Newborns are known for their irresistible chubby cheeks and soft skin, but this also means that they are more sensitive compared to adults.
This is why it is essential to make sure that their skin remains supple and free from any diseases, such as rashes, eczema, or skin allergy.
Skin Care for Newborns
Here are different ways on how you can keep your newborn child’s skin healthy:
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Follow a Bathtime Routine
Ideally, you should use warm water when bathing your newborn, and they should only stay for about three to five minutes. Refrain from letting them soak in soapy water. You can use a washcloth to wash their skin gently. For their face, you may moisten a cotton ball and gently dab it onto their skin. After bathing, you should immediately lather a baby lotion while the skin is still a little wet to lock in moisture and prevent dry skin. Never rub your baby’s skin when drying them up, and pat them dry instead.
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Massage Their Skin Regularly
Massaging your newborn’s skin can help improve their blood circulation, which naturally nourishes their skin. Plus, it is also crucial to provide relaxation and relief when they become irritable due to skin conditions. Make sure to use gentle oils in moderate amounts when stroking and massaging their skin.
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Change Diapers Frequently
One of the constant things you have to do for your newborn is changing diapers. Prolonged wearing of soiled diapers can lead to rashes that can damage your baby’s skin. That’s why it is crucial to change your child’s diaper frequently. When doing so, remember to wipe gently and thoroughly each time. Your child is prone to irritating agents. When they have urine and feces left in their diapers for a prolonged period of time, they can cause skin alterations leading to the cultivation of fungi and bacteria.
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Use Soft Clothing Materials
Using organic clothes and soft blankets on a newborn’s skin can help prevent skin irritations that lead to more severe conditions. For children with existing skin problems, the choice of garments can make a huge difference in controlling flare-ups. For example, those with eczema should avoid wearing clothes made from wool, nylon, and polyester.
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Prevent Sun Exposure
Sun exposure for babies should be even more limited than it is for adults. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies less than six months old should not have any form of direct sunlight. Whenever possible, they should be applied with an SPF 15 sunscreen. Children are particularly prone to develop heat rash because they still have underdeveloped sweat glands. This is why it also helps to dress them up in loose and breathable clothing.
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Use Baby Products
Baby products have different formulations that usually come in fragrance-free bath gels and lotions. Every time you use a new product, make sure to test it on your child’s skin first before using it on their entire body to check whether they would have an allergic reaction to the product. Having a steady supply of moisturizers can help keep their skin healthy and soft. Avoid using products containing perfumes or anti-bacterial until they reach their toddler age. For laundry products, it is also best to use delicate soaps to protect their skin.
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Wear Winter Protection
When the weather starts to become chilly, your children should be dressed in appropriate clothing. Exposure to dry weather can be harmful to your child’s skin as well. Whenever possible, use a humidifier in the nursery to keep the air moist.
If your child experiences skin problems, it is best to consult your pediatrician before applying any products. Protect your newborn’s skin with the above tips.
