No matter how soft and supple a baby’s skin looks in those flashy TV ads, don’t let that fool you! Your newborn’s skin is most likely to be dry, flaky and very sensitive. They are also highly susceptible to contracting skin conditions like infantile acne, milia, diaper rash, cradle cap, etc. You need to look after their incredibly delicate bodies with utmost care. Here are some baby skincare tips and tricks for all the new parents out there:
Stick to an Effective Bathing Regime
The key to bathing your baby is to not over-bathe him/her. As their skin is very soft, you need to be very careful. If you bathe your baby too frequently, it will make their skin very dry and flaky. Not only that, it will strip their skin of natural oils which protect them from infections and irritants. Since your baby doesn’t get dirty enough for daily baths, bathing them twice a thrice a week would be ideal.
Be it a gentle moisturizing lotion or a fragrance-free shampoo, your baby deserves the best and cleanest body-care products for their delicate skin. After drying your baby’s skin, apply a skin-friendly lotion that will keep their body hydrated and nourished. Use all the body-care and skincare products right after bathing them so that the skin is damp and can lock in all the moisture, therefore, preventing skin dryness. Before you buy any product for your baby, it is always advised to consult an expert for recommendations.
Giving regular massages to your baby will ensure skin softness and suppleness for longer periods of time. Do not buy any random massage oil off the counter as even the most popular “babycare” products can be allergic to your little one’s sensitive skin. Always take an expert’s opinion before you incorporate any product in your baby’s routine. Don’t massage him/her very vigorously. Go with soft, circular motions to soothe and moisture the baby.
Although Vitamin D is important for your baby, just like any other living being, it is also essential to protect him/her from direct exposure to the sun. The harmful UV rays will cause redness, itchiness, and rashes on the soft skin of your baby. These days, you get baby-friendly sunscreens and after consulting with an expert, you may give them a try. Use umbrellas, caps, and hats too to provide further protection to your baby. You should be extra cautious, especially during the initial six months.
A small part of the umbilical cord remains attached to the baby’s belly button for at least 1-3 weeks. After that, it falls off on its own. As a new parent, what you must be careful about is if there is puss, bleeding, pain or redness on the cord or around the area. In such cases, you must rush to the doctor immediately. If there are no such symptoms, you do not have to worry about it.
While buying skincare, haircare, or any product for your baby, always read the instructions. If the item contains too much of artificial colours, dyes, perfumes or fragrances, you must not waste your money on it. Also, certain food items can prove allergic to your baby. In such cases, their skin might break out into bumps or rashes. It is always advisable to feed your baby with little quantities of any food item that you are introducing to their diet for the first time.
If your baby’s skin is in constant contact with a nappy or diaper or a long time, their skin is bound to break out into bumps and rashes. Extreme dry and itchy skin can also be a symptom of eczema. Diaper rash solutions will help you manage these conditions more effectively and fast. Use anti-diaper rash creams that are gentle and very effective at the same time.
Dermatologically-tested products such as SkinEasi Diaper Rash Gel is probably the best protection for your baby's skin. With long hours of assured protection, this non-greasy gel contains skin-friendly silicone elastomers and natural active ingredients, it works as a protective barrier between the surface of the diaper and your baby’s supple skin. This also ensures that your baby’s bum is not touching the urine or faeces in the diaper.
Well, the final takeaway for every new parent, when it comes to skincare for the baby, is to not over-bathe the tiny one, don’t panic at the sight of a rash, use gentle products and keep the baby dry as much as you can. If you follow these simple steps religiously, your baby will be happy and healthy for sure.
