Becoming a mother for the first time brings you endless happiness but also makes you wish that only your little one came with an instruction manual.
Especially with tender and sensitive skin, newborn babies need extra protection and care. A newborn’s skin barrier is 30% thinner than that of an adult and loses its moisture twice as fast. It means a baby’s skin is far more exposed to irritation and dryness than ours.
Here are some useful tips for skincare to ensure the best skin health for your little angel.
Bathing:
You will be surprised to know that babies don’t need baths every day. All they need is two to three baths every week in warm water to stay sparkly clean. You can start the bathing routine by filling the tub with a perfect temperature of water.
It should not exceed more than 2-3 inches of the tub. Take a clean washcloth, dip it in soap water, and start by gently washing off your baby’s scalp, and then the rest of the body.
Clean the baby’s face by moistening a cotton ball and gently dabbing it. Pour a cupful of warm water on his/her shoulders to ensure your baby doesn’t get cold during the process.
Once you’re done bathing, lift the baby out by placing one hand supporting the bottom and the other on his neck to support the head. Use a hooded towel to wrap and dry him.
Skin-Care Products:
When shopping for skincare products, make sure to pick tear-free, fragrance-free lotions, bathing gels, and shampoos. When trying new products, make sure to choose organic baby skincare products and be mindful of the effects and reactions (if any) on your baby’s skin.
Given that your baby’s skin is super sensitive, keep it moisturized with lotions and ointments that have a thick consistency.
Avoid deodorants, anti-bacterial, and scented soaps, and powders, as they can turn out to be harsh for your baby’s skin. Scented skincare products for infants can be harmful and irritate the skin.
Massaging:
Massages are a perfect way for new parents to convey their love and affection to their babies. It allows you to spend some one-on-one time with your baby.
According to research, a baby survive and nourishes upon being touched by their loved ones. Your touch helps the baby fight disease, boost immunity, and trigger hormones.
Babies who get loving massages regularly sleep better, stay calm, and are less cranky.
Diaper Routine:
Diaper-changing routine, if not done right, can turn into a nightmare for you and your baby!
Make sure you change your baby’s diaper frequently and wipe gently yet thoroughly every time with wipes. After cleaning, use warm water or diaper cream once to pat dry your baby’s bottom.
Let it air-dry for a few minutes, so the moisture evaporates and doesn’t cause a diaper rash.
When shopping for diapers, make sure to pick fragrance-free and the right-sized for your baby.
Watch out for the Weather:
It is safe to expose your baby to sunlight once they are six months and older, however, for extra protection, apply SPF 30 sunscreen all over your baby’s exposed skin. For it to be effective, make sure you apply it 30 minutes before going out.
With sweat glands that are still developing, babies are prone to getting heat rash. To avoid this from happening, dress your baby in loose, airy clothing and cover their head with a hat to protect them from the sunlight.
In cold weather, place a humidifier to keep the air moist and avoid the dryness of the weather from affecting your baby’s skin.
Clean the humidifier regularly, so that it doesn’t develop mold. Keep your baby hydrated by giving him/her lots of water during cold and dry weather.
While you are keeping your baby hydrated, wrap them in layers throughout the year so that you can protect them from heat, cold, or sunlight. Wash your baby’s clothes with laundry detergent that is fragrance-free and isn’t too harsh on his skin.
Skin Problems:
Your newborn is always prone to skin problems such as diaper rash, eczema, and much more! They don’t appear for the first one or two months, but if a proper skincare routine is not followed, they may appear on your baby’s skin eventually.
Here is how you can deal with such skin problems.
- Eczema is a red, itchy rash that can appear on the scalp, elbows, face, or backside of the knees. Here’s how you can tackle eczema and stop it from aggravating:
- Make sure your baby’s clothes are soft and airy.
- As soon as these rashes begin to appear, minimize the usage of soap, and reduce bath time.
- Limit usage of scented skincare products. Use ointment or lotion to moisturize dry patches of your baby’s skin.
- Consult your pediatrician before using any creams or lotions for the treatment of eczema.
- A diaper rash can develop when your baby’s skin is not dried properly. Dampness or moisture causes yeast infection to grow, leading to diaper rash. Here’s how to tackle it:
- According to research, nappy rashes can be reduced if the diaper is frequently changed during the daytime and once during the nighttime.
- Change diapers as soon as it gets wet. Keep checking them regularly
- Clean your baby’s bottoms with fragrance-free cleanser and water. Gently wipe the area instead of rubbing it.
- Using a soft clean cloth is always a good idea. Wipes are often perfumed or contain alcohol that can further dry and irritate the baby’s skin.
- Petroleum jelly always does the trick. A thick layer of petroleum jelly or ointment can help soothe the affected area.
- Reduce/avoid using baby powder.
Conclusion:
Most important of all, remember when taking care of your baby, make sure to follow strict personal hygiene. Don’t forget to wash your hands before touching the baby.
It’s a rule that must be followed not just by you but everyone coming in contact with your baby. Happy parenting!
About The Author:
Britney Caira is a good writer, and her primary goal is to educate readers and share quality content, She would love to write about Health and Insurance. She assures you that the readers will find her writings interesting and engaging.
