Baby Skincare Useful Tips

Your newborn is home now, and you're settling into a daily routine. Keeping your baby warm and nourished is tops on your list. Newborn skin is delicate -- and so is the baby's immune system. Chemicals, fragrances, and dyes in clothing, detergents, and baby products can cause newborn skin irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes. 

A newborn baby is born with wrinkly skin and a protective covering called vernix that naturally peels off during the first week, there's no need to rush it, rub it, or treat it with lotions or creams. Here are some tips you might want to write down in terms of takin care of his/her skin.

Resist the urge to bathe your baby frequently. Too-frequent bathing -- more than three times per week during the first year of life -- removes the natural oils that protect baby's skin. That may leave baby's skin vulnerable and dry. It may also aggravate eczema. For the first month or so, a sponge bath two or three times a week will keep your baby safely clean. In between, simply clean baby’s mouth and diaper area with a little water or cleanser. 

Once-a-week sponge baths (or even less) are best for newborns with darker skin tones (like African-American). These infants tend to have dryer skin and have a higher risk of skin problems such as eczema.

Don't use Scented baby products in the early months. This can irritate your baby's delicate skin. 

Wash baby's clothing before it's worn. Use only baby laundry detergents that are fragrance- and dye-free. Wash baby clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family's laundry.

Baby Skin Care: Diaper Rash

Most often, diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. The rash can also develop when baby's skin is not properly dried after a bath. Sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash. Babies taking antibiotics are especially susceptible to a yeast infection diaper rash because the drugs allow fungal growth. 

Most forms of diaper rash don't require medical care. To treat diaper rash -- and prevent further newborn skin problems:

• Check diapers frequently.
• Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.
• Wash the diaper area with 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. The perfume or alcohol in some wipes can further irritate and dry baby's skin.
• Pat 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 (such as Vaseline) or a protective ointment like Desitin or A&D.
• If using baby powder, take care to keep it away from baby's face. The talc or cornstarch in the powder can cause breathing problems. 

Newborn Skin Soaks Up Calming Touch

Giving your newborn a massage is important one-on-one time. Like cuddling, a massage is a way to convey your love and affection for your baby. In fact, research shows that a baby's very survival depends on being touched by others -- as touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less -- every parent's dream! 

Block the Sun

Early exposure to the sun’s UV rays puts kids at risk of skin cancer later in life -- especially infants, whose brand-new skin has less of the pigment that protects it from the sun.

For first 6 months, try to avoid any time in the sun. For babies of all ages, aim to stay inside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is strongest. When you do head outside:

• Avoid direct sunlight. Use a stroller shade or an umbrella.
• Dress your baby in long sleeves and pants in tight weaves. “Hold a T-shirt to the sun. You’ll see how much light passes through,” Robinson says. He recommends rash guards to block the sun’s rays more fully.
• Use a wide-brimmed hat that covers your baby’s face and neck.  
• Apply sunscreen. If you can’t avoid the sun, some sunscreen is OK even for the youngest babies. Just be careful when you put it around their eyes and mouth. Reapply every 2 hours or when baby gets wet. Robinson recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 with zinc oxide. “It’s a physical block, so it starts working right away,” he says. “Plus it’s a mineral we ingest, so no one is allergic.”

Shield Skin From Spit

When babies teethe and eat, they drool. And saliva has enzymes that can irritate their skin. The problem gets worse when skin gets wet and dry over and over. So before you feed your baby, try coating his face with petroleum jelly. Wipe it off with a soft cotton washcloth when mealtime is over and reapply moisturizer.

Health and Beauty tips

Liz Skincare

2200 SW 16 ST Suite 224 Miami, FL 33145

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