Caring for Your Newborn’s Skin
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There’s nothing better than a newborn’s skin, velvety soft to the touch and carrying the unmistakable, mildly sweet smell. It’s as magical as it’s delicate, which is why caring for your baby’s skin gently and intentionally matters.
How to bathe your newborn
Because newborn skin is so sensitive, everyday routines require a thoughtful approach. Many babies love the soothing feeling of warm water, so it can be tempting to give frequent baths. But too much time in the tub can actually dry out your baby’s skin.
To protect that impossibly soft outer layer, aim to bathe your newborn no more than 2-3 times per week using mild soap or baby-safe shampoo. Once your little one’s skin starts getting more used to the world, they are out and about crawling, exploring, and getting messy with solid foods, more frequent baths typically become the new normal.
Between baths, you can keep your baby clean with gentle sponge baths. Use a warm, damp washcloth to clean your baby’s face, hands, diaper area, and any extra yummy folds. This helps keep those delicate areas clean and prevent irritation.
Choosing safe skincare products for your baby
Just like adults, babies can benefit from the right skincare products. Products made for adults, or even baby products made without clean, conscientious ingredients, can be much too harsh for your newborn.
Stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic shampoos, soaps, and lotions ideally containing only clean, simple ingredients. Look for products specifically designed for newborns whenever possible. Unless otherwise recommended by your pediatrician, it is best to avoid powders as they can inhibit the skin’s ability to breathe and cause irritation.
Your baby’s skincare may need to shift with the seasons
In warmer weather, try to avoid synthetic clothing because the fabrics trap heat. Dressing your little one in a light cotton layer with a wide-brimmed hat will still allow their skin to breathe while keeping their skin better protected from the sun’s harsh rays. Remember, though, younger babies should be kept out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen made especially for babies using clean, simple ingredients is considered safe for babies 6 months and older.
In colder weather, dryness is the main concern. Gentle, fragrance-free lotions or balms, such as Wellements Organic All-Purpose Baby Balm, can help prevent dry skin leading to infant eczema by locking in moisture. A humidifier at night can also help combat dry air.
How you can help prevent common newborn rashes
Because newborn’s skin is so sensitive, rashes are fairly common. Many are relatively harmless and temporary, but prevention is key. In addition to taking conscientious steps depending on the weather:
- Keep your baby’s skin dry, especially the diaper area
- Clean infant acne with filtered water to avoid further irritation
- Give cool sponge baths if you notice early signs of heat rash (small reddish bumps in skin folds on hot days)
- Be mindful to never rub the skin, and only pat or air dry
Of course, even with the most diligent preventative measures, things can still happen, and your little one’s precious skin may need some extra TLC. Wellements Organic All-Purpose Baby Balm is free of petroleums, parabans, and any synthetic ingredients or scents. The pure organic ingredients are third party tested to ensure dry-peeling patches, cradle cap, drool rash, Intertrigo or neck rash, chafing, diaper irritation and even finger nail scratches can all be safely soothed.
With a few simple habits and gentle products, you’ll keep your baby’s skin healthy, strong, and wonderfully soft.
