Baby skin is highly sensitive and delicate, requiring careful care. Caring for your baby's skin is essential not just for keeping it soft and moist but also for protecting it from common skin disorders such as rashes, irritation, and infections.
Babies also require appropriate skin care from an early age. What kind of skin care is necessary for a baby? This is the guide.
Skin Care Recommendations for Babies
Choose safe and mild skincare products
Since newborn skin is very delicate, it is essential to apply skincare products designed exclusively for babies. Skincare products should not contain artificial scents, alcohol, or other irritating ingredients.
It is also recommended to select dermatologically tested hypoallergenic products. Consider goods such as baby bath soap, baby lotion, diaper rash prevention cream, and baby shampoo.
Bathe the baby
Newborn newborns do not need to bathe daily. Two or three times a week is enough unless the baby's skin gets very dirty or sweaty. As your child grows older, you can bathe your baby every day.
The bath water should be warm and not too hot. Use soft, fragrance-free soap, and avoid using soap on your face and head unless necessary.
After bathing, use a soft towel to pat the baby's skin rather than rubbing it. This is important for preventing newborn skin irritation.
Read more: Is It Hazardous When The Newborn Baby's Skin Peels?
Moisturize the skin after bathing
After drying the skin, use a gentle moisturizing lotion or cream free of dangerous substances. Moisturize your baby's skin to help preserve moisture and prevent dryness. Do this step after every bath.
Protect against sun exposure
A newborn's skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight. Keep your baby away from direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Provide the baby clothes covering the skin and a cap for protection from the sun. Keep sunlight away from the baby's eyes by drawing curtains or other indoor window coverings.
Apply special baby sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to babies older than six months. Apply to all regions that are not covered by clothing.
Read more: Is It True To Know When Pregnant Makes Baby Skin Whiteer?
Change diapers regularly
Changing your baby's diaper frequently will help avoid diaper rash. Change the baby's diapers as soon as possible after they poop, ideally every two to three hours.
Every time you change a diaper, always gently clean the surrounding area. Use soft, alcohol-free wet wipes or cotton wool moistened with warm water. To avoid diaper irritation, apply anti-rash cream.
Regularly check your baby's skin for symptoms of irritation, rashes, or redness. To minimize irritation, choose baby clothes made of soft, sweat-absorbing materials like cotton.
Test a new skin care product first on the baby's arm area to ensure no allergic reaction. If any skin concerns happen, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina
Jeanie Lerche Davis (2022). What Baby Skin Care Products Does Your Newborn Need?. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-baby-skin-care-products-do-you-need-your-newborn
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (2022). Skincare for babies. Available from: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Skincare_for_babies/
Sierra Leone Starks (2023). Baby Skincare Basics All First-Time Parents Should Know. Available from: https://www.parents.com/baby/care/skin/how-to-care-for-baby-skin/
Jeanie Lerche Davis (2021). Baby Skin Care: Tips for Your Newborn. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/skin-care-tips
Morgan Meissner, PhD (2020). What Types of Products Are Safe for Baby’s Skin?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-skin-care-ingredients
Mayo Clinic (2022). Baby bath basics: A parent's guide. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20044438