Babies have fragile and gentle skin. For first-time parents, seeing your baby’s skin condition can cause concern. Since a baby’s skin is very sensitive, they may develop allergies and rashes if proper skincare is not practiced.
Newborn babies have skin that is more tender and sensitive, extra care and protection are needed when taking care of their skin. Parents should be extremely careful about their baby’s skin needs and must use products that are natural and free of any chemical additives that may cause harm to their skin.
Reasons Why Parents Should Be Careful of their Baby’s Skin:
Baby skin is very sensitive. Some of the reason why we should take extra care of them are listed below:
- A baby’s skin is very thin and fragile
- The skin of a newborn needs time to get adjusted to the new environment around him.
- A baby’s skin faces a lot of challenges like diaper rash, negative reaction to shampoos, chemical soaps, and the like
- In the first few months, babies are prone to skin allergies
Skin Care Tips for Babies
Proper skincare can ensure that your baby can maintain a good skin condition all his/her life. Here are some of the best ways to ensure optimum skin health for your child:
1. Bathing
As you bathe your child every day, it is better to use shampoo and soaps that do not cause an allergic reaction to babies. Wash your baby’s skin using a gentle soap and with lukewarm water. When drying off your baby after a bath, turn off all air conditioners and fan to avoid the chill.
Avoid using new products and any antibacterial soaps, as they may be too harsh for your baby’s sensitive skin. It is best to use natural cotton and smooth towels in drying or wiping your baby’s skin.
2. Nappies and Diapers
Diapers help keep your baby clean and fresh. However, certain diapers may cause irritation, rashes, or infections to their skin. In changing your baby’s diaper, it is best to change them as soon as you find your baby has used it.
3. Powdering
In choosing what powder to use for your baby, you need to be even more careful while choosing a talcum powder. Choose products that are specifically designed for babies and avoid using powders that have fragrances and other chemicals as they may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
4. Diaper Troubles
Diaper rashes often occur due to skin irritation due to wet diapers left on for too long, too tight diapers, or due to the use of specific wipes, soap, or diapers. Change the diaper as soon as it is wet and after using wipes to clean the area, sprinkle some powder to keep the area clean and dry.
Most skin rashes are not that serious, but there are a few cases where they can be a sign of infection, needing special care. If you find that the rashes become too serious, visit your pediatrician right away.
5. Skin Problems
A lot of babies have birthmarks (an area of the skin with a slight discoloration). These are not hereditary and parents need not worry about these marks as they cause absolutely no harm to babies and need no treatment.
Another most common skin condition for babies is eczema. It is usually seen on the baby’s face, elbow, arms, chest, or behind the knees. If the child’s family has a history of allergies, asthma or atopic dermatitis, the baby may be at risk of getting affected by eczema.
Use mild soap and apply soft amounts of moisturizers.
6. Dry Skin
If your baby has dry skin, use a natural moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated, supple, and soft. The use of pure coconut oil is a favourite of many.
To avoid dry skin, avoid bathing your baby too often, as it may sap the vital nutrients from the skin which leaves it dull and dry.
7. General Baby Skin Care Tips
- Avoid your babies being directly exposed to sunlight until they are 6 months old. The tender skin of the baby can be protected with hats, pants, and long-sleeved tops.
- Make sure that your baby’s clothes are always clean. Wash them with baby friendly detergents and softeners before use.
- Prickly heat rashes appear due to sweating, like the armpits, neck diaper areas, and skin folds. A cool environment and loose clothes are all you need to treat from prickly heat rashes.
Your baby needs the best care, especially with its soft, delicate, and sensitive skin. If symptoms of allergies, rashes, and any spots persist in your baby’s skin, consult your pediatrician right away. For more inquiries about your baby’s skin health and overall health, you may contact an online doctor Canada. An online doctor open for bookings and consultations. If it is about your baby’s health, do not hesitate to seek help from medical professionals.
