Your baby's skin is extra-sensitive, so proper care is essential to help maintain its health and texture. But the good news is a baby's skin is very resilient and the best baby skin care tips are the simplest.
Below are some tips to keep in mind to keep your newborn baby's skin healthy:
Avoid bathing your newborn frequently.
Bathing your newborn too frequently during the first year of life removes the natural oils that protects the baby's skin which may leave your baby's skin vulnerable and dry. It is recommended to bathe your baby not more than 3 times a week during his/her first year.
Wash baby's clothing prior use.
Be sure to wash all your baby's clothing prior use. Even new clothing are strongly suggested to be washed despite them being hygienically produced and stored. It is also recommended to wash all other items that may get in contact with your baby right after birth. Use only baby laundry detergents that are fragrance and dye-free. Be sure to wash baby clothes, bedding and blankets separately from the family's laundry.
No to scented baby products.
Scented baby products may contain chemical ingredients that may irritate your baby's delicate skin. So during the early months, it is strongly recommended not to use them.
Newborn skin soaks up calming touch.
One important one-on-one time with your newborn is giving him/her a massage. It has the same effect as cuddling. Massaging you newborn is a way to convey love and affection that is very important for your baby's growth and development. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less -- every parent's dream!
There's no special technique to massaging a baby. Find a carpeted floor in a warm room. Simply lay baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hand. Then gently massage baby's chest and tummy -- using a gentle yet firm touch. Try to make eye contact and talk to your baby. Sing softly.
Choose gentle products.
You probably already know this but your baby should only be using soaps and shampoos that are specifically formulated for their age group. It is a big no-no to use your adult shampoo or soap until your baby is about one year old or more. These products are non-toxic, contains no or very few dyes, deodorants, alcohols and other ingredients that can harm your baby's delicate skin.
Pat your baby dry.
Lightly pat your baby’s skin with a towel after bath time. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage his skin. As you know in his/her early months, his/her skin is very thin and can easily be scratched. So you need to be very gentle when drying them off.
Moisturize.
Your baby's skin is prone to dryness so keep it as moisturized as possible. After patting her dry from the bath, apply moisturizer immediately. Moisturizing in between baths are recommended too. Keep in mind that moisturizers do not add moisture to the skin. They prevent the skins natural moisture from evaporating. Apply moisturizers as often as necessary. Please also feel free to put thick layers on your baby's skin. A humidifier would also be a good investment to prevent the air in baby's room from being too dry which can contribute to baby's dry skin.
No to baby powder.
Baby powders always come in those "baby care essentials" but experts says you should avoid using it as baby could inhale the powder into his lungs which may cause damage. If you really have to use powder, shake the powder into your hands making sure you are far away from your baby, remove excess powder by clapping your hands together and apply a thin layer to your baby's skin.
Go easy on sun exposure.
It is strongly not recommended to take baby out for walks or to the park or beach before he/she hits the six-month mark but it's good for you both to be active and get fresh air. Just try not to let sun directly hit your baby's skin. Open the sun cover on her stroller, dress her in hats with brims, and cover her body. You may also want to get sunshades for the backseat windows of your car. When you’re hanging at the park or at the beach, chill under an umbrella or shady tree.
Clean those folds.
While moisturizing with lotion is encouraged, you should make sure baby's skin isn't damp. Moisture can get stuck in all those folds — areas made up of thin, irritable skin especially prone to rashes. This is a big issue starting at three months, since baby will start drooling more and more as he enters his oral phase. To prevent redness, chaffing and peeling, clean all of baby's nooks twice a day. It is also recommended to use water too, in case there are any milk or food remnants in there (gross!). Continuously wipe baby's mouth and make sure he wears a bib during mealtime.
Birthmarks.
Don't get too bothered by birthmarks or flaky skin. Birthmarks are pretty common for babies to have and don't usually requires treatment. But you should keep an eye on them for any changes.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends consulting baby’s pediatrician if the birthmark develops “knots” (gets bumpy and looks twisted) or is growing quickly. Point out any red or pink birthmarks, especially if they are raised, such as hemangiomas, so baby’s doctor can check and watch it to make sure everything’s A-OK.
All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health especially the health of your baby.
Have some tips to share? We'd love to hear from you! Type them in the comments below!
Comments