It's just as Weleda, baby

Mums want only the best for their baby and the biodynamically-grown calendula and organic chamomile in the Weleda Baby range has protective and antiseptic properties gentle enough for baby's delicate skin.

Lily and I met Weleda's Suzie Jones to hear all about it.

I was interested to learn three things. Firstly, Weleda has orchards in NZ to grow plants for production right here.  Secondly, many women enter a lifetime of using Weleda's other product ranges through an introduction while pregnant into using the mother and baby range. Thirdly, this is the range that many midwives recommend - in fact, 70% of midwives in Germany. 

In case you don't know much about the brand, here's some background. In the 1920s Rudolf Steiner and Dr Ita Wegman developed anthroposophic medicine; utilising herbs, flowers and other plant extracts to stimulate the body’s innate capacity to heal itself. It is based on the holistic principle that, instead of treating symptoms in isolation, wellness is about examining the whole person; body, soul and spirit.

Today, their biodynamic and organic farms produce herbal and homoeopathic and body care products completely free of synthetic preservatives (including parabens), fragrances, colours, mineral oils and emulsifying agents. 

This makes it perfect for using on expectant mothers, breastfeeding women, and babies. In fact, I've been drinking their Nursing Tea - which tastes great or I wouldn't be able to stick with it - with organic plant ingredients including anise, fennel, caraway and fenugreek to promote healthy milk supply.  

Left: Lily meeting Weleda's Suzie Jones. Below: the Weleda Baby range. 

Lily tries out Weleda Baby in the bath. The Calendula soap had a spicy, rather than overly floral, fragrance. I used it under the tap to cloud up the bathwater and then used it direct on baby as well as on a flannel to cleanse around ears and also baby's hair. 

"Green soap. This is new."

"That feels good." 

"I love it."

Calendula baby shampoo and body wash is an all-in-one, gently lathering lotion, to apply on a flannel.

We followed the bath with Calendula Lotion, a moisturising lotion with almond and jojoba oils. After a lovely, warm bath is the perfect time for baby massage using Calendula Oil. 

For the treatment of babies, Weleda Baby range has Rash Relief Cream for skin rashes and nappy rash, Baby Colic Powder to soothe the abdomen, and - our favourite of the entire baby range - Baby Teething Powder. This is seriously the business. Possibly the best $11.75 I've ever spent, the teething powder calmed the savage beast in a matter of minutes. Absolute miracle dust to rival Tinkerbell's.

Weleda products are available from all good health food stores and pharmacies nationwide. To locate your nearest stockist or for further information visit the Weleda website www.weleda.co.nz

Megan Robinson, 14 February 2010.