Baby skin is probably one of the most alluring characteristics of being a new parent. Your little one’s ultra-soft skin is just one of their many adorable characteristics, and you want to keep it that way. However, since newborn skin is so delicate, you’ll need to know the do’s and don’ts when it comes to bathing and caring for your baby’s skin. Here’s advice on how to keep it in top condition — and how to address any problem areas.
Beginner’s Guide to Baby Skin Care
There are a variety of ways that daily life can affect your baby’s delicate skin, from bathing, sun exposure, changing seasons and weather conditions, and the detergent used to wash infant clothing. Here’s a short cheat sheet for keeping their silky skin protected no matter what the conditions, from that fuzzy little head down to their ten tiny toes and everything in between.
How frequently should you bathe your newborn baby?
When it comes to washing newborn skin, less is generally more. Try not to use too many products that could harm their skin. Remember, your skin is tougher and can take on a little harsher wash than your infant’s can.
You don’t need to bathe your baby every day since frequent bath time might dehydrate their sensitive skin. More importantly, babies don’t get dirty enough to require regular baths until they’re crawling and eating solid (messy!) meals. Until then, two or three baths a week with mild soap and shampoo is more than sufficient.
Yet, don’t just wait for bath time to clean your baby as performing a daily spot check with a warm, wet washcloth is an important part of their care. Your newborn’s skin care regimen should include sponge baths that concentrate on the mouth, skin fold (where grime tends to accumulate), and diaper area. Here is a baby care bath time video to help assist you.
When can your newborn baby be exposed to the sun?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should not be exposed to direct sunlight until they are 6 months old. Dress them in protective clothing, including a cute little hat with a brim (try to find one that is three inches broad) to protect their adorable face and kissable cheeks when you go out on a sunny day.
Add long sleeves, pants (keep it light so they don’t overheat!) and socks to the mix. If there’s no shade available — whether from a stroller, an umbrella, or a tree — use baby-safe sunscreen (a tiny quantity on exposed regions is fine under 6 months old). Check out this baby care sunscreen video for more information from an RN.
How to care for your baby’s skin in cold weather
When the weather gets chilly or your baby’s skin becomes dry, take some extra measures to preserve moisture. Shorter bath times, a fragrance-free cleanser and then lotion or cream application when their skin is still damp will help lock in moisture. If you see rough patches on your baby’s lips or cheeks, use a hypoallergenic moisturizer or ointment to soothe them. You may also apply a cream or balm before going out to protect your newborn’s skin from the cold air and wind. Using a humidifier during naps and at night is another method that can help your babies dry skin.
How to care for your baby’s skin in warm weather
Dress your baby in a single light-weight cotton layer with long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat to shield skin from the sun in warm weather. Covering exposed skin with sunscreen, if allowed, is an excellent idea, as well as wearing a pair of 100 percent UV sunglasses if your baby allows it.
To avoid heat rash, which develops on the skin when it’s hot and humid out, seek clothing that is cool and breathable. Heat rash generally appears in folds of the skin such as the elbows, neck, and diaper regions.
How to clean your baby’s clothes
A good rule of thumb is to wash new clothing before your baby wears them since you won’t know who handled them previously and washing before wearing lessen the chance of exposure to any dyes in the clothing. However, don’t be concerned about using “baby” detergents. In most cases, dye and scent free laundry soap works perfectly fine, and it’s much easier to use the same detergent for everyone in the family. Some pediatricians recommend doing the baby’s laundry by itself so that your deodorant, lotions, or perfume don’t get on baby’s clothes.
How to protect your baby’s skin from bug bites
Mosquitoes may enjoy your baby’s skin, so keep in mind that the same clothing that protects newborn skin from the sun also protects it from bugs. It’s perfectly safe to use DEET-based insect repellents on babies over the age of two months. The AAP advises using products that contain no more than 30 percent DEET. If you are wary of using DEET, attach a mosquito net around the stroller or put a natural citronella bug sticker on the back of their shirt.
Begin by spraying the repellent on your hands and then rubbing it into exposed skin and clothing, avoiding the mouth and eyes (and hands since they put them in their mouth). When you return inside, wash it off. However, avoid using DEET with sunscreen to avoid exposing your baby to too much DEET.
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 since lotions, shampoos, and soaps designed especially for newborns are usually the mildest.
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 the bottom is red and irritated looking, it’s probably diaper rash. Keep the bottom as clean and dry as possible while changing them, using a rash cream or balm will help.
Cradle cap. Overactive glands after birth produce crusty yellowish patches and flaking on top of the baby’s head. Wash away flakes with shampoo, but don’t try and pick away any bits that aren’t loose yet.
Infant acne. The hormones in your baby’s bloodstream cause tiny red pimples to appear. Wash your infant gently with plain water to cure baby acne instead of scrubbing and washing him or her using soap.
Milia. It’s possible that your baby has a case of these common little white bumps on the nose, chin, or cheeks. They don’t need any special treatments, it’s much like acne and will go away in a few weeks.
Heat rash. When it’s hot outside, you may notice red spots and a rash on your infant’s face, neck, and lower body. The best remedy is a bath in cool water (skip powders and lotions).
Infant eczema. Itchy and uncomfortable, this cracked and flaky rash is typically dry and scaly. Baby eczema may be treated with a light lotion or a cool mist humidifier on damp skin.
When to call your baby’s doctor about skin concerns
If the rash or spots have become worse and or prolonged, formed blisters, seem to be spreading, cause your baby discomfort, or if he has a fever, see your child’s doctor.
If your baby has any of the following symptoms, they should be examined by their doctor 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 if they have more severe cases of skin bumps or redness.
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