Essential Skin Care Tips for Your Newborn by Jodi Parikh Paediatrician
A newborn baby skin is soft and delicate, so you must handle the baby with care. The general consensus is that everyone needs a bath every day, including babies. This is not the case. The majority of babies need to be bathed every other day due to the numerous diaper changes and wiping of the mouth and nose during feedings. But even with this, you still need to practise good hygiene, paying particular attention to their bottoms.
The general consensus is that everyone needs a bath every day, including babies. This is not the case. The majority of babies need to be bathed every other day due to the numerous diaper changes and wiping of the mouth and nose during feedings. But even with this, you still need to practise good hygiene, paying particular attention to their bottoms.
This results in an uncomfortable and painful problem for the baby.
Baby skin is extremely delicate and requires lots of care. The elastic fibres in the outer layer have not yet fully grown. So that fragile skin is susceptible to damage and is very sensitive to touch.
Also baby skin is quite a thin layer. It can absorb anything that is applied on its surface. So you must be careful that his skin is free of any harmful or strong lotions. A baby cream application, especially in winter, will be absorbed easily and keep the skin supple and elastic.
Since the production of melanin is low in babies, exposure to the sun should be avoided, except probably a few minutes to absorb vitamin D from the rays of the sun. The skin will easily burn and chafe from too much sun exposure.
With frequent diaper changes, and constant wiping and cleansing of the diaper area as well as the area around the mouth and nose, babies’ skin requires specific attention. There is a substantial risk of infection and skin harm if these are not managed appropriately.
Avoid using irritants like harsh soaps and detergents. Always use mild, gentle soap and shampoo for the baby during bath time. Baby creams and lotions are available, and are safe to use.
When your baby passes stools, be sure that you clean the area well with warm water and gentle cleaning product.
Then pat the area dry with a very soft cloth, and dust the baby power on that area. This helps to reduce friction between the skin and the clothing, and guards against penetration of irritating or foreign substances through the skin.
Keep the skin of your baby dry, not moist. Apply talcum powder whenever you feel the skin is moist, especially around the nappy area. You can avoid excessive moisture from the skin by using baby cream and lotion.
Dress the infant in loose-fitting clothes. On warm nights cover the baby with a thin sheet instead of using a flannel or think blanket. See that the nappies and clothes that he or she wears are made of fine cotton that is soft to the touch.
Loose clothes allow air circulation, and keep the baby dry and comfortable, away from the clammy heat of summer.
Once the baby grows older, it is easier to manage the care of his or her skin. He or she still needs creams in winter, but his resilience is stronger than other babies.
A lot depends on the diet that is followed. Too many sweet and fatty foods will only lead to indigestion and freckles. If your child is fond of sweets, give him or his ones made at home. You can substitute honey for sugar, for not only is honey nutritious, it is good for the skin.
