Here are a few tips to consider:
- You don’t have to bathe your baby daily with soap. Newborns especially have delicate skin and a full bath each day may be too drying. A little sponge bath can do the trick in between baths. Ensure that you wash your baby’s skin under the appropriate water temperature.
- Clean and Dry All Baby Skin Folds – You really need to ensure that you clean and dry all baby skin folds. Those folds, such as behind the ears and in the creases of the neck can dry out or they can retain moisture and cause skin problems.
- Watch Out for Diaper Rash. Whenever you change your baby’s diaper, make sure you keep an eye out for diaper rash. If you notice a rash at all, make sure you carefully clean the bottom. You can use a Zinc and Castor diaper cream to protect the diaper area.
- Be Careful When Choosing Clothing and Bedding. Some materials may be harsh on your baby’s sensitive skin. Look for soft materials, such as cotton, that will be easy on their skin. Also, be careful when washing your baby’s clothes and bedding. Never use harsh detergents, which could irritate their skin.
Skincare products
Since newborn baby skin care is a delicate matter, it is important to use dye-free, fragrance-free baby skincare products. Do note the following:
- Read the labels carefully. Ensure that the baby skincare products does not contain dyes, fragrances, and chemicals that can irritate a baby’s skin and breathing.
- Natural baby skincare products are safe for most infants. But if you have allergies or asthma in your family, your newborn may also be sensitive to botanicals and herbs in some products.
- The label “hypoallergenic” can be misleading. The term means that the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the product is gentler on the skin than other products.
- Look for products that are phthalate & paraben-free. Those chemicals are potentially harmful to babies.
Baby Skin Care Products
Remember you might have to try a few products before you get the one that works with your baby e.g. for oils, you can start with vegetable edible oils like sunflower or coconut oil. Others include:
- Baby soaps, washes/cleansers, and shampoos: Cleansers and washes are mild and safe for newborns. But use baby soaps sparingly, as they can dry newborn skin.
- Baby lotion Helps moisturize newborn skin. Use sparingly on tiny newborns.
- Petroleum jelly: Can be used to treat diaper rash. It provides the baby’s skin with a protective barrier against moist diapers. You may be asked to apply it to the healing circumcision site.
- Diaper rash ointment: Provides baby’s skin with a barrier to moisture by protecting newborn skin so wet diapers don’t irritate.
- Eczema cortisone creams: Helps decrease redness and inflammation. You will need a prescription from your doctor. These creams should be used sparingly and for no more than a week.
- Baby oil: This classic is best used as a massage oil for newborn skin, not as a moisturizer. Newborn skin does not absorb it well.
- Baby laundry detergent: Look for baby detergents that are free of perfumes and dye. Regular detergents are too harsh for newborn skin.
