NO, IT?S NOT A scheme to milk you of your money. There?s a reason behind the need for special baby-care products.

The answer is pretty simple. Babies have new hair and sensitive skin, not to mention a lot of diaper changes (friction with sensitive skin) that can quickly escalate to something worse.

A slight irritation or tingle to us can be a world of pain for the baby. As such, you can?t just use any regular shampoo, soap, or toothpaste on your child.

You have to find bath and body products designed specifically with them in mind, usually labeled ?safe for babies.? Parents have many wonderful baby care products to choose from and use on their baby?s skin. Here are four moms with their top picks.

?From 0-18 months, my son was only using Lactacyd as his shampoo and soap. When he turned 1.5 years old, I switched him to Johnson?s baby shampoo and Johnson?s baby soap because these products don?t hurt his eyes especially when he?s playing in the shower.??Verns and Skye Chiongbian, restaurateur

?You can?t go wrong with Johnson?s products when it comes to caring for your children. I use the pink baby shampoo and conditioner for my 4-year-old and the yellow baby shampoo for my infant. I also use Johnson?s cocoa and shea butter baby lotion on them and on myself as well. All their products are not harsh yet clean and moisturize well... Plus, they smell really good.??Georgia Schulze-Del Rosario, Wedding Planner associate editor, Metro Weddings

?For Zoe, I use Earth?s Best 2-in-1 Shampoo & Body Wash. It gently cleanses her skin and hair. It?s lightly scented with lavender oil to calm her during bath time. To repel the bugs, I use Jason Quit Bugging Me spray. It?s made of natural bug banishing ingredients. When I take her to the beach, I use Avalon Baby Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 18. All products are from Healthy Options.??Tina Perez-Litonjua, entrepreneur

Tips

Avoid using baby powder. Infants can inhale the small, powder particles and this may cause respiratory problems.

One of the most important areas to protect is the delicate skin of babies that comes in contact with wet or soiled diapers. For babies developing diaper rash, avoid the old-fashioned remedy of using cornstarch. Pediatricians do not recommend it as it may encourage the growth of certain yeasts and can cause diaper rash.

Anti-bacterial soaps are not necessary for home use. Children do not have to be protected from all bacteria, in fact, some bacteria are beneficial. Scientists are concerned that anti-bacterial soaps kill beneficial bacteria and also contribute to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Lessen the use of lotions and oils. Bathing babies more than necessary or using harsh soaps strip their skin?s natural oils.

Try: Avalon Organics Soothing Zinc Diaper Balm, which relieves the rash and helps skin to heal. Available at Healthy Options.