Some people may not agree. But a baby’s life is not easy. Between the feeding and the sleeping, there is a whole world of different activities the baby has to, let us be clear, bear. Move from lap to lap, look at funny faces, be tickled, pinched, jealous grandparents, mean siblings, a rigid time schedule, bathing when you are having fun, soap in the eyes, tough life! The baby cannot even pick up his/her clothes or the menu. Almost always crying is protest.

But, without Chemistry, the baby’s life - and of their parents – would be much tougher. As the baby cannot go to the bathroom by him/herself, the solution is the diaper. A long time ago, a piece of cloth was used, which, among other inconveniences, after saturation would hold only the solid "residues" – the liquid frequently would be absorbed by the cloth of the one who was holding the "human faucet." Today Chemistry has practically eliminated the risk of leaking. The modern diapers use polypropylene fibers and a special gel that may contain potassium polyacrylate, to absorb and retain fluids. A plastic base with acrylic adhesive replaced the safety pin that held the diaper together and that scared the baby and us many times. The baby soap, so important to keep the baby in good hygienic clean condition, may now include in its formula titanium dioxide and magnesium sulfate. The talc may have zinc stearate and benzalkonium chloride. Thanks to Chemistry, changing diapers became so easy that even uncle; father, grandfather and older brother do it now. It became now a family business. Thanks to Chemistry! When baby-feeding time comes, Chemistry is right there. Modern plastics streamlined the baby bottle. Silicone and latex nipples are soft and easy to clean. Bottles are now made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, unbreakable and temper resistant. Plastics, incidentally, have accompanied the babies at almost all times. The mattress that allows that baby nap – and rest for the parents – is made of expanded polurethane, coated with synthetic fibers. The colorful ball is polyethylene. The toys, which, in baby’s opinion, are there to be chewed, are made with atoxic plastics. Baby’s clothes were chosen by Mom gently and lovingly, but for Baby they are painting screens and field for the arts to be decorated with foods, chocolate and everything that sticks, in a precocious demonstration of artistic genius. They may be made of acrylic fibers and polyester, combined with wool or cotton, and Chemistry comes with surfactants and softeners to wash them and assure soft, beautiful clothes, free of residues and bacteria. After all, even for Chemistry, the best reward for all work is the happy, joyful, healthy smile of Baby.

Text: Luiz Carlos de Medeiros (MTb: 12.293) English version by Joe Vianna (translat@mvpisp.com)