Interestingly, both boys didn’t seem to have much diaper rash when they were in reusable diapers. Hrm.

Check your baby’s bum often for signs of redness as diaper rash can be very uncomfortable for the baby. To clean your baby’s bottom, use plain water to rinse any poop off instead of a baby wipe. Try a squirt bottle or to squeeze water off a cotton ball. If you need to use a wipe, avoid those with alcohol or fragrances as these will further irritate the sore skin. Gently pat the area dry before you apply the diaper cream. Most diaper creams, such as Desitin, contain zinc oxide and the cream works like a protective layer by creating a barrier between the skin and the diaper. For babies with sensitive skin, there are organic lotions available that moisturise and nurture the skin, and reduce the inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Such organic lotions, like the Little Innoscents Intensive Soothing Cream and Buds Organic Nappy Time Change Cream, are also suitable for those who use reusable diapers.

It is not advisable to use talcum powder as it will not form the protective layer against moisture. In the humid Singapore weather, the powder will absorb the sweat and cause friction when rubbed thus aggravating your baby’s delicate skin. As much as possible, let your baby go nappy free. Air the diaper area as frequent as you can to allow air circulation which aids the healing process.

Ollie is a big fan of water play. Water parks, pool, beach..you name it, he’s there. And kids, being kids, they grow up so quickly. He has already gone through 4 swimsuits.

Natural emollients Sunflower, Olive and Jojoba Oils and Shea Butter offer deep moisturisation while Aloe Vera and rich Olive Leaf Extract and natural Vitamin E offer protections against free radical damage and Bisabolol soothes inflammation

Having fun in the outdoors usually means exposing yourself to the elements. Especially in sunny Singapore, exposure to the sun may be one deterrent for people to have fun outdoors or have fun in the water. Prolong exposure to the sun without proper protection ages the skin and can cause irreversible damage. Therefore, as much as you can, try to cover up with a hat or long sleeve top. Living in Perth for 3 years have taught us to slather up with sunscreen whenever we head out in the summer. And we were determined to do so when bringing the kids out for waterplay in Singapore.

The use of sunscreen is recommended when you are heading outdoors as it blocks out both UVB and UVA radiation. In general, a sunblock with SPF15 is sufficient for most people. Of course, the higher the SPF, the better the protection. But do note that SPF30 does not mean that it is twice the strength of SPF15. A SPF15 sunscreen filters out 93% of UVB ray while a SPF30 sunscreen filters out 97% of UVB ray. If you look at SPF50, it filters out 98% of the UVB ray.

Most sunblock in the market use the mineral zinc oxide as the active ingredient, and are usually water resistant. However, they usually feel cakey when applied on the skin, or if you are particular like me, it has a funky smell (chemical or coconut-y). Thankfully, there are organic sunscreens in the market that provide the same protection but are made with natural ingredients, without harmful chemicals such as aluminium, phthalates, or parabens. These options may be more suited for people with eczema or sensitive skin.

Little Innoscents Sun Lotion contains no harmful chemicals, is fragrance-free and rubs into the skin really well. It also contains Vitamin E and aloe vera to hydrate the skin whilst playing under the sun! Another organic sunscreen that I recommend is the Buds Organic Solar Care Lotion, which is specially created for children. It contains shea butter to moisturise the skin, while aloe vera, olive leaf extract and natural Vitamin E offer protections against free radical damage and Bisabolol soothes inflammation.

Both are organic options and are suitable for babies and sensitive skin. The key difference between the two: Little Innoscents Sun Lotion offers SPF30 protection and uses zinc oxide, while the Bud Solar Care Lotion offers SPF25 protection and uses titanium dioxide.

Newborns are swaddled constantly to provide them with a simulated feeling that they are still enclosed in their mummy’s womb. Newborns also have limited ability to regulate their temperature, and have sweat glands only on their head, neck, hands and feet.

In a hot and humid country like Singapore, it is common for babies to develop some heat rash on their neck. Heat rash, sometimes known as prickly heat, develops when the sweat glands are clogged, preventing perspiration from getting out. It affects people of all ages but most common in children and babies because their pores are smaller compared to adults.

Areas around the neck, armpits and back of knees and elbows are most likely to be affected. Diaper area is also susceptible to heat rash due to the lack of ventilation. It can be itchy and the bumps can be sensitive to touch, but it will heal on its own. As parents, we can help to relieve the itching and discomfort by moving our child into a cooler environment. Moving to an air-conditioned place is effective and helps because it cools down the overheated body and the air is less humid, thus less perspiration. When the body has cooled, try a soothing lotion to provide relief for your child. It is not advisable to simple apply any lotion without first cooling the body as the lotion will cause the pores to clog up further more as the body tries to perspire more to counter the heat.

An alternative such as cornstarch powder or a mineral powder may also help absorb excess moisture and prevent further aggravation to the already sore skin.

As parents, we recognise the benefits of going organic for our children.  Our organic products on biglittleme.com are made from ingredients derived naturally from plants and minerals. They are not only organic, but  are also eco-friendly. Being chemical free and non-toxic, they are light and gentle on the most delicate and sensitive skin, making them suitable for babies with easily irritated skin, eczema, or dry skin. Try our range of organic baby body wash, moisturisers, and sunscreen. We have tried these products on our kids and are willing to stake our reputation on it.

Going organic does not need to be expensive. We are determined to bring it to you at affordable prices. Apart from organic baby products, we also have a range of products for adults and your home.

Stuffy noses and chesty coughs. Two symptoms that could disturb your child’s sleep. And usually, one’s first reaction is to reach for that vapour rub sitting in your medicine cabinet to soothe the discomfort. One popular brand that we are familiar with in Singapore is Vicks Vapour Rub. The mentholatum provides quick relief for the child and clears nasal passage. I remembered using it when I was a child and the warming effect just seemed to make everything feel better.

However, most vapour rubs or chest rubs contain petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, a byproduct of petroleum. One of the side effects of using petroleum jelly is that it suffocates the skin, reducing the amount of oxgen that is being absorbed through the skin. Mineral oils may also aggravate stressful skin conditions such as eczema.

For parents who are conscious about the use of petroleum jelly on their child, there are organic vapour rubs available in the market that can provide the same relief and ease cough, yet without the greasiness of petrolatum.

You can try our Little Innoscents Winter Blues Vapour Balm that does not contain any petrolatum, and just the goodness of Wintergreen and Eucalyptus essential oils, and calming Lavender to lull your child to sleep.

The red, scaly and dry patch of skin that you find on the chest, on elbows, on thighs. The signature tell-tale sign of eczema.

You can imagine how I felt when I saw that on my child’s cheeks, neck-folds and chest.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects around 1 in 5 babies and children. It is a chronic dry and itchy skin condition that prompts the baby or child to scratch, which usually further irritate the skin and aggravate the condition. It is frustrating to cope with eczema especially in the humid weather of Singapore, as heat and humidity exacerbates the problem.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for eczema but it can be controlled.  The key is to keep the skin cool and to moisturise frequently. Moisturising prevents the skin from getting dry and helps to reduce the stretched and itchy feeling. A good skin care and bath routine will also help.   Take short baths with warm water. Water that is too cold or too hot can irritate the skin. Soapy baths or bubble baths can also dry the skin. So try to opt for a baby wash that are unscented, chemical free and moisturising. If you use a wash cloth, make sure it is not rough. After the bath, pat dry rather than rub. Apply moisturising lotion or cream immediately while the skin is still moist and fresh to prevent the skin from drying up. It is also good practice to moisturise regularly and frequently. For clothing, dress your baby/child in clothes that are breezy and airy; nothing too tight as they will rub against and irritate the skin.

Check out our range of organic baby products that can help to manage eczema, and soothe broken and irritated skin as a result of scratching: