There is no skin more sensitive than your infant’s. Below are our tips for properly caring for your baby’s skin.
1. Cleanse
Although babies don’t get that dirty, it’s still recommended to bathe them 2-3 times per week. Babies, unlike adults, should not get a bath daily. Frequent bathing can dry out their skin and remove oils and other protectants needed to fight off infections. Choose gentle soaps, shampoos, and lotions specifically designated for baby care.
2. Moisturize
Your baby’s delicate skin is prone to dryness so you will want to keep it as moisturized as possible. You will need to apply moisturizer both immediately following their bath, as well as before dressing daily. These lotions not only add moisture to the skin but prevent moisture already in the skin from evaporating.
3. Clean those folds
Moist skin from drool, milk or food can create rashes in the folds of a baby’s neck. Be sure to wipe your baby’s mouth when feeding and dress them in bibs when eating or teething to prevent redness and irritation. Products such as Aquaphor or Vaseline can help soothe a baby’s irritated skin. There are also liquid powders that can be applied to prevent chafing in those areas. If bumps appear, consult your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician as it could be a sign of a yeast infection.
4. Protect
Sunscreen isn’t recommended for infants under 6 months of age. In the rare occasion sun exposure can’t be avoided, wearing sunscreen is better than not. Fresh air is good for both you and your baby, so feel free to get out there! Just be sure your baby’s skin is covered from direct rays by having him or her wear a hat and sun visor. Sunshades are also available for the windows of your car to protect them while riding in a car seat. Once a baby is 6 months old, look for sunblocks with inorganic filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to prevent irritation.
5. Rash Identification and Care
Skin rashes are most common during the newborn period and come and go frequently. Talk to your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician about skin changes and what to watch out for.
– Diaper Rash: Typically over-the-counter treatments applied with each change can prevent most common diaper rashes. For more serious rashes, your pediatrician might recommend an antifungal cream or prescription ointment.
– Baby Acne: This very common skin condition can appear shortly after birth and last weeks or months. It can appear as red, bumpy patches on the cheeks, nose or forehead. In most cases, it will clear up on its own without any treatment. Keep baby’s skin clean and never rub, pick or squeeze these blemished areas.
– Eczema: This skin condition affects as many as 20% of all babies and young children. Symptoms typically develop in the first year of life. A rash can start anywhere on the body or face. It can appear as dry, thickened or scaly skin or patches of tiny red bumps. The cause is somewhat unknown but can be aggravated by changes in temperature, certain fragrances, and overall dehydrated skin. Bathing your child in lukewarm water, using gentle soaps and applying liberal amounts of a soothing moisturizer can help many forms of mild eczema. Talk to your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician about eczema triggers and additional treatment recommendations.