Newborn skin is much more delicate than adult skin, which is why it requires special care. From sun exposure to bathing, there are some things you should know about properly handling and taking care of your baby’s delicate skin.
How To Properly Bathe Your Newborn
Many babies enjoy the feel of water on their skin, so it may be tempting to bathe your little one multiple times per day. This is probably not a good idea, however, since too much time in the tub can actually dry out Baby’s soft skin.
To protect his soft outer layer, only bathe your baby up to three times per week with mild soap or baby-safe shampoo. When he’s old enough to crawl around and douse himself in solid foods, you may want to start giving baths every day or every other day as needed.
To keep your baby’s private areas clean, use a warm, wet washcloth to give regular sponge baths. This will help keep that delicate area clean and free from irritants.
Safe Skincare Products for Babies
Just as you need skincare products to keep your skin soft and healthy, babies can benefit from skincare products as well. Remember that the products you use on your skin may not be gentle enough for the baby’s delicate skin.
Babies require fragrance-free, hypoallergenic shampoos, soaps, and lotions. If possible, look for products that are specifically made for newborns. Don’t use powders unless your doctor recommends them for your baby.
How To Prevent Rashes
Due to the delicate nature of their skin, babies are prone to rashes. Many are normal, while some may be an indication of a problem. Here are some suggestions for preventing baby rashes.
- Keep your baby’s skin dry (especially her bottom)
- Wash infant acne with plain water to avoid irritating the skin even more
- Give your baby a cool bath if he’s showing signs of heat rash (reddish spots in skin folds on hot days)
- Use mineral oil and gentle baby shampoo to wash away crusty yellow patches from the cradle cap
- Apply a gentle lotion to the baby’s skin to avoid itchy infant eczema caused by dry skin
Why Vitamin D Is Essential for Newborn Skin
Vitamin D is important for skin health in people of all ages, but it’s especially important for newborns. Vitamin D protects against oxidation (which is the loss of electrons that occurs when free radicals run rampant in the body). Oxidation can lead to a variety of illnesses and disease states.
Since the human body requires sunlight to produce its own vitamin D and the gentle skin of newborns needs to be protected from sunlight exposure, newborns are at risk of too little vitamin D. Vitamin D helps promote healthy skin and immune function. Fortunately, you can supplement your baby’s diet with Organic Multivitamin Drops from Wellements. This baby-safe supplement will deliver the vitamin D (and other nutrients) your baby needs for optimal skin and overall health.
Caring for Your Baby’s Skin Dependent on the Weather
Your baby’s skincare needs will likely change depending on the weather. In warm weather, dress them in a light cotton layer with a wide-brimmed hat to protect their soft skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Apply sunscreen to babies that are 6 months or older. Any age before 6 months old is unsafe for the baby’s skin and health.
In cold weather, keep your baby’s skin moist with a fragrance-free lotion or cream. Cold weather tends to promote dehydration. If you notice patches of your baby’s skin becoming rough, apply a hypoallergenic baby ointment to those areas. You may also wish to use a humidifier at night to help fight winter dryness.
Caring for newborn skin can be intimidating, but you’ve got this! Follow the tips above to keep your Baby’s skin healthy, strong, and irresistibly soft.