The moment I brought my newborn at home, I know I need to focus on a new daily routine. Taking care of my baby is now my priority. I am aware that on top of the nourishment and comfort, my little one’s skin care is equally essential.
I want to take care of my baby’s delicate skin as natural as possible, taking into consideration that her immune system is fragile as well. Hence, I am sharing to you how I did it and how satisfied I was with the result. Check out these tips for your baby’s healthy skin.
Tips for Newborn Skin Care
It’s just natural that a baby’s skin is wrinkly and starts to peel. It’s the “vernix”, a protective covering that will eventually clear off in a few days. There is no need for you to apply lotions or creams. Just let it be.
1. Do not bathe your baby daily
A baby’s skin has natural oils to protect itself from allergies. Bathing frequently will wash the oil off, leaving your baby’s skin exposed and dehydrated. In this condition, she will be in danger to eczema.
I bathe my baby twice to three times a week and nothing more than that. If not, a sponge bath will also be recommendable. She does not get dirty that much except for some diaper changes, spits, and drool. In fact, my baby smells so heavenly it is irresistible.
What other ways to keep your baby clean besides bathing?
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2. Avoid scented baby products for babies below one-year-old.
Sometimes, doing less could be useful to your baby’s health. Resist the impulse of buying products that are scented. Any chemicals, dyes in clothes, soaps, and other baby merchandises can cause skin irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes. Protect your baby’s skin by sticking to organic baby products or creams allowed by your pediatrician. Give time for your little one’s skin to adjust to the new environment.
3. Wash your baby’s clothes separately.
Separate your baby’s dirty clothes from the rest of your laundry. Mixing it with other dirty clothes can be a cause of contamination. Dirty clothes of grown-ups may contain bacteria from outdoors that may infect your baby’s clothes. Your baby’s immune system is not yet as strong as adults.
Take note that when buying new clothes for your baby; don’t forget to wash it first before wearing. New clothes contain chemicals to protect the fabric from dust and discoloration while at the store. It is strong enough to be a hazard to your newborn’s skin.
4. Common Skin Problems
Common baby skin problems are Eczema, baby acne, prickly heat, and diaper rash that usually starts on the second month. You will notice that your newborn’s skin may develop itchy, rough, and red soreness that any of the disorders may have caused.
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5. Baby Powder
Be careful in using talcum powder for your newborn. Choose the type that is suitable for babies. Avoid powdering the diaper area to prevent complications and infections.
6. Diapers
Choose the type of diapers that is useful in maintaining your baby’s clean and fresh skin. There is a kind of diaper that can irritate your baby’s complexion. If you notice itchiness upon use, immediately switch to another brand.
7. Exposure to the Sun
Do not allow babies that are below six months exposure to the sun. The harmful effect of the sun’s rays may damage the infant’s delicate skin. Protect it by letting your little one wear long sleeved tops, hats, and pants. To be specific, 10 am to 4 pm are the times where the heat of the sun is the strongest.
However, the early morning sunlight is beneficial to the baby’s skin because it manages jaundice or yellowing of the skin. The exposure of your child to early morning sunlight can contain the condition effectively.
Conclusion
Do you know that a newborn baby’s skin responds to a mother’s touch? Your touch is a way of letting your baby feel your love and care. Researchers reveal that touch boosts the immune system and helps overcome illness.
One method of touch therapy is massaging. The gentle touch is beneficial to your baby. Baby skin is highly sensitive and the soothing effect of your gentle massage is essential to her development. It’s the best protection a mom can bestow to her baby.