As your newborn is home now, keeping your baby warm and nourished may top your list but Baby skincare is important too. Babies have softer, more delicate and thinner skin than adults hence, more sensitive to irritation. Children can suffer from many skin issues such as diaper rash, skin irritation, dry skin, etc. Taking good care of your baby’s skin can help to protect your baby from these skin issues. Here is the round off of how you can take care of your child’s delicate and sensitive skin.
1. Clean regularly
As newborn baby’s skin is covered with a white wax-like matter called vernix which peels off within the first couple of weeks after birth, it is sufficient to just sponge clean the infant’s body with extra care and attention near the mouth and diaper area.
2. Bathe when required
It is sufficient to bathe your child in warm water for 5–10 minutes, 3-4 times a week as excess bathing can take away skin’s natural oils and result in dryness and chipping. To prevent the water from drying your baby’s skin out and replace the skin’s natural oils add fragrance-free baby bath oil to the bath. After the bath, always use delicate, cotton towels pat the skin dry, paying attention to skin creases.
3. Use child- friendly products
As babies have very gentle skin, after birth, it is recommended to use items that are particularly intended for children like natural baby products without any chemicals, mild non-soap cleansers, tear-free shampoos, and delicate creams. Use child-friendly products that are free of dyes and perfumes. Do not use antibacterial and perfumed soaps as they may dry out or irritate the baby’s skin.
4. Avoid Nappy rash
The nappy area is constantly exposed to moisture, wrapping, and rubbing, which can irritate and damage the skin and cause diaper rash. To prevent this:
• Frequently change your baby’s nappy.
• Use delicate, permeable nappies so the moisture gets quickly absorbed, leaving the skin dry and less susceptible to breakdown.
• Use lukewarm water and a soft cloth or cotton wool to clean nappy areas instead of Baby wipes as they can be irritating.
• Apply a barrier cream in a thick layer at every nappy change.
• It is not recommended to use talcum powder.
• Let your baby be nappy-free as much as possible.
5. Body massage
Body massage not only helps in nourishing and moisturizing your infant’s skin but it is also an incredible method to bond with your infant. Gently massage the infant’s skin with essential oils such as coconut oil, olive or almond oil. Avoid using the commercial oils as they usually contain chemicals and perfumes which can harm your baby’s skin.
6. Moisturize skin regularly
Always keep your child’s skin well moisturized. Proper moisturizing helps in protecting your baby’s sensitive skin from irritation. Choose a made for children and dermatologist tested moisturizer, and apply it to your baby’s skin after every bath (within 2 or 3 minutes) to seal in the moisture and avoid dryness.
7. Sun protection
Protect your child’s skin from the harmful effect of UVA and UVB rays. Sun exposure can burn and irritate your child’s delicate sensitive skin. Keep your child younger than 12 months of age away from direct sunlight. Cover up your child with protective clothing and apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Choose a sunscreen that doesn’t contain PABA, as these can irritate the child’s skin. It is not recommended to use sunscreen for babies under 6 months of age.
8. Use mild detergents
It is recommended to use a mild, non-perfumed detergent to wash the new garments and bedding of the infant before using them. Laundry products, such as laundry detergent, fabric softeners, etc., contain chemical dyes and perfumes that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. So, choose products that are dye-free, perfume-free, specially designed for sensitive skin, and dermatologist tested. Do not forget to wash the baby’s garments independently from the family’s clothing.
9. Dressing your baby
Avoid overdressing your child. Children usually suffer from rashes in skin folds due to sweating. It is recommended to dress your child in light, loose clothing made of cotton as they are comfortable, airy and delicate. Take care not to dress coarse fibers (e.g. woolen clothing) or synthetic garments in direct contact with your baby’s skin as they might be rough and can cause hypersensitive reactions.
10. Check for skin problems
Some infants have skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or eczema which may require special treatment. If your child’s skin is dry, flaky, irritated and itchy or if they have rashes frequently, consult a doctor.
Homeopathy can help in treating your child’s complaint in the safest, gentle and effective way. If your child is suffering from diaper rash, eczema or atopic dermatitis, pay attention to it ASAP, and get in touch with us. Here at Dr. Thind’s Homeopathy Clinic, effective and complete treatment is provided for children of all ages to cure this disease permanently.
