Blog
New: The First 1,000 Days Baby Box
Here it is then, the Babybox you didn't know you needed! Naïf, Etos and Ouders van Nu have joined forces to create a Babybox for everyone who is expecting a baby or has just had one. Filled with products that you can really use during the first thousand days. Read on quickly to find out what makes our Babybox so special. Perhaps by now or in the past you've already collected some other babyboxes. One thing is for sure, gifts are always nice when a little one is on the way. But often these packages are also full of advertisements, flyers or products that aren't suitable for your family situation. And that's a shame! That's why we've created a gift package together with Etos and Ouders van Nu, full of quality (full-size!) products that you can really use, such as a sleep guide and care products for sensitive skin, without advertising and unnecessary plastic clutter. We work together with partners who value quality and sustainability just as much as we do. Good for you and less harmful to the planet. And.. the Babybox is suitable for all (prospective) parents, regardless of gender and situation. Woohoo, that really makes us happy. To guarantee the quality of our Babybox, unfortunately it's not completely free. The package is worth approximately €120 (contents vary), but can be picked up at Etos for €4.95* (from 1 March!). But first request it via the registration form on our website. With each Babybox sold, we can also help parents who could use a little extra help. What's in it? We'll tell you more about that next week! We're launching it officially at the nine-month fair. From 1 March the Babybox can be picked up at Etos! You can already request it now via the button below.
Learn moreFrom wood to wipe: this is how our baby wipes are made
Baby wipes, one of the most used baby products. We are not surprised, because with 7 diapers a day and 2 wipes per diaper it adds up to an average of 14,000 wipes per child! That’s why we, at Naïf, think it is so important to strive for a world without plastic wipes. Naturally, we have already taken this step with our plastic free wipes. And more brands followed! But still, there is a difference. Most plastic free brands use viscose for their baby wipes, but ours are made from lyocell. We deliberately made this choice (although it is more expensive), because the chemical process during the production of lyocell is less harmful. But now you might wonder: from what, and how are these plastic free wipes made? Say no more.No plastic but..WOOD! Yes, you read that right. Our sturdy and soft baby wipes are derived from wood. Lenzing, the producer of the VEOCEL™ branded fibers we use for our wipes, have a strict policy for the wood they use. The raw materials come from responsibly managed forests. Now you might wonder, how is it possible that a rough material like wood becomes the soft and caring wipe that you know?The process: from wood, to pulp, to fibreFirst thing first: The wood and wood chips are turned into pulp by dissolving all other components. For this, Lenzing uses a chlorine-free process, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional bleaching methods. More than 99% of the dissolvent and the water that is being used during the pulping process is also re-used again!Pulping the wood is necessary to extract the cellulose from it. Cellulose forms the principal component of the cell wall of a plant. It is the same component that is being used to make paper or cardboard. VEOCEL™ fibers, the basis of our baby wipes, is what’s left after the wood is turned into pulp and the cellulose is extracted.But you can’t clean the dirty mess with a dry wipe made out of only VEOCEL™ fibers. That’s why we add extra softening and moisturising ingredients. Our original baby wipes are made with 99% water, but we recently also added lotion wipes to our assortment. These wipes are made with aloe vera and bamboo extract and are therefore even softer for sensitive skin. Here you can read more about the difference between water and lotion wipes.Used the wipe, and now what?Cleaned the mess and now you’re done with the wipe? Do not flush them down the toilet, but throw them into the garbage like you are used to! Although they are made out of circular* VEOCEL™ fibers, and therefore biodegradable and compostable under the right circumstances**, they can cause clogging in the toilet.*Circular means the product is made from naturally derived materials and will become part of nature again after it breaks down.**Derived from the natural material — wood, VEOCEL™ fibers are biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine conditions and compostable under industrial and home conditions, and can fully return to nature.VEOCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG
Learn moreWhat is the difference between a cream and an ointment?
That you need to hydrate your skin and your mini-me's skin (even with oily skin!), you hopefully already know that. Of course you use a nice cream for that. Or is an ointment better? And while we're at it... what is actually the difference between a cream and an ointment? After reading this blog you will know the answers! What is the difference between a cream and an ointment?Let's get down to basics: both a cream and an ointment contain oily substances that keep the skin moisturized. That's definitely good! However, an ointment contains proportionally more oily substances. An ointment is usually used for medical purposes, such as fighting the symptoms of a skin condition.A cream, on the other hand, is usually made on a water basis, like the rich cream from Naïf. Creams with mainly natural ingredients are suitable for sensitive (atopic) skin, but are not a medical treatment. This makes the consistency of a cream lighter. This makes a cream suitable for both dry skin and oily skin.Does ointment or cream absorb better into the skin?An ointment is made on an oil basis. Therefore, an ointment will hardly penetrate the skin, but will rather remain on the skin. This gives the active ingredients a chance to do their work optimally.Because a cream is usually made on a water basis, a cream penetrates the skin more easily than an ointment. The water in the cream makes it light and cooling, and creams can therefore also be used well to soothe mild skin irritations.Is an ointment or cream better?Whether you prefer an ointment or cream mainly depends on your own needs and wishes. Are you looking for a (medical) product that stays on the skin and leaves a greasy layer on the skin? Then you've come to the right place with ointments.If you're only looking for an ointment or cream for sensitive (atopic) skin, then a cream based on natural ingredients is often sufficient. It will also absorb faster and have a soothing effect on the skin. A nice scent on a cream can be pleasant, but is not necessary for good results. If you're looking for a cream without added perfume, take a look at our 0% perfume range!
Learn moreHow do I wash and take care of my baby's hair?
Some babies are born with a head full of hair, while others don’t have any. It doesn’t matter if your mini has lots or little hair, taking good care of the hair and scalp is always a great idea. But where to start? We’re here to help you find the perfect routine for your little one! A newborn baby is often covered with a white layer of grease. This layer is also called vernix and protects your baby against infections during pregnancy. After birth it’s best to leave the vernix alone until it disappears on its own. For some babies it takes a couple of hours, for others this may take a few days. When the vernix has been absorbed by the skin you can start washing your baby! When and how often? Your baby’s hair does not need shampoo, the first few months water will do just fine! Feel like this isn’t enough? You can use the water of the bath, with added bath oil, to gently cleanse the scalp and hair of your baby. When your mini’s hair starts growing a bit more it might be time to start using shampoo for washing. Once a week is more than enough! Use a shampoo that’s specifically made for babies, with mild ingredients that are mild for the eyes. Even if your baby doesn’t have hair yet, you might want to switch to shampoo eventually, because it also cares for the scalp! Why baby shampoo? A special shampoo for your little one is a must. Why? Baby shampoo has a lower pH value than your own shampoo, which is what you want for the sensitive baby skin. Naïf baby shampoo also does not contain SLES, mineral oil and microplastics, is made with ingredients of natural origin. Our 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash has no perfume and is even AllergyCertified! Extra soft and mild care for your baby. Washing hair: this is how you do it! A shower or a bath: it’s up to you! With a newborn baby a bath might be easier, because you have your hands free. It’s important to just go with what works best for you and your baby! Step 1. Wet the hair carefully. Make a bowl with your hands and scoop a little bit of water over your baby’s head. Step 2. Add a little bit of shampoo to your hands and massage it into the hair and scalp. Step 3. Rinse and done! Always make sure to keep shampoo out of your little's eyes, even if you use a mild shampoo for babies. Did you know a baby only blinks twice a minute? Compared to our fifteen times a minute the chance of water or shampoo getting into their eyes is a lot bigger! So, make sure to protect the eyes while rinsing the head. Put a washcloth on the forehead to keep the water out for example. If your baby is laying in the tub you can use your hand to carefully rinse the product out of the hair. Clean and done? Time to dry off! Be careful while drying the sensitive baby skin, it’s up to five times thinner than adult skin! Instead of rubbing, you’d want to dab the skin and hair dry. What to do with cradle cap? Does your baby suffer from cradle cap? No worries, lots of kids do! This kind of eczema often starts between the sixth and eighth week after birth. It usually also disappears again before your mini turns one. You can take care of cradle cap by using baby oil and a soft brush to massage the scalp. Wash the hair afterwards following the steps above. More good care Parent of older kids or a baby with an untameable coupe? You might need a little more help. For soft hair that’s easy to comb through we've got the tip for you: hair lotion! A real multi tasker, if we say so! Hair lotion can help with knots, fluffiness and taming the wildest curls. And it smells divine! Good luck with your babies new and complete hair routine!
Learn moreBaby milestone: When will my baby roll over, crawl, tiger crawl and sit?
Oops, there goes your baby-baby. From a small human that lies, eats, cries and laughs to a child that slowly starts standing up. Off, into the wide world. But, when does your baby actually start crawling? And of course also rolling over, tiger crawling and sitting? Age & CrawlingMost babies start crawling somewhere between 7 and 10 months. But it's also possible that your little one starts earlier or later, or simply skips the whole crawling phase and goes straight from sitting to walking. No worries, every baby is unique, so every development is different too. The pre-crawling stageLet's start at the beginning, because your little one has been preparing for months! First, gross motor skills are trained. At around two months, he discovers his hands and feet. Around three months, an object can be held. And don't be surprised if your baby suddenly puts his foot in his mouth. Funny to see. During this period, place your baby often on a play mat, so there is space for development and movement and schedule tummy time. This trains the back and neck muscles. Around six months, your little one starts rolling over. Whoops, from belly to back. The other way around is still often difficult. Keep in mind that your child can now also roll over in his crib and crawl up and/or down.Pivoting is something you learnWell, not really learn, it happens naturally. Around nine months, your child can roll over completely and also rotate on his axis. This is called pivoting. From here, your baby learns to move forward and backward. Aha, the tiger crawling era has begun! During tiger crawling, the side muscles are strengthened, which is useful for crawling.There goes your baby!Is your baby (not so baby anymore) suddenly in a crawling position during tiger crawling? Then crawling is near. Sitting will also not take long. Sometimes your baby crawls before sitting and sometimes sits before crawling. It's all good.Crawling takes energyYou can stimulate crawling by, for example, placing a toy just out of reach. Oh and a surface that is rough (such as sisal carpet) is not very pleasant for little legs and knees. You have some really nice crawling suits and leggings of course. Reason to shop at the same time (sustainably though!). Crawling does take a lot of energy, so a nice warm bath before bedtime is nice. Especially with a nourishing bath oil that keeps the legs soft and supple.
Learn moreWhat you need to know about your hiccupping baby
Just like you, your baby also gets hiccups sometimes. This can startle you, because you can't explain to your hiccupping baby what's happening. No worries, everything will be fine. We'll explain what hiccups are and what you can do. Hiccups in the womb Your baby can have hiccups in the womb from the second trimester onwards. You'll feel this through regular "jolts". Hiccups in the womb occur when your baby drinks amniotic fluid. When the stomach gets too full, the diaphragm contracts in a reflex. Often it lasts a while and goes away on its own. Nothing to worry about, it's not dangerous. You can also have a hiccupping baby outside the womb. Below we explain the ins and outs of hiccups in your little one. First of all: What are hiccups anyway? Just like in the womb, hiccups work the same way outside the womb. It's a sudden contraction of the diaphragm when the stomach is too full with food and/or air; the same muscle you use to breathe. The hiccupping sound occurs because the vocal cords close quickly. How do hiccups develop in your little one? Did you know that a baby gets hiccups more often than you do? Why this happens isn't entirely clear, but usually it's because your hiccupping baby eats and drinks too quickly or too much, causing them to swallow air. The stomach then presses against the diaphragm. Hiccups and Reflux Babies with reflux often get hiccups, because some of the food comes back up and irritates the diaphragm again. This often comes with spitting up and coughing. It's sad to see and the only thing you can do is stay with your child and keep them upright. This way you prevent your child from choking. A hiccupping baby, how do you prevent it? You can't completely prevent a hiccupping baby. But you can pay attention to the points below. 1. Limit the air your child swallows If you're breastfeeding, make sure your child latches on properly. With bottle feeding, make sure the hole in the nipple isn't too big. 2. Let your baby burp after feeding Wait until the burp comes out and hold them upright. This can take a while, but do it anyway. Putting your baby down while there's still air in the stomach is uncomfortable and unpleasant for your child. You can also massage your baby's back with your hand, which relaxes your little one and makes the burp come out more easily. 3. Take breaks during feeding Some babies are wonderfully greedy. This can cause air to come in while drinking. So during feeding, take the breast or bottle out of your baby's mouth for a moment and let your baby sit upright. Maybe a small (or big!) burp will come out. 4. A calm baby = calm feeding Do you see that your baby is hungry, or is it feeding time? Let's feed and don't stall too long. When your baby is restless or extremely hungry, the chance of them swallowing more air is greater. 5. Wait before bathing your baby Wait with bathing your baby after feeding. The food needs to settle first. So bathe your little one before feeding or half an hour after. Can you stop the hiccups? While we adults have learned that scaring, patting on the back, and holding your breath sometimes works, we absolutely don't recommend this for a baby. Besides this being somewhat strange, it's not proven that it works at all. Just hold your little one close and wait until the hiccups pass. Do you notice that it happens really frequently, and does it affect your baby's eating and sleeping rhythm? Then contact your doctor.
Learn moreWhen does my baby get teeth and first aid for pain!
How strange. My baby has been drooling like crazy the past few days and puts everything in their mouth to bite on. I also see a white dot appearing in the gums. Tada! There they are. Your baby's first teeth. But, when does your baby actually get teeth? Should you start brushing teeth right away? And what can you do to ease the pain? Naïf tells you. When do babies actually get teeth?That varies from child to child, of course, but you can expect them somewhere between four and seven months, usually around six months. First, the two middle lower incisors come through. A couple of months later, the two middle upper incisors. Around twelve months, the outer incisors appear above and below, and your child has eight teeth. Often around sixteen months, the front molars come through above and below. The back molars appear around two years. Eventually, your child has twenty teeth and molars; ten on top, ten on the bottom.Symptoms of teethingWith this too; some children are bothered by it, others are not. But there are a number of symptoms to watch out for. Such as: clingy, moody, red cheeks, lots of drooling, crying, slight fever, loose stools, and the urge to chew on everything. You can always check yourself with a (clean) finger to see if you feel a little point.Ouch, red bottom!If your baby is experiencing loose stools from teething, it can happen that a red bottom develops. This loose stool is often a bit more acidic. Therefore, change the diaper frequently, especially if your baby has just pooped or peed, this prevents the skin from coming into contact with the stool. Use wipes that don't irritate for this. And of course, it's even nicer if they don't contain plastic, so you're also thinking about the environment. Then smear the bottom with a generous layer of diaper cream full of zinc oxide and chamomile. This helps to calm the skin.Brush!From brushing the bottom to brushing teeth. Because getting teeth also means it needs to be taken care of! Time to brush. In the first year of life, once a day is enough. With a soft toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste that is suitable for babies. Nowadays you also have nice, natural toothpastes with or without fluoride. Do what you feel comfortable with. And of course; watch out for sweets, sugary drinks, etc. You don't want to overload the young teeth with sugars. The teeth won't like that. And your child won't either in the end.First aid for painThe process of getting teeth apparently can be quite painful. We can no longer remember that, but when we see a crying baby, we can imagine it. How can you ease the pain? Give a teething ring. You have wooden ones, but also special ones that you can put in the refrigerator, which provide cooling. You could also think of a (homeopathic) remedy. Get information about this from your (health) drugstore. You can massage your little one's sore gums. Wash your hands first. Just push through. It's not nice to see your baby like this, but ultimately the pain serves a purpose. And last but not least: cuddle, cuddle, cuddle. Your little one needs attention and love when they're not feeling well, so good reason to give extra cuddles.
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