Baby Skincare 101: Tips and Tricks for Healthy, Glowing Skin
We all love the soft skin of newborn babies, but in reality, it is the biggest myth. Their skin is incredibly sensitive and can easily develop rashes, dryness, or any form of discoloration within a short time. Baby skincare is daunting and even more confusing, given the number of comments we receive from friends and family members. In this article, it will be of interest for any new parent to distinguish myth from reality and create just a solid skincare regimen that will lead to healthier and happier skin and a happier baby as well.
Baby Skincare 101: Tips and Tricks for Healthy and Glowing Skin
A baby’s skin is around 30% thinner than an adult’s skin. It also has a high water content, which means it can lose moisture quickly and become dry. Due to this, your babies can have rashes, irritations, and infections more easily than you would like to think. As a new parent, you would want to avoid these circumstances as much as possible, right? Then, here are a few tips and tricks to keep your baby’s skin glowing:
1. Keep It Simple
Like adults who follow a 6-step skincare routine, your baby does not require one. The skin care for the baby is pretty simple – a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a barrier cream for diaper rash. In fact, if you use too many products on your baby’s skin at such a young age, they will do more harm than good. So, it is best to stick to the basics when it comes to baby skincare.
Before buying and trying any new product, check the product description. The product recommended for babies must be free of fragrances and shouldn’t contain dyes, irritating ingredients, or parabens.
2. Keep Your Baby Out Of The Sun
A baby’s skin is quite sensitive to the sun, and you cannot apply sunscreen till they are 6 months old. The best way to avoid exposure to the sun is to keep your baby indoors during the day. However, we understand that is not always possible. If you are taking your baby out, shield them from the sun.
Here is how you can do it – buy cute baby hats that will not only keep the baby fashion on point but also cover their ears and heads. You can also dress them in full sleeves, lightweight, and loose-fitted clothes to keep them away from the sun’s rays. If your baby is above 6 months old, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30.
3. Take Care Of Dry Skin
After coming home from the hospital, it is quite common for babies to have flaky skin for a few weeks. This is nothing to worry about, and you don’t need to apply a moisturiser as well. The issue gets resolved on its own without the need for any additional care.
However, if your baby has cracking skin, go for baby-safe moisturizers or petroleum jelly that are free of fragrances. Apply the moisturizer once a day or more as per your doctor’s recommendation.
According to The Journal of Pediatrics (2022), a baby’s skin significantly loses its moisture faster than adult skin and therefore requires frequent moisturization, particularly in evaporative conditions. Baby-safe and non-perfume moisturizers or petroleum jelly should be used on their skin to seal in moisture. Use these after bath and if needed all throughout the day.
If your baby is diagnosed with eczema or another severe skin problem, consult with your pediatrician about what treatments are appropriate. They might advise you to use a particular cream or ointment so as not to worsen the situation.
4. Follow The Bathing Basics
A lot of us think that skin issues can be solved with a good bath. A newborn baby doesn’t need to bathe daily. Overbathing them can actually make the skin issues worse as their skin is stripped of natural oils. In fact, two to three times a week is enough for them.
During the bath, make sure to keep the water warm. Keep the bathing time short. Generally, five to ten minutes are enough for a newborn baby. Finally, during the baths, use a gentle and fragrance-free baby wash and shampoo.
5. Watch Out For Nail Growth
Sometimes, babies have sharp nails despite them being short and thin. As babies move their arms up and down, they might scratch their faces or bodies with their own nails. So, you need to keep a keen eye on their nail growth.
The best way to avoid such a case is to trim and file your baby’s nails every other week. Use a baby nail clipper and a non-metal nail file to do the same. The best time to do this is when your baby is peacefully sleeping, as their sudden and unexpected hand and leg movements might hurt them otherwise.
It is necessary to trim your baby’s nails as frequently as possible using baby nail trimmers or a soft metallic nail cutter. According to the article from The Pediatric Dermatology Journal (2023), it is advisable to trim a baby’s nails when the baby is asleep or less active. It is inconvenient to try to trim the nails when the baby is fussy or when the baby decides to move suddenly.
6. Prevent Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is quite common and often concerns parents. However, with the right tips, you can prevent it and ensure that your baby doesn’t feel discomfort. First and foremost, make sure that you change wet and soiled diapers immediately.
While cleaning your baby, use warm water and a soft cloth. Pat dry the area before putting on a new diaper. During every diaper change, apply a zinc oxide-based barrier cream to prevent moisture. If your baby is at home, try to go for diaper-free time so that their skin can breathe.
Conclusion
Remember, every baby has a different skin. Thus, they will also have different needs. This is just a general idea about taking care of your baby’s skin. If you are concerned about some specific issues, it is best to consult a pediatrician. With the right tips, tricks, and treatments under your hat, your baby can have healthy, glowing, and supple skin.