Skincare for babies is different from adults. Babies generally don’t require a lot of products or active ingredients on their skin. In fact, using too many products may even be detrimental because of the high sensitivity of baby skin.
But that doesn’t mean foregoing baby skincare altogether! Here are a few tips and hints you might want to consider for your child’s skincare:
Why is Baby Skincare Important?
Skincare for your baby is important because of their sensitive skin. Newborns and babies have thinner and more delicate skin than adults. Their skin may also be less resistant to bacteria and irritants.
Baby skincare generally focuses on keeping your child’s skin protected and moisturised. In doing so, you may avoid irritations and potential skin problems.
Basic Skincare for Babies
Bathing
Bathing your baby cleanses their skin from dirt and grime. When you bathe your baby, you can use a bathing tub or a gentle warm washcloth for a sponge bath and use soap-free bath wash to help avoid skin irritation. Make sure you go from the top down and wash every area, particularly between skin folds, before ending in their nappy region. After the bath, protect your baby’s skin and help keep it supple with creams or lotion made specifically for sensitive skin.
Moisturisation
Keeping your baby moisturised helps protect their skin and may help prevents any irritation and dry skin from occurring. Opt for gentle and fragrance-free moisturisers, baby lotions, or cream to avoid any adverse reactions.
Sun Protection
Young babies should be shielded from the sun but once they are old enough, sunscreen will be your child’s best friend against the harsh sun rays. Choose gentle sunscreen for babies that are lightweight and non-irritating. You can also maximise their protection from the sun with hats and sleeved baby tops!
Newborn Skincare
Bathing
Newborns aren’t active enough to get dirty like older kids. Especially while their skin is so sensitive, and provided you are thorough during nappy changes, newborns really only need a bath 2-3 times a week.
Sun Protection
It is generally advised that babies under 6 months old shouldn’t wear sunscreen. The best thing to do is be sun smart in every other way possible; ensure that you go outdoors only during low UV times; stay in the shade when you do; and cover your baby’s skin with long sleeved clothing and hats.
Cord Care for Newborns
Newborns will still have their umbilical stump for a time after birth. Caring for the umbilical stump will be part of your baby skincare routine during this time. Always make sure that the area is clean and dry. Avoid putting any products on the area until it is fully healed and follow your doctor’s recommendations for cleaning.
Skincare for Irritated Baby Skin
Newborn skin is extremely sensitive to its environment. Babies often develop blotches and marks on their skin for no discernible reasons, which, because of their appearance, can lead to concern in parents. While some of these skin conditions are signs of health complications, many are common and will soon fade. Always consult your health professional for advice on any skincare needs.
Dry Skin
After being cleaned of amniotic fluid and vernix, your newborn’s skin will be exposed to air for the first time. This can result in patchy or peeling skin in the days directly after birth, which can be exacerbated by low humidity or very hot or very cold weather. Dry skin is usually just flaky rather than red and painful.
Avoid excessive bathing because this can remove your baby’s natural skin oils. If you live in dry or extreme weather conditions you might consider using baby moisturisers to help bolster their skin’s protection.
Nappy Rashes
A nappy rash is a common condition in newborns and is a simple irritation and inflammation of your baby’s skin. Nappy rash can arise from infrequent nappy changes, heat and moisture.
You can protect against nappy rash by increasing nappy-free time and changing your baby’s nappy frequently. Ensure your baby is dried thoroughly after changing and consider using nappy creams such as as zinc the rash is persistent.
Achieve Healthy and Protected Baby Skin with Baby Bunting
When it comes to skincare for babies, it really is ‘less is more’. A skincare routine for your baby doesn’t have to be complicated or excessive. Gentle yet effective products are generally all you need!
At Baby Bunting, we carry several baby skincare products to keep your child’s skin healthy and soft. Browse through our selection with this basic guide in mind and make caring for your little one’s skin a little easier.