Let’s face it, no one is immune to the allure of baby skin. Soft, smooth, and sweet-smelling. While your little one’s soft skin is an adorable characteristic, maintaining it can be a challenge.

There are a variety of ways that daily life can affect your baby’s delicate skin, from bathing, sun exposure, weather conditions, and the detergent you use to wash baby clothes. All, or a combination of these elements, can cause skin irritations and dry skin.

So how do you keep the delicate skin of a newborn soft, supple, and healthy? Here are some practical and easy-to-follow tips on how to keep your baby’s skin at its healthiest and how to address any problem areas. Keep in mind, every baby has different skin and unique needs, so do your research and consult with your doctor if necessary.

What types of skin care products are safe for babies?

When looking for skin care products for your baby, head straight to the baby section of any drugstore or grocery aisle since lotions, shampoos, and soaps designed especially for newborns are usually the mildest. Keep in mind, not all ingredients will agree with your baby’s skin type. Organic ingredients and essential oils, such as lavender are great, but make sure you take notice of any irritations as you introduce new body washes and lotions.

While your grandmother used powders back in the day, powders are not always a good option, since they can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Other excellent alternatives include hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and phthalate- and paraben-free ones. Unless your doctor advises you to use one for your baby’s skin, avoid powders.

What type of baby rashes should you look out for?

Your baby’s delicate skin might occasionally display rashes or lumps, many of which are typical and treatable. The following are some of the most prevalent infant rashes:

Diaper rash

If his bottom is red and inflamed, it is probably diaper rash. Keep your baby’s bottom as clean and dry as possible and change as soon as the diaper is soiled. If the rash persist, seek medical attention from your pediatrician. Try Embeba Rash Balm or Burt’s Bees Diaper Rash Ointment for a natural option.

Cradle cap

Overactive glands after birth produce the crusty yellowish patches and flaking found primarily on the scalp. Wash away flakes with a mild shampoo as it will help loosen the crusty patches. The AAP states, “Soft brushing will remove the scales,” however do not pick at it. Norwex has a very gentle cradle cap brush, shaped like an elephant! If the issue persists, check with your pediatrician about alternative methods, such as a prescription medicated shampoo.

Infant acne

Believe it or not, according to a report by the Library of National Medicine, around 20% of infants under the age of six weeks actually develop acne. It is thought that maternal hormones are the cause. Simply wash the baby’s face with warm water and a soft infant washcloth. Do not use baby oil, creams, ointments or other products, even soap. Anything other than water will only make the rash worse. It should go away once the baby’s skin pores begin to naturally open around two to three months of age.

Milia

It is possible that your baby has a case of these common little white bumps on the nose, chin, or cheeks. Typically, this condition does not require any specific intervention as it resolves in a few weeks.

Heat rash

When it is hot outside, you may notice red spots and a rash on your baby’s face, neck, and lower body. The greatest therapy is cool water – dab the area with a cool washcloth, if the rash spreads all over the body, give your baby a cool bath. Do not apply any lotions or powder and keep them inside in a cool setting and layer in cool, cotton clotting.

Infant Eczema

Itchy and uncomfortable, this cracked and flaky rash is typically dry and scaly. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends bathing your child daily or every other day to wash off any irritants to the skin. In addition the AAP states that treating baby eczema right after bath with a non-scented moisturizer, “Helps lock in the moisture of the water. The creamier the moisturizer, the better it will work. Ointments such as petroleum jelly or fragrance-free moisturizing CREAMS are good choices (lotions are thinner and less effective).” Great moisturizers for baby eczema are Embeba Rash Balm, Eucerin, or Theraplex.

When to call your baby’s doctor about skin concerns

If the rash or spots have formed blisters, seem to be spreading, cause your baby discomfort, or if a fever is present, contact your pediatrician.

If your baby has any of the following symptoms, they should be seen as soon as possible: a temperature greater than or equal to 101°F (38°C), irritability, discomfort when laying down, poor feeding and weight gain. Call the doctor during office hours if you have more severe cases of skin bumps or redness.

For additional infant support Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny offers Overnight Newborn Care Experts and Daytime Newborn Care Postpartum Doulas. All of our Newborn Care Experts are experienced professionals with newborn care training. Reach out with questions today at info@bostonbabynurse.com

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