Skincare Tips For Newborn Babies

A newborn baby is the apple of his/her parent’s eye, so they should take good care of a newborn’s skin and not expose it to chemicals; the baby’s skin should mature naturally. Chemicals in many of the baby skin products could be harmful and cause eczema, asthma and related allergies to the newborn’s thin skin and immature immune system. Parents should give the newborn skin a chance to develop its own protective barrier to get a new head-start to cope up with the modern world.

Research indicates that only water should be used in the first month and it was good to reduce exposure to chemicals and give the baby’s skin a chance to mature naturally. This notion goes against the past belief of parents that it is best to use baby products for the newborn.

Here are a few valuable skincare tips for the newborn:

Take care to keep the cord area clean and dry; as far as possible leave the cord area alone and pat dry the area with a clean towel after a bath. Also take care to fold back the nappy at every change until the cord separates. You may use wet cotton wool to clean the area if soiled; avoid wipes and powders. Cord care for the sick or premature baby is different slightly, due to the increased risk of infection; you could use antiseptic solutions and/or powders for the first few days. Notify the hospital staff if the cord or surrounding area becomes red or smelly.

Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before and after carrying on baby-care especially cord care.

Use plain water and cotton wool to give the baby’s first few baths; this offers a protection to the delicate skin of the newborn from germs, chemicals and water loss. It is best to avoid the delicate area around the eyes; notify the members of the hospital staff if it is sticky. Leave alone the ears and nose and avoid use of cotton buds. You may use a baby comb to gently remove any debris from thick hair after delivery.

Vernix or the white sticky substance that covers your baby’s skin in the womb is the nature’s own moisturizer and should always be left to absorb naturally. The protective Vernix could be absorbed in babies that are overdue leaving a dry and cracked skin; just leave it alone as the top layer of the baby’s skin will peel off over the next few days, leaving perfect skin underneath.

Gradually introduce baby products free of colors and perfumes after the first month; this gives time for the newborn’s skin to develop a natural barrier. The skin of premature babies is all the more delicate; withhold the use of baby products until the approximate due date as their skin take much longer to mature.

Ensure that you wash all baby clothes and bedding in non-biological washing powder; avoid the use of fabric conditioners and if you must use mild ones that are free of colors and strong perfumes.

Introduce baby wipes after the first month only; once introduced ensure that the wipes are mild, free of alcohol and strong perfumes.

Lastly if necessary you can use a thin layer of barrier cream or a moisturizer in the nappy area; use products that are emollient based as they offer protection and do not dry the skin.