Huggies & kisses for babies

The marketing warriors of Kimberly-Clark Philippines could not have chosen a better time and place. It was the last week of March, the start of summer. A mid-afternoon luau-cum-children’s party by the poolside of the Intercon in Makati was the perfect setting for the launch of a new line of toiletries for babies and toddlers carrying a familiar and trusted name: Huggies bath and body line. With mini balloons popping while hula girls swayed with the breeze, the five products in the line were unveiled: Huggies Baby Lotion, Huggies Baby Wash, Huggies Baby Powder, Huggies Baby Cologne, and Huggies Baby Oil. As it ventures into this new category, the Huggies brand, well known for its line of baby diapers, may rightly be known as "the total baby care solution provider," Rowena Orbon, senior product manager, remarks.

Suzi Entrata-Abrera, who hosted the lively afternoon program, relates: "When I tried the Huggies bath and body care line, I was quite happy with it. I definitely enjoyed using the baby wash with shea butter because I could really feel its moisturizing quality. The powder is also perfect for the summer months, especially since my baby Antonella perspires a lot from the heat. The cologne, I use on all my three girls and I noticed its mild scent stays for a long time so I don’t need to keep reapplying." 

All the Huggies bath and body products come in lavender and chamomile scents while the lotion and wash are also available in shea butter scent. Lavender and chamomile are known for their soothing and calming effects and frequently used to aid sleep and relaxation, while shea butter has moisturizing properties that keep the skin soft and smooth.

"The skin of an infant accounts for 13 percent of his total weight as compared to only three percent in an adult," says Dr. Emelita Lazaro-Leh, a fellow of the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and an active pediatric consultant from the Medical City and Medico. "Products with mild ingredients with a trusted name, such as Huggies, are safe to use on babies."

Baby oil is best used to help prevent moisture loss. Huggies Baby Oil with lavender and chamomile is formulated with luvitol for a non-greasy effect after application. It has vitamin E for improved moisturizing and nourishing benefits, making it perfect for infant massage.

"Physical contact is important to promote bonding between parent and child," adds Dr. Leh. And what better time for this than during bath time and the rituals that follow — of pampering and caring for the delicate and tender body of an infant.

Dr. Leh notes that bath and body products for infants and toddlers are important not only for cleansing but also in aiding healthy growth and enhancing development. "For a baby, this is a period of discovery and play, different types of play, fostered by products that stimulate the most happy, healthful, and rewarding interactions. From the moment you make eye contact with your child, to the feel of your arms and hands on the skin, the scent, and the sound of your voice, all combine to create a feeling of warmth, reassurance, and security." 

"Choosing the right products and brand you can count on for your baby is not easy for first-time moms," notes Aileen Rodas, Kimberly Clark Philippines business unit director for baby and child care.

TV host and sportscaster Patricia Bermudez-Hizon must have experienced this when she had her first baby, Vicente, who is now two years old. "Vicente is a very active two-year-old and with Huggies, I’m able to keep his skin and hair healthy and smelling good throughout the day. Not only that, bath time has been more fun with Huggies."

With her second baby, Patricia is looking forward to using Huggies baby products such as Huggies Baby Wash in lavender and chamomile. "It is mild enough to clean baby’s delicate skin and hair every day, even more than once a day. It’s easy to rinse off, and the gentle, soap-free, and tear-free ingredients make it mild enough for newborn baby’s skin," she points out.

Joanna Duarte, a devoted mother and owner of Big & Small, a well-known clothing line for children, likes the smell of Huggies Baby Powder on her daughter Rocio. "Now that she’s an active preschooler, it helps keep her feeling fresh and comfortable even when she perspires," says Joanna.

Huggies Baby Powder has zinc oxide for better absorbency that helps prevent rashes. The scent is mild and the powder is made of pure talc with a lower dusting composition, making it safe to use even for babies with asthma.

Huggies Baby Lotion not only moisturizes but also leaves a long-lasting scent so baby is fresh and comfortable all day.

Huggies bath and body products are good for daily use on even the most delicate baby skin. They are available in leading supermarkets and groceries and come in 50 ml and 100 ml bottles. Already, moms are asking about a bigger, more economical size and, yes, there are plans for this. For moms and their babies, there couldn’t be anything better. And it couldn’t happen at a better time.