Baby Care Tips

Skin Care

Babies aren't born with perfect skin. On the contrary, hormonal and environmental changes can wreak havoc on an infant's sensitive skin. You can help your baby's skin look healthy by following a few simple tips.

• You should not use baby powder or talcum powder on your baby's skin. The particles found in baby powder and talc have been found to irritate babies' lungs, in some cases seriously.
• If your baby's skin irritation continues to worsen, contact your pediatrician. She may be suffering from eczema.
• You can rub a small amount of baby oil on your infant's scalp if he has flaky skin.
• If your baby suffers from diaper rash, be sure and use an ointment that contains zinc oxide to dry up this irritating skin condition.

• If your baby's skin appears dry, you can use baby lotion to help moisturize her skin.

5 Daily Skin Care Tips for Baby:

Baby Soap and Shampoo:

Your baby’s soap (or body wash) and shampoo should be different from what you are currently using, since his or her skin is more sensitive.

Lukewarm Water:

Use clean, lukewarm water (not hot, warm or cold) to wash your baby’s head and body. To make sure that the water feels comfortable to the touch, place your elbow to check its temperature before using it on your baby. Remove all jewelry that may scratch your baby’s skin or cause rashes during the bath. Then, pat your baby dry with a towel.

Lotion for Dry Skin:

If your baby’s skin is dry, apply lotion after every bath. Make sure that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.

Cotton Clothes for Baby:

It’s best to dress your baby in loose, cotton fabrics since these are easy on the skin. Cotton clothes easily allow air to pass through, and help absorb sweat.

Limited Exposure to Sun:

Your baby need not be directly exposed to sunlight to reap its medical benefits. It’s enough to have him or her near the window, ideally before 8 a.m. It’s highly discouraged to have your baby outdoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun is most harmful to the skin.

Other Important Baby Skin Care Tips:

Now that you know a bit about baby skin care issues and common baby skin care products, there are a few other tips you may need to remember. Keep these tip sin mind as you care for your baby’s skin.

You Don’t Have to Bathe Your Baby Daily:

One important baby skin care tip to remember is that you don’t have to bathe your baby daily. Newborns especially have delicate skin and a full bath each day may be too drying. A little sponge bath can do the trick in between baths.

Clean and Dry All Baby Skin Folds:

You really need to ensure that you clean and dry all baby skin folds. Those folds, such as behind the ears and in the creases of the neck can dry out or they can retain moisture and cause skin problems.

Watch Out for Diaper Rash:

Whenever you change your baby’s diaper, make sure you keep an eye out for diaper rash. If you notice a rash at all, make sure you carefully clean the bottom and then use cornstarch baby powder or plain cornstarch to try to eliminate the problem.

Be Careful When Choosing Clothing and Bedding:

It’s also important that you are careful when you choose clothing and bedding for your baby. Some materials may be harsh on your baby’s sensitive skin. Look for soft materials, such as cotton, that will be easy on their skin. Also be careful when washing your baby’s clothes and bedding. Never use harsh detergents, which could irritate their skin.

Keeping your baby’s skin soft and beautiful is important, but it is not always as easy as you think. Make sure you keep these tips in mind and use them to keep your baby’s skin healthy.