It is a wonderful experience to bring a newborn into the world, and when parents go on this trip, they are frequently inundated with advice, particularly on how to care for their infants. One ancient custom that has been inherited by successive generations is dousing a newborn’s eyes with kajal.  

Not only is this a cultural custom, but it’s also thought to offer several advantages for the infant’s general health and vision. But in the present era, when choosing organic foods and being safe are top priorities, it’s critical to handle this custom carefully.  

This post will discuss the importance of kajal for babies and provide helpful safety and hygiene advice.

What is Kajal?

Kajal, Kohl, or Surma is an old eye restorative, a dark black item applied over the eyes. One gathers ash or dark debris (consumed buildup of ghee or oil) and blends in eatable oil for a sparkling completion.

Applying kajal on infants is an old Indian social practice, which guardians normally trust averts the hostile stare on babies. Besides, individuals likewise guarantee that it works on a child’s visual perception, however, there is no logical proof to help this.

Why Do We Apply Kajal in Babies’ Eyes?

Applying kajal to infants is a custom that has strong cultural origins and is ingrained in many communities. There are several symbolic and useful benefits associated with applying kajal to a newborn’s eyes, but the exact causes are unknown. Some of the reasons for kajal application are:

Encouraging Good Vision

It’s a common misconception that kajal helps infants have good vision. It’s frequently thought of as a way to improve eye development and ocular strength. Applying kajal is thought of as a preventative measure to guarantee that the infant’s eyes develop into robust, healthy ones.

Preventing Infections

The application of kajal is said to shield the infant’s eyes against infections because it is believed to possess antibacterial properties. When hygienic standards were less developed, kajal might have functioned as a natural means of protecting the eyes from outside pollutants.

Cultural and Customary Importance

Applying kajal to symbolize protection and blessings is a common practice in both cultural and religious traditions. It’s regarded as a loving and caring act that has been passed down through the decades as a treasured custom that ties families to their cultural history. Applying kajal to a newborn infant is primarily done to shield them from the “evil eye.” Many cultures believe that kajal acts as a protective barrier, repelling any harmful.

Enhancing face Features

It is also believed that Kajal’s black outline helps to draw attention to the baby’s attractive facial features. It is thought to draw attention to the eyes’ beauty by enlarging and enticing them. 

Although applying kajal to newborns has great cultural significance, modern parents should approach this custom with a balance of respect for cultural traditions and modern understanding. Prioritizing the newborn’s health and well-being over tradition can be achieved by selecting organic kajal for them and applying it safely. Never forget that cultural customs change with time, and bringing them into line with contemporary expectations guarantees a harmonious fusion of heritage and responsible parenting. 

Selecting the Best Kajal for Babies

Parents who value their infant’s health will do well to choose organic kajal for their newborn. That’s the best kajal for babies. The sensitive skin surrounding the eyes may become irritated by the harmful chemicals found in some traditional kajal products. Seek for a kajal that is certified organic and devoid of harsh chemicals like artificial scents and parabens.

These products are made specifically to be gentle on a baby’s delicate skin, reducing the possibility of allergies or discomfort. Nuts and ayurvedic essential oils are combined with our Nayan Anjan Baby Kajal to nurture and shield your baby’s eyes. 

How You Can Safely Apply Kajal to a Newborn Child?

Applying kajal to a newborn child’s eyes is a custom significantly pervaded in Indian culture, acknowledged to offer security and deflect negativity. Nevertheless, ensuring its safeguarded application is fundamental for watchmen. The following are a couple of clues to safely apply kajal to your baby, drawn from ace insight and standard reasoning.

1. Pick the Right Kajal

Pick a kajal unequivocally made arrangements for kids, freed from disastrous engineered substances and aggravations. Look for typical trimmings like almond oil or ghee, known for their relieving properties.

2. Ensure Orderliness

Preceding applying kajal, tidy up totally to hinder the trading of organisms to your youngster’s delicate eyes. Ensure the kajal carry out or stick is flawless and sterile to avoid any bet of illness.

3. Apply Sparingly

Quieting down would be best concerning applying kajal to a newborn child’s eyes. Use an unimportant aggregate to make a slim line along the lower lash line, avoiding contact with the interior corner of the eye.

4. Be Fragile

Handle your kid with outright meticulousness during the application cycle. Use fragile strokes and avoid any stress on the eye locale to hinder bother or injury to your little one.

5. Check for Reactions

Following applying kajal, notice your kid for any signs of annoying or touchy reactions. In case you notice redness, developing, or irrational tearing, dispose of the kajal immediately and counsel a pediatrician.

Alternatives to Kajal

If you are concerned about warding off the evil eye, the safest and best alternative is to place a dot of herbal kajal for a baby on the sole of their foot, at the hairline near the forehead, or behind one of their eyes. Even if applying kajal to your child’s eyes is not advised, it is preferable to produce the kajal at home. By doing this, you can control the components and shield your child’s eyes from the excessive levels of lead found in kajal purchased from stores. Almond oil, which is high in vitamin E and somewhat safe, can be used for this. 

Riska & Side effects of applying Kajal

  • Mothers frequently apply kajal to their infants without thoroughly cleaning their hands. This could make your eyes irritated.
  • Certain components, particularly those found in store-bought kajal, include substances like lead sulphide. They could result in allergic reactions as well as irritation.
  • Kajal allergies are common in babies, and applying it might result in watery eyes that itch and irritate.
  • Kajal frequently combines with the baby’s tears to alter how their eyelids move.

How to Make Kajal at Home for Babies

If you wish to shield your infant from the negative effects of kajal while adhering to traditional beliefs, homemade kajal is the way to go. Making kajal at home for a newborn infant is quite simple and doesn’t require any special ingredients. This is how to prepare kajal at your own home. Here we will explain to you how to make kajal at home.

To create kajal at home, just follow these easy instructions: 

  • Light a diya and add castor or almond oil. 
  • Place a flat plate over the flame and place a diya between the two inverted bowls. 
  • A plate should come into contact with the inverted flame.
  • If you wish to shield your infant from the negative effects of kajal while adhering to traditional beliefs, homemade kajal is the way to go. 
  • Making kajal at home for a newborn infant is quite simple and doesn’t require any special ingredients. This is how to prepare kajal at your own home.

Conclusion

Accepting customs from your culture, such as dotting a newborn’s eyes with kajal, can be a lovely way to feel more connected to your roots. You can continue this tradition in a way that is consistent with contemporary parenting techniques by selecting organic kajal and adhering to these safety and hygiene guidelines. Keep in mind that your child’s health and well-being come first, and with these pointers, you may handle this custom with assurance and consideration. Cheers to a long and happy life of parenthood!

By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Dr. Aarti Nehra is an MBBS graduate and pursued Masters of Medical Science and Technology from the prestigious IIT Kharagpur. She has worked as a consultant to provide services across the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. A cross-domain expert with experience in clinical practice, clinical marketing, competitive intelligence, content writing, blog writing, Medical reviewing, market strategy & analysis, statistical analysis, healthcare management, and medical research.