The skin of an infant is delicate. Because of this, you cannot use the same items on your baby’s skin as you do on your own. It is important that the items you use on your infant be natural, chemical-free, kind to the baby’s skin, and have been evaluated and approved by a dermatologist.
Babies, and especially newborns, are still getting used to the harsh conditions of their surroundings. Because of this, their skin is extremely sensitive, and it reacts readily to even the least amount of discomfort.
During the first few months of their lives, infants’ brand-new, delicate skin makes them more likely to have a variety of skin conditions. Eczema, diaper rash, and heat rash are all examples of skin problems that can leave your baby’s skin dry, itchy, and irritated and cause moderate to severe discomfort. Fortunately, you may quickly treat these skin issues and prevent them from occurring again by practising basic care for infant skin.
We have compiled a list of the greatest baby skin care tips so that you can maintain your child’s skin healthy.
1. Limit baths
You, as an adult, might consider taking a bath or shower every day as part of your routine, but your child does not need to be bathed as frequently as you do. It is recommended to parents that they restrict the number of washes their infant takes because frequent bathing can cause the skin to become dry by removing the natural oils that keep the skin moisturised.
The Johns Hopkins Medicine advises parents to limit bath time to no more than two or three times per week until their child’s first birthday. This will allow the baby’s skin to continue to benefit from the natural oils that keep it hydrated. Pick cleansers and body washes for your infant that do not contain any elements that can harm their skin, such as perfumes and colours, so that you can give them a bath.
2. Use scent-free hypoallergenic lotions
It is imperative that you make preventing dry skin on your child a top priority. A lot of parents put lotion on their babies on a daily basis, but using the incorrect product might cause the skin to become irritated or damaged. Many lotions, much like body washes and soaps washes, contain dyes and scents that can either cause your baby’s skin to get damaged or make their existing skin issue even worse. Using a scented lotion on your infant who suffers from eczema can further dry up their skin, causing it to become sensitive, red, and itchy.
Use lotions that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic because these types of products do not contain the elements that can irritate sensitive skin. In addition, parents might want to think about using petroleum jelly, which is quite effective in retaining moisture and can be found in most grocery stores.
3. Avoid or reduce sun exposure
If you are unable to totally avoid the sun and are forced to take your child outside, you should think about protecting them from it. You can start using a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic on your infant after they have reached the age of six months. Additionally, keep an eye out for sunscreens that contain active chemicals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as they tend to be the most effective.
Although it is not advised to apply sunscreen to newborns who are less than six months old, this does not mean that your child cannot go outside. To shield your child from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, you can utilise items such as shirts, caps, and umbrellas.
4. Do not use products like gels, serums and creams
When it comes to babies and skin disorders, notably baby acne, it is recommended to steer away of items that are intended for adults to use on their own faces and bodies as a method of treating skin diseases. However, adults may use goods to treat skin conditions on their faces and bodies.
The affected area should not be treated with any products that are applied directly to it. It is recommended to use just water when cleaning a region where acne is prevalent. Parents should heed this advice. If you keep the affected region dry and don’t use any soaps or other items designed to treat acne, the pimples should clear up on their own. (Read: Common baby skin problems and how to treat them).
5. Frequent diaper change
When caring for their children, many parents find themselves dealing with a common skin problem known as diaper rash. This skin ailment might manifest itself in the baby as red pimples and spots on the genital area and buttocks. A wet diaper, a fungal infection, excessive perspiration, or not properly drying off after a bath are common causes of this condition. It can also be brought on by sweating.
In order to prevent extended contact to the wetness that can be caused by a soiled diaper and cause irritation to the skin, Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends that parents change their infant’s diaper as frequently as possible. After giving your child a bath, it is important to ensure that the buttocks and genital areas of your child have been thoroughly dried. In the event that your child develops a diaper rash, you can treat it with petroleum jelly, zinc oxide lotion, or antifungal cream.
6. Wash their items after each use
When caring for your newborn, you will probably go through a number of different pieces of clothes, blankets, and towels. If not washed regularly, these products can become unclean and pick up bacteria, both of which have the potential to irritate the skin of your infant. Between uses, a parent should wash the items that their infant utilises.
After each use, you should wash any items that have become soiled, such as blankets, towels, or clothing, and you should use a detergent that does not include any fragrances. Laundry detergent may contain comparable components to those found in lotions that contain colours and perfume, which might cause your baby’s skin to become irritated and dry.
7. Stay away from extreme temperatures
The dangers that babies face when they are outside are not limited to just UV rays. A heat rash can appear on a newborn if they are subjected to hot and humid conditions for an extended period of time. This skin issue might manifest itself on your infant’s neck, chest, and upper back as very small pink pimples.
When the weather is hot and humid, you may protect your child’s skin from developing a heat rash by dressing them in garments that are not only thin but also lightweight. On the other hand, if you are unclear of what the weather will be like, you can consider covering them in layers. This will enable you to simply remove garments from them and keep them cool. Heat rash in your child can be prevented by either removing them from the hot climate or giving them a cool bath.
Conclusion
Because of the baby’s skin’s sensitivity, it often gets rashes and other forms of allergic reaction. As a result, it is essential to pay attention to the proper care of newborn skin in order to safeguard their skin. You may take good care of your baby’s skin by giving them regular baths with mild soap, frequently changing their diapers and nappies, applying mild moisturisers, utilising organic products, and a variety of other methods. Babies can have skin that is healthy and free of issues for the rest of their lives if they receive proper skin care beginning in early childhood.
Author Bio:
Hello, I’m Erika Rhein, a professional writer, blogger, and passionate traveller. I write on diverse niches, including home improvement, lifestyle, and fashion. I always aim to present users with valuable and instructive articles in a compelling format, endeavouring to achieve a difference through my writing.