Baby Skin Care For Newborns - What Every Mother Must Know
Newborn skin is delicate, and so is the baby’s immune system. Chemicals, fragrances, and dyes in clothing, detergents, and baby products can cause skin irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes. While this may sound like a worry, there is much you can do to protect your baby from these skin problems.
Don’t use baby products in the first month as the immune system is still developing. If you have a family history of skin problems, allergies, or asthma, it’s especially important to protect your baby’s immune system and skin from allergens.
Always wash baby’s clothing before it’s worn. Use only baby laundry detergents that are fragrance and dye-free. Wash baby clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family’s laundry and give everything an extra rinse.
Resist the urge to bathe your baby to much. Too regular bathing removes the natural oils that protect your baby’s skin. Except for drool and diaper changes, newborns just don’t get very dirty, so for the first month or so, a sponge bath 2 or 3 times weekly will keep your baby clean. In between, simply wash baby’s mouth and diaper area with a little warm water and cleanser.
When baby has an allergic reaction, the result can be a rash. Rashes under the diaper may be eczema and not a diaper rash. An allergy to dyes in the diapers themselves can cause this reaction so changing to dye-free diapers may be all that’s needed to prevent future outbreaks. If it doesn’t go away then reduce bathing to once a week, change your baby’s skin products and make sure baby wears only soft clothing.
More than often baby’s diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. Rashes can also appear when baby’s skin is not crefully dried after a bath. And sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash, especially for babies who are taking antibiotics.
Most instances of diaper rash don’t require medical care. To treat diaper rash and prevent further newborn skin problems:
1. Check diapers frequently.
2. Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.
3. Use a mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water to wash the diaper arear. If the rash causes discomfort when touched, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.
4. Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. The scent or alcohol in wipes can irritate and dry baby’s skin.
5. Pat baby dry. Don’t rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.
6. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) or a protective ointment like Desitin or A&D.
7. Do not use baby powder. Corn starch-based powders promote yeast growth and talcum powder may cause respertory problems if inhaled.
Massaging your newborn is important one-to-one time that conveys love to your newborn. Extensive research has proven that baby’s very survival depends on being touched by others as it triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better and cry much less which is beneficial to everyone.
There is no special technique to massaging a baby. Simple find a carpeted floor in a warm room then lay baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hands. Then very gently massage baby’s chest and tummy using a gentle yet touch. Make eye contact and sing softly to your little treasure.
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