The waiting period is now over. You now have your angel in your hands. Soon you would be at home with the newborn and might even get into a routine to look after him. But have you checked on the skin of your infant? Isn’t it too soft and gentle? Yes, the skin of the newborns is very fragile and sensitive due to which it needs additional care and nourishment. Their skin is quite prone to allergies and rashes if proper care is avoided.
Their skin is quite delicate due to which using chemical-based detergents, soaps, creams, etc. needs to be avoided as this can result in dryness, rashes, chafing, and skin irritation. The baby products you select for your infant should also avoid any kind of supplement for fragrance, as this can also be a reason for skin problems for your infant. Again, as people wouldn’t keep themselves from touching the baby, additional care becomes essential.
So, are you also looking for some caring tips to protect the natural nourishment and smoothness of your baby’s skin? You are sure to get some helpful tips through this piece of information.
Some interesting facts about your Infant’s Skin
- The newborn baby comes with a skin that contains natural vernix on it. Rather than wiping the wax off, massage the skin so that it absorbs the vernix as it is filled with valuable nutrients like proteins, amino acids, lipids, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial compounds.
- The skin of the baby is prone to various skin issues like bumps, blemishes, and rashes.
- In the initial days, the hormones of the mother come with an impact on the baby’s skin, especially at the time of breastfeeding. Hence, the persistent maternal hormones can also have an impact on the infant resulting in baby acne or even pimples.
- The babies in the initial phase are still working on developing melanin, a brown pigment. Hence, make sure you keep them protected from the sun or sunburn.
- The skin of the newborn infants is around 10 times additional sensitive compared to the adults.
- Merely washing the nappy area with only water is not good enough. To keep the skin clean and protected from impurities, it is essential to use other cleaning objects that are gentle to the skin.
- The skin of the infant is ultra-thin; hence, it is possible to visualize the blood vessels beneath which helps in learning the mood and temperature of the infant.
How to look after the infant’s skin?
The infant comes to the world with a skin that is wrinkled and covered with natural protection named vernix. The protective layer itself gets peeled off in the first week after birth. But the peeling shouldn’t be carried out by rubbing the skin. Instead, massage the skin well so that the vernix enters the skin of the baby and provides him with some beneficial nutrients like amino acids, proteins, lipids, and much more. No doubt, baby care for the freshers is quite confusing, here are some of the best ways you can look after the infant’s skin and keep it protected, smooth, and nourished.
1. Bathing of Baby
Bathing is the foremost thing you need to work on while looking after the skin of your infant. Make sure the soap you select for your baby doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or other substances that can cause flaking, dryness, or even skin irritation. So, look for mild soaps and shampoos which are gentle to the skin of your baby. Also, use water that is neither too hot or too cold. It should be lukewarm for a perfect bath. Not only during the bath, but the temperature should also be watched after a bath. The room you select to dry and dress your baby should be warm. Switch off the fans and air conditioners before you enter the room. Lastly, the soft skin of your baby comes with a layer of natural oils that are essential for the baby, so avoid daily bathing, instead, bath your baby around 3 to 4 times a week.
2. Using Diapers and Nappies
This might surprise you, but using diapers instead of the clothed nappies is actually one of the best ways to keep your baby clean. But on the other hand, some of the diapers are quite irritating to the skin of the baby which results in infections or rashes. So, while using diapers, keep on changing the diaper when used. When you find rashes on the skin of your baby, try changing the brand of the diaper. Also, make a point to change the diaper as soon as it gets dirty as leaving it for a long time can also result in infections. For better results, go for diapers that are soft and absorbent. Ask your doctor about the diaper brand for sensitive skin babies.
3. Powdering
Powdering is the next step you go for after bath. But choosing the right talcum powder is also essential. Go for the talcum powders that are specially produced for the infants. Say no to the powders that come with chemicals or strong fragrances. They might irritate the baby’s skin. Another powder brand to avoid is the ones that have grains in the ingredient list. Rather than those, look for herbal powders, especially for the diaper areas. If possible, don’t apply powder to the diaper areas as this can result in infections or certain complications in the future.
4. Go for natural products
As mentioned, priory, the skin of the babies is quite friable to the harsh environment and the changes it comes with. Henceforth, using natural products or organic products compared to the chemical-based products is an ideal way to look after the skin of the baby. The antibacterial products available in the market or even the perfumed products can result in dryness, irritation, or even rashes. Experimenting with new products on the baby skin is surely not recommended, and hence, go for products that are particularly designed for the babies. This would help in eliminating the chances of any reaction. Gentle lotions, tear-free shampoos, gentle baby soaps, etc. are the things your baby will be safe with.
5. Skin issues
You might have observed some babies have skin issues like acne or eczema. This is a little different compared to adults. When you observe any such skin issues on the baby skin, better look for treatment after consulting your doctor, rather than dealing with it on your own with DIY options. There are many babies who suffer from atopic dermatitis or eczema in which the skin appears to be thickened, scaly, itchy, dry, and patchy in red. When this happens meet your doctor and continue with his suggestions and treatment. Let them know the products you are using for the baby too as this can help in getting the right treatment.
6. Baby Massage
Massage is essential for the growth and development of your baby. And so it is important for the skin of your infant. Again, massage is also a great way of conveying your affection and love to the baby. A massage every day would trigger the hormones helps in fighting diseases, boosts the immune system, keeps the baby calmer, improves sleep, etc. So, use almond oil, olive oil, or even coconut oil for massaging the baby. Say no the commercial oils which are made from different chemicals and are perfumed too. Again, while you go for a massage for the baby, make sure the temperature of the room is warm and also use a soft fabric or blanket to lay your baby down. Also, don’t force your fingers on the baby’s skin. Make it gentle with less rubbing.
7. Exposure to the sunlight
It is definitely not recommended to take your infant out and expose its skin to the sunlight. The skin of the baby is too delicate, particularly in the initial months. So, exposure to sunlight can result in sunburns. While moving out, keep the baby covered with proper clothes like full pants, clothes with long sleeves, caps, etc. to protect it from the sun. For the toddlers, you can also use cotton or breathable cloth and wrap the baby in it to protect it from the sun.
8. Say yes to Cotton
There are many fancy clothes available in the market for the babies to give them a cute look. But are all of them good for the skin of your baby? Surely not. The baby’s skin is quite prone to heat rashes due to sweating on the skin folds. So, rather than going for a cute look, go for cotton clothes that are loose and also absorb the sweat quickly. Such clothes are good absorbents and good for avoiding allergies. If required, go for layering different clothes on the baby according to the weather, rather than changing the material of the clothes.
Apart from all these, looking for gentle moisturizers after bath is also helpful to protect the natural suppleness and moisture of the skin. The baby lotions keep the skin hydrated for long hours too. Also, before using the new clothes, it is highly advisable to wash them once to make them suitable for your baby to wear and avoid the harshness of the new clothes. Go for detergents that are gentle, non-perfumed, etc. to keep the clothes soft even after wash. The clothes should also be kept germ free for which you can wash them separately and not with other clothes.
The baby’s skin is quite tender and sensitive than you are thinking. And these were some essential ways that would help you in giving your baby a better and enjoyable skincare schedule. So, now are you ready to welcome your baby home and look after his skin? Share with us your comments below.
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