Eight Baby Skin Care Tips to Say YES to Today

• Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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A hundred questions come to mind on the day a baby is born. From “why are they crying?” to “How often do they need to be fed?” It is natural for new parents to want all the answers right away. Baby skin care is one of the most common concerns for new parents. While there is an endless list of baby skin products to choose from, the right approach to newborn skin care begins with understanding the different types of common skin rashes, and addressing other skin issues. This section provides the best skin care tips for your little one to keep the irritation and discomfort at bay.

Essential Baby Skin Care Tips

From different skin rashes to baby skin products, there are a number of factors involved in newborn skin care. Here are the top eight baby skin care tips that will help you in the long run:

Choose Gentle Baby Skin Products

A baby’s skin is more permeable compared to that of an adult and it absorbs anything that you apply on it. This makes it important for you to only use mild, baby-friendly products. These products should not contain harsh chemicals, alcohol-based ingredients, and artificial fragrances. Seems overwhelming? Here’s a list of some quick tips for choosing the right products for baby skin care:

Baby Skin Products: Dos

• Look for products dermatologically tested that are hypoallergenic formulations. These reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
• Make sure the baby skin care products you are considering are dye-free and fragrance-free. This is essential to avoid the risk of irritation.
• For a soft and moisturised baby skin, consider opting for products with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera.

Baby Skin Products: Dont’s

• Avoid products that contain chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, as they strip natural oils and can cause dryness.
• Avoid products with dye-based ingredients, alcohol-based ingredients, and artificial fragrances, as they can lead to newborn skin rash, dryness, and irritation.

To make sure you are placing the safe bet on baby skin products, it is advisable to patch test them before making the purchase. Just apply a small amount on your baby’s inner arm and wait for about a day. If there are any adverse reactions, you know what to do.

Don’t Stretch Bath Time

Newborns don’t get as dirty as older children. So, you don’t have to bathe them frequently or for a long amount of time. If anything, doing this can dry their skin by stripping away natural oils. Moreover, it increases the risk of newborn skin rash conditions, like eczema. Here’s a roundup of recommended bathing practices:

• Use a mild baby soap that does not contain strong detergents.
• Limit baths to 2-3 times a week.
• Use lukewarm water.
• Gently cleanse skin folds under the neck and behind the ears.

Before the bath, give your baby a gentle oil massage with almond oil or coconut oil. This will ensure extra nourishment for their skin.

Prevent and Treat Common Skin Rashes

Infants are susceptible to different skin rashes. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant, understand their causes, and know the treatments to make sure your baby is comfortable.

Here are some common skin rashes in babies and how to manage them:

• Diaper Rash : Diaper rash is caused by prolonged exposure to harsh diapers, wet diapers or friction. You can prevent this by changing your baby’s diapers frequently. Also, use alcohol-free diapers and apply a thick layer of diaper cream containing zinc oxide.
• Heat Rash : One of the most common skin rashes among infants, this one occurs in the form of small red bumps. Heat rash is caused by blocked sweat glands and excessive sweating. To prevent this, keep the baby cool, away from overheating, and dress them in breathable cotton clothes.
• Milia : Milia shows up as tiny white bumps on the face due to blocked dead skin cells. You don’t need any specific treatment or remedy for this as Milia clears up on its own.
• Eczema : Eczema is red, dry, itchy patches that are triggered by allergens. You can use fragrance-free moisturizers and keep your baby’s skin well-hydrated.

In case a rash worsens, doesn’t heal within a few days or becomes infected, consult a pediatrician for proper treatment.

Moisturise

One of the most important baby skin care tips for all parents, moisturising is essential for ensuring your baby’s skin is hydrated. The skin tends to lose moisture quickly which often leads to newborn dry skin and rashes. Here are some handy practices to ensure proper newborn skin care with moisturisation:

• Apply moisturizer right after a bath, while the skin is still slightly damp.
• Choose thick, fragrance-free baby lotions or creams instead of light lotions that evaporate quickly.
• Coconut oil, almond oil, and shea butter are excellent natural moisturizers for babies with sensitive skin.

Choose Clothing Wisely

Absolutely, clothing is one of the most important aspects of newborn skin care. What a baby wears can directly affect their skin health. Some fabrics can cause newborn skin rash, irritation, and friction. Here's how to prevent this:

• Avoid synthetic materials, tight-fitting clothes, and harsh elastic bands that can cause chafing.
• Choose loose-fitting clothing to ensure proper air circulation and prevent heat rash.
• Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
• Always wash baby clothes with a mild, fragrance-free detergent to remove any potential irritants.

Protect Your Baby’s Skin from the Sun

A baby’s skin is highly sensitive to the UV rays of the sun making it more vulnerable to sunburn and long-term skin problems. First and foremost, avoid direct sunlight completely. Use full-coverage, lightweight clothing and go with a wide-brimmed hat. You can keep your baby in shaded areas and avoid going out during peak hours.

Keeps Nails Trimmed

One of the most important baby skin care tips is to ensure nail hygiene. Newborns have fast-growing, sharp nails that pose the risk of scratching their delicate skin. These scratches, in turn, may cause irritation or lead to common skin rashes discussed earlier.The key is to keep an eye on your baby’s nails, making sure they are trimmed. You can trim the baby’s nails once or twice a week with a soft file or baby nail clippers. For a more mindful approach, use soft cotton mittens to prevent scratching. 

Watch for Allergies and Reactions

Babies are prone to skin allergies due to food sensitivities, detergents, fabrics, or baby skin products. The signs of these allergies include:

• Unexpected rashes
• Red, itchy patches
• Swelling or excessive dryness

If you spot one or more such signs in your baby’s skin, it’s important to watch out for potential allergens and consult a pediatrician.

>>Read More: 7 Reasons Why Physical Activity is Important for Kids

Wrapping Up!

Your little one’s skin is delicate and requires a mindful approach, along with all the love and pampering. From baby skin products to sunlight to common skin rashes, you now have a list of key factors to keep in mind when adopting newborn skin care practices. Just as these tips help protect against skin issues, comprehensive health plans by Care Health locks in a world of coverage benefits to safeguard you against financial problems. Start making the right choices from today and watch these little investments go a long way.