Baby skin is usually smooth and as such most people make the mistake of believing that babies don’t need too much skincare or they do not need skincare at all – especially when you see these babies from a third-person angle (i.e., the baby is not directly related to you or the baby is not yours). But you are now a parent and you have come to realize that babies do need skincare. Since baby skin is much thinner than adult skin, a lot of care is required to make that soft and smooth feel your baby’s skin possesses.
Baby skin is sensitive and delicate which makes it susceptible to temperature changes, humidity changes, and other environmental changes. That’s why, babies are more prone to have rashes, irritants, allergies, and infections. Are you worried about your baby’s skin? Here, you’ll find 5 useful beginner’s tips that’ll help you better take care of your baby’s delicate and sensitive skin.
Tip 1: Clean your baby’s skin
You may have already noticed that a new-born baby’s skin is usually coated with a white-like substance known as vernix. The substance (vernix) slowly peels off on its own and it usually takes a few weeks after birth for all the white-like substance to peel off. This is a natural procedure which means you don’t have to apply creams to it or even rub those areas. Rather than applying cream or rubbing the affected areas during those first few weeks, you should clean your baby’s body using a sponge and while you are at it, pay attention to the diaper area and mouth of your baby.
Tip 2: Bathing
Bathing your baby all the time can rob your baby’s skin of its natural oil which results in your baby’s skin looking dry and flaky. The recommended number of times you should bathe your baby is 3-4 times a week and also ensure that use lukewarm water and mild soap when bathing your baby. Additionally, make sure the temperature of the room where you’ll be drying your baby (use soft cotton towels to pat your baby’s skin dry) is warm enough to protect your baby from catching a cold.
Tip 3: Protect your baby from the sun
Always try to limit your baby’s exposure to sunlight and in scenario’s where it can’t be avoided (for example, when you have to take them out) make sure that you cover their body properly. Can I use sunscreen to protect my baby from the sunlight? The answer is yes and no. If your baby is below 6 months of age, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you shouldn’t use sunscreen on them and for older children. You can use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 or greater.
Tip 4: Do not worry about cradle cap
This is a common skin condition where a yellowish, greasy-looking patch (also known as plaques) forms on the crown of the baby’s head and the around the scalp. It has been known to develop in babies between the age range of 3 weeks to 3 months.
Normally, cradle caps clear up on their own over time. If you want to help the process, then before bathing your baby, you can apply a small amount of emollient to the affected area before washing your head using a gentle shampoo. You can take your baby to see your doctor if you don’t notice improvements after a few washes.
Tip 5: Use gentle baby skincare products
Because our babies skins are sensitive and delicate, we can’t use adult soaps and shampoos on them. It’s recommended that you use baby skincare products that are specifically formulated for their age group – especially for babies that are less than a year old. The reason behind that recommendation is that, those products are non-toxic, does not contain dyes, alcohols, deodorants, or any other ingredient that is harmful to a baby’s skin.
Last but not least, skin condition is often affected by the nutrition – therefore, make sure that you are providing your loved one the very best quality, organic certified baby formula, such as HIPP HA PRE.
