10 Things To Do Before Pregnancy
7 natural baby skin care tips advise that bathing your babies too often plus exposure to chemicals and allergens can promote skin allergies later in life. So with babies’ skincare, the rule should be “purity and less is more”. Therefore, as you settle into a daily routine with your baby, while keeping your baby warm and nourished is super important, so is baby skincare.
The reality is that the newborn baby’s immune system is delicate, also is the skin. For instance, chemicals, fragrances, detergents, and baby products can cause newborn skin irritation. This comes out in the form of dryness, chafing, and rashes. However, the 7 natural baby skin care tips will help you protect your baby from these skin problems.
Don’t Treat Newborn Baby Wrinkly Skin With Lotions
A newborn baby is born with wrinkly skin and a protective covering called vernix that peels off. This is a natural process during the first week. There is no need to rush it, rub it, or treat it with lotions or creams. Instead, use the purest baby oils without additives.
Don’t Use Baby Products In The Early Months
Since your baby’s immune system is still developing, it’s important to protect your baby’s immune system from irritating allergens. This is very crucial particularly if you have a family history of skin problems, allergies, or asthma.
Wash Your Baby’s Clothing Before It Is Worn
Try to use only baby laundry detergents that are free from fragrance and dye. Equally wash baby clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family’s laundry. Then finish washing with an extra rinse.
Resist The Urge To Bathe Your Baby Frequently
Too-frequent bathing removes the natural oils that protect the baby’s skin. This leaves your baby’s skin vulnerable to react to any potential allergen which can trigger eczema.
Aside from drool and diaper changes, newborns don’t get very dirty. As such in the first month or so, a sponge bath two or three times a week will keep your baby safely clean. And in between, simply clean the baby’s mouth and diaper area with a little water or cleanser.
As for newborns with darker skin tones, once-a-week sponge baths (or even less) are best. This is because these infants tend to have dryer skin and a higher risk of skin problems such as eczema.
Prevent Newborn Dry Skin Problems Like Eczema
Most newborn skin problems, such as eczema or diaper rash, don’t develop for the first month or two. Eczema appears as a red, itchy rash mostly on the face and scalp, at the elbows, and behind the knees.
A few tips on preventing dry, irritated skin and eczema:
- Try once-a-week bathing to allow the skin to retain natural oils.
- Limit your use of baby skin products. If necessary, use only a small amount of lotion on dry skin areas.
- Ensure your baby wears only soft clothing.
When a baby has an allergic reaction, the result can be a rash. Rashes under the diaper can actually be eczema and not a diaper rash. An allergy to dyes in the diapers themselves can cause this reaction. Switching to dye-free diapers may be all that is needed to prevent future outbreaks.
Check with your pediatrician about using over-the-counter lotions or creams to treat eczema. You may need a prescription treatment.
Treat And Prevent Diaper Rash
Most often, diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. The rash can also develop when your baby’s skin is not properly dried after a bath. Similarly, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash. While babies taking antibiotics are particularly vulnerable to yeast infection and diaper rash because the drugs trigger fungal growth.
Since most forms of diaper rash do not require medical care, in order to treat diaper rash and prevent other newborn skin problems:
- Check diapers frequently.
- Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.
- Wash the diaper area with a mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water. If the rash is severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.
- Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. Because the perfume or alcohol in many wipes can worsen the irritation and dry your baby’s skin.
- Pat your baby dry. Don’t rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a protective ointment.
- Avoid using baby powder. Because cornstarch-based powders promote yeast growth. Likewise, talcum powder may cause lung problems if inhaled.
Don’t delay seeing your pediatrician if the rash doesn’t clear up in two to three days. Also, if the rash is caused by eczema, a yeast infection, or another condition, you may need a prescription treatment.
Give Your Baby A Loving Massage
A loving massage is one of the 7 natural baby skin care tips, as your baby soaks up your calming touch. Giving your newborn a massage conveys your love and affection. In addition, your touch triggers hormones that boost immunity and help fight disease. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less which is every parent’s dream!
To massage your baby, simply lay your baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hand. Then gently massage the baby’s chest and tummy, using a gentle yet firm touch. Try to make eye contact and talk to your baby. Sing softly. It’s the time spent together that’s most important to your baby’s health.
https://www.johnsonsbaby.com.sg/skin-care/keeping-baby-skin-healthy
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