Now that baby is home, you're probably getting into a good rhythm with your everyday life. Protecting your newborn's skin is just as crucial as keeping them warm and fed.
Both the skin and the immune system of a newborn are extremely vulnerable.
Clothing, detergents, and baby items can irritate a newborn's skin, leading to dryness, chafing, and rashes, even though there are a number of typical rashes that might occur. Still, there's a lot you can do to shield your infant from skin troubles. Shop for all of your baby needs at My Baby Nursery.
What are the benefits of a baby's sensitive skin? Your skin to skin contact with your infant has a calming, caring effect and is essential to the growth and development of your baby.
FAQs About Baby Nursery
The skin of a healthy newborn at birth has: Deep red or purple skin and bluish hands and feet. The skin darkens before the infant takes their first breath (when they make that first vigorous cry). A thick, waxy substance called vernix covering the skin.
It's a natural moisturiser that also protects against infection in the first few days. It's best to bath your baby with plain water only for at least the first month. Do not add cleansers to your baby's bath water or use skin lotions or medicated wipes. Premature babies' skin is even more delicate.
Babies can have a variety of skin colors when they are born. A baby's skin color can change over time and should settle fully at around 20 months old.
Baby skin is extremely delicate and much more sensitive than the skin of older children or adults. Babies don't develop a full skin barrier until they're around 2 years old, so their skin isn't able to maintain moisture levels and is less resistant to irritants.
A benign condition that affects the majority of newborns in the first days and weeks of life. Hallmark signs of the condition are yellowish papules surrounded by red skin on the face and trunk, upper arms and thighs.
Natural Baby Skin Care
In the first week of life, a newborn's skin spontaneously sheds its protective layer, known as vernix, revealing smoother skin underneath.
There's no need to hurry, rub, or use any kind of cream or lotion. (If a birth occurs after the expected date, this is presumably completed in utero.)
The maxim "less is more" certainly applies to infant skin care.
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of your infant having allergies and skin irritations:
Resist the Urge to Bathe Your Baby Frequently.
More than three weekly baths throughout the first year of life might strip the skin's protective oils, making the newborn more vulnerable to the elements. This could cause the baby's skin to become dry and irritated. It could also make eczema worse.
Newborns Don’t Get Particularly Dirty, Unless You Count Drool and Diaper Changes.
Preschoolers don't put in a full day at the office and then head to the gym.
Your infant only needs to be sponge bathed twice or three times a week for the first month to stay healthy and clean. Between feedings, wipe the baby's gums and diaper region with water or a cleaner.
Babies who are born with the umbilical chord still attached should only have a sponge bath once a week.
Avoid using scented products on your newborn.
Your infant's skin may react negatively to this.
Baby's clothes should be washed before being worn.
Only use detergents made specifically for babies, as they tend to lack fragrances and dyes. Babies' clothes, blankets, and sheets should be washed in a designated baby washing load. As an alternative, you could wash everyone's clothes in the same detergent.
Don't expose your infant to the sun.
The sun is harmful to infants, so try to keep them out of it as much as possible. Even in the winter, you should protect their skin from the sun as much as possible when you take them outside.
When it comes to babies, the FDAReliable Source advises against using sunscreen on infants less than six months. This is what they suggest should be done instead:
- Make sure your baby spends as much time as possible in the shade.
- Cover your baby's neck and ears with a hat if you plan to take it outside.
cover your infant's arms and legs with lightweight, breathable garments. - Protect yourself from the sun by staying indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their peak.
If you plan on being outside for more than a few minutes, make sure your infant has access to breastmilk or formula.
As well, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the same thing. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for children older than 6 months, while it is not recommended for infants under 6 months.
Your baby's paediatrician should be able to shed light on any concerns you may have about applying sunscreen to your infant.
Pay Attention to Dry Skin
There are certain infants who would benefit from having moisturiser applied on them, but this is not universal. Some infants may have mild skin dryness in the first few weeks of coming home from the hospital.
In most cases, these blemishes can be cured without resorting to further moisturising measures.
Products containing petroleum jelly can help soothe your infant's dry, irritated skin. Moisturizers can be applied, but they should be fragrance- and dye-free to avoid further irritating your baby's skin.
Olive oil, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil are just some of the natural plant oils that have been recommended as baby moisturisers. There is still some evidence to suggest they could exacerbate conditions like eczema or dry skin in kids.
Make sure you're washing yourself properly.
It's important to follow accepted procedures when washing a baby. Your baby needs to be bathed frequently, but not every day.
Keep their hands, face, genitalia, and other body parts clean in between baths by using a gentle washcloth and lukewarm water. There are instances, however, in which using a washcloth actually irritates and dries out the skin.
Here are some of the most important things to remember during bath time, according to the AAP:
- Do not let your infant out of your sight, and always keep them in a safe place.
- Instead of boiling water, use water that is only slightly warm.
- Carry out the bathing procedure in a hot environment.
- The recommended time for a bath is 5-10 minutes.
- Using only water, gently cleanse your infant's face and eyes.
- When washing your baby's hair and body, you might want to use a baby soap that doesn't contain any artificial colours or fragrances.
- Be sure your baby is totally dry before dressing or diapering him or her after a bath.
A Cradle Cap is Nothing to Sweat About.
Babies frequently experience cradle cap between the ages of three and four months.
The plaques, or greasy yellow patches, that characterise cradle cap appear on and around the baby's scalp and the top of their head.
Cradle cap can also develop on the top of the head, including the brow and auricle.
Cradle cap usually disappears on its own. Applying a tiny amount of emollients, such as mineral oil, to the afflicted region before bathing your infant will assist. Afterward, you can wash your baby's scalp and head with a mild shampoo.
If the issue doesn't improve after a few washes, you and your baby's doctor should discuss other options.
Learn to Recognize and Avoid the Causes of Contact Dermatitis
Babies who get contact dermatitis have had an allergic reaction to a substance. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including redness, swelling, itching, dryness, cracking, and peeling of the skin.
Possible triggers of contact dermatitis include exposure to the following:
- saliva
- urine
- Cleansing agents, such as soaps and detergents
- lotions
- dyes
- perfumes
- cosmetics
- latex
- metallic substances
Talk to your child's doctor if you're having trouble pinpointing the source of the reaction.
Home treatments and advice like the following are frequently used in medical care:
- Baby should wear soft, breathable clothing, not wool or other hard materials.
- Apply moisturisers to your skin that are fragrance- and dye-free.
- Please give your baby a mild bath every day till the rash clears up.
- If you can determine what triggered the inflammation, you should avoid it.
Observe Nail Growth
Despite the fact that your infant has tiny, flimsy nails, they could nonetheless be dangerously sharp. Keep an eye on your baby's nail growth because either too long or too short nails might cause scrapes on the face or torso.
Nails on infants grow rapidly, so filing or trimming them may become a weekly or more frequent chore.
Nail length can be shortened with a baby nail clipper or a non-metal nail file.
Babies are more likely to be injured by parents who try to trim or file their nails when they are awake and alert, therefore it's best to wait until they are asleep or very relaxed.
Combat the risk of heat rash.
If your infant gets too warm, he or she may break out in a heat rash. It commonly occurs in creases of the skin and other regions where clothing constantly rubs up against the body.
Babies with lighter skin tones are more likely to detect the telltale signs of a heat rash, which appear as little red dots on the skin.
In extreme heat, a rash might develop if the sweat glands are unable to function properly. The sweat glands can become overworked or obstructed due to hot and humid weather, oils, or other ointments, and this can result in a rash.
In order to treat your kid, you should keep the skin cool and stay away from oil-based products. An itchy rash can be soothed with the use of a cool bath or washcloth.
In the event that your infant's rash does not clear up within three days, if the skin appears infected, or if he or she develops a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should consult a doctor.
Umbilical cord care
Umbilical cords are still linked to babies' bellies when they are first brought home. The line should come off in approximately a week to three weeks, but in the meantime, make sure to keep the area as clean and dry as possible.
You shouldn't tug on the umbilical chord or try to force it out. You don't need to do anything; it will fall off. Nothing, not even rubbing alcohol, needs to be applied to stop infection or speed up the drying process.
Observe any of the following in your infant?
- pus
- inflammation or redness
- high temperature, one hundred degrees or more
- putrid odour coming from below the uterus
- excessive blood loss
Prepare for Spots, Bumps, and Rash
There are a wide variety of skin problems that infants are vulnerable to in their first few months of life. Conditions like infantile acne, cradle cap, and toxic erythema are among those that fall within this category.
Hormonal fluctuations and underdeveloped pores are common causes, although inflammation and infection are less common. Products designed specifically for babies can help you do just that.
Babies Often Break Out in Rash
Because "natural" rashes occur in the majority of newborns, there is usually no need for treatment other than time.
It's important to consult a medical professional for advice on how to handle rashes that require more care.
In case you need advice on how to properly care for your baby's skin, consult your child's paediatrician.
Powder Is Not Necessary For Infant Skin.
"Baby powder" may seem like a must-have for a newborn, but it's actually not necessary.
Powders containing talc should be avoided anyway, as inadvertent inhalation poses a risk for developing lung diseases.
Jaundice Can Cause Skin to Turn Yellow.
Hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice, is a condition often observed in newborns within the first few days of life. The skin, mucous membranes, and eyes will all turn yellow.
The breakdown of red blood cells, releasing bilirubin, is a common reason (hence the name hyperbilirubinemia).
In most cases, newborn jaundice clears up on its own, but in extreme cases, medical intervention may be necessary. If you have any worries, you should talk to your kid's doctor.
Infant Massage
Recent research suggests that a soothing newborn massage can help with sleep and reduce anxiety.
It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with a newborn. After feeding, gentle massaging is fine, but too much pressure could make the baby vomit.
After the First Weeks, How to Care for Your Newborn
Baby Bath Time
You should bathe your baby once or twice a week. Even with her umbilical cord still in place, she can take a full bath.
If you heat the room to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, your baby will be more at ease during her bath.
Before beginning, stock up on diapers, wipes, clean diapers, and towels for the infant. Two individuals can get the task done faster and more efficiently while bathing a newborn.
The water in the sink or tub should be warm enough that your elbow can go into it, but not hot.
Don't want your infant to get cold, so make sure there's enough water to cover her. Bring your infant into the water slowly and safely while holding her in your arm.
When giving your baby a bath, you can hold them in a variety of positions to find one that works best for you.
Your hand can hold your baby's arm firmly while the other supports her head in the crook of your elbow or on your forearm. You can also bathe your baby by holding her head above water and submerging the rest of her body.
Don't use soap when washing your baby's cheeks and eyes. You may give her a bath with a small amount of mild baby soap.
The next step is to clean her hair. Use a soft nail brush (you can steal the one the medical staff used on your baby's head) to gently scrub her scalp.
To avoid cradle cap, try using this brush and some mild soap on your baby's head twice weekly.
After you've dried your baby off from her bath, you can also shampoo her hair. Put a towel (heated in the dryer) around her to keep her warm. Wet her hair and wash it while holding her head under the running water.
Baby's umbilical chord, skin, and hair all need to be thoroughly dried.
Flaky Face
Some newborns develop dry patches of skin, but this is common and usually resolves on its own. Babies often do not require more lotion on their skin when they are newborns.
Some infants' skin is extremely dry, and as a result, cracks easily, most noticeably at the ankles and hands. Olive oil, Vaseline, or A&D ointment are all good options for treating those spots.
Select a lotion that is free of added fragrances and colours if you plan on using it.
Because of the drying effects of both bathing and soap, you should limit your baby's bath time and use only a very small amount of soap while washing him or her.
Fingernails
Those cute little baby nails of hers have the potential to harm her face. Trim and smooth your fingernails with an emery board or nail file.
This is the most secure approach. Nails can also be trimmed gently with baby nail clippers or baby scissors with rounded points.
Do not use clippers designed for adults, as you risk cutting off the baby's finger or toe instead of the nail.
Nail trimming may become a weekly ritual if your infant is experiencing rapid nail growth. Toenails could need trimming once or twice a month.
Nail trimming is easiest when baby is asleep and you can see her nails well.
Diapering
At each diaper change, use a warm washcloth to wipe your baby's bottom.
The Nursery Changing Table are you worried? Baby changing tables are a must, and luckily, My Baby Nursery has you covered with a wide selection.
A baby girl's diaper should be changed and cleaned in reverse order. Be careful when cleaning in crevices of the skin. The majority of women experience a harmless, white vaginal discharge that does not require cleaning.
During puberty, maternal hormones might cause a bloody flow in some young women. Because it is only transitory, no therapy is necessary.
When washing for a baby boy, pay special attention to the creases and folds. Baby boys who have not yet had their penises circumcised should not have their foreskin pulled back.
Before your boy reaches adolescence, his foreskin will retract on its own. There is no need for any special attention until then. In the event that your son required a circumcision, you would be given post-operative care instructions then and there.
Fold the diaper so that the folds are below the umbilical cord. In order to hasten the thread's eventual demise, you should keep it dry.
A pink or rusty stain may appear in your baby's diaper. Over the first three to four days, this is to be expected.
When this happens, it's a sign that your infant needs to be fed more frequently to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, which develop when the urine becomes concentrated.
Clothing
In a room kept at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a baby will be OK wearing only a diaper, a T-shirt, a gown, and a single blanket. Your infant may additionally require a cap or additional garments if the space is far nicer than this.
As your child matures, you can begin reducing the temperature in his or her room at night. Never set it lower than 62 degrees Fahrenheit.
If a baby is overdressed, their skin will be warm to the touch (including their hands, feet, back, and face) and they may even start to perspire.
As a result, you may break out in a heat rash. When the room temperature is just right, your baby's hands and feet will feel comfortable and the rest of their body will be warm and cosy.
Rule of thumb: add one layer to your baby's outfit beyond what you yourself are wearing.
Outdoor Play with Your Newborn
If at all possible, avoid taking your infant to busy public places. In this way, you can protect your infant from contracting a virus and becoming ill.
If possible, keep your newborn away from ill people for the first few weeks.
Between November and March, when the flu is most common, this is of paramount importance.
When to See a Pediatrician
Babies usually recover from minor skin rashes without any treatment at all. It may be necessary to conduct additional testing on some rashes.
A doctor should examine anyone who has a fever and rash. Choose from our wide selection of premium quality baby blankets for the nursery.
It may also be necessary to investigate rashes that include blisters or other fluid-filled bumps (pimples, cysts). In case of doubt, it is always best to consult a paediatrician.
Conclusion
Protecting your newborn's skin is essential for its growth and development, and it is important to follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of allergies and skin irritations. The FDAReliable Source advises against using sunscreen on infants less than six months, and the AAP recommends sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Pay attention to dry skin and use natural plant oils as baby moisturisers. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to a substance that can manifest in a variety of ways, including redness, swelling, itching, dryness, cracking, and peeling of the skin. Heat rash and umbilical cord care are common skin problems that infants are vulnerable to in their first few months of life, such as infantile acne, cradle cap, and toxic erythema.
Consult a medical professional for advice on how to properly care for a newborn's skin, including baby powder, jaundice, infant massage, and baby bath time. Baby's umbilical chord, skin, and hair need to be thoroughly dried to avoid cradle cap, flaky face, and fingernails. Avoid using soap when washing cheeks and eyes, trim fingernails with an emery board or nail file, and trim toenails once or twice a month. Diapering should be done with a warm washcloth and a nursery changing table. Baby girl's diaper should be changed and cleaned in reverse order, while baby boy's should be washed in reverse order. Reduce the temperature in the baby's room at night, add one layer to their outfit, avoid taking them to busy public places, and keep them away from ill people.
Content Summary
- Protecting your newborn's skin is just as crucial as keeping them warm and fed.
- Both the skin and the immune system of a newborn are extremely vulnerable.
- Still, there's a lot you can do to shield your infant from skin troubles.
- Shop for all of your baby needs at My Baby Nursery.
- What are the benefits of a baby's sensitive skin?
- Your skin to skin contact with your infant has a calming, caring effect and is essential to the growth and development of your baby.
- Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of your infant having allergies and skin irritations:Resist the Urge to Bathe Your Baby Frequently.
- This could cause the baby's skin to become dry and irritated.
- Your infant only needs to be sponge bathed twice or three times a week for the first month to stay healthy and clean.
- The sun is harmful to infants, so try to keep them out of it as much as possible.
- Even in the winter, you should protect their skin from the sun as much as possible when you take them outside.
- When it comes to babies, the FDAReliable Source advises against using sunscreen on infants less than six months.
- This is what they suggest should be done instead:Make sure your baby spends as much time as possible in the shade.
- Cover your baby's neck and ears with a hat if you plan to take it outside.
- cover your infant's arms and legs with lightweight, breathable garments.
- Protect yourself from the sun by staying indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their peak.
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for children older than 6 months, while it is not recommended for infants under 6 months.
- Your baby's paediatrician should be able to shed light on any concerns you may have about applying sunscreen to your infant.
- Products containing petroleum jelly can help soothe your infant's dry, irritated skin.
- Make sure you're washing yourself properly.
- Do not let your infant out of your sight, and always keep them in a safe place.
- Carry out the bathing procedure in a hot environment.
- The recommended time for a bath is 5-10 minutes.
- Using only water, gently cleanse your infant's face and eyes.
- Be sure your baby is totally dry before dressing or diapering him or her after a bath.
- A Cradle Cap is Nothing to Sweat About.
- Afterward, you can wash your baby's scalp and head with a mild shampoo.
- Learn to Recognize and Avoid the Causes of Contact DermatitisBabies who get contact dermatitis have had an allergic reaction to a substance.
- Nail length can be shortened with a baby nail clipper or a non-metal nail file.
- Combat the risk of heat rash.
- If your infant gets too warm, he or she may break out in a heat rash.
- In order to treat your kid, you should keep the skin cool and stay away from oil-based products.
- In the event that your infant's rash does not clear up within three days, if the skin appears infected, or if he or she develops a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should consult a doctor.
- You shouldn't tug on the umbilical chord or try to force it out.
- It's important to consult a medical professional for advice on how to handle rashes that require more care.
- In case you need advice on how to properly care for your baby's skin, consult your child's paediatrician.
- Don't use soap when washing your baby's cheeks and eyes.
- You may give her a bath with a small amount of mild baby soap.
- The next step is to clean her hair.
- After you've dried your baby off from her bath, you can also shampoo her hair.
- Because of the drying effects of both bathing and soap, you should limit your baby's bath time and use only a very small amount of soap while washing him or her.
- Trim and smooth your fingernails with an emery board or nail file.
- A baby girl's diaper should be changed and cleaned in reverse order.
- Be careful when cleaning in crevices of the skin.
- When washing for a baby boy, pay special attention to the creases and folds.
- In the event that your son required a circumcision, you would be given post-operative care instructions then and there.
- Fold the diaper so that the folds are below the umbilical cord.
- A pink or rusty stain may appear in your baby's diaper.
- As your child matures, you can begin reducing the temperature in his or her room at night.
- When the room temperature is just right, your baby's hands and feet will feel comfortable and the rest of their body will be warm and cosy.
- Outdoor Play with Your NewbornIf at all possible, avoid taking your infant to busy public places.
- In this way, you can protect your infant from contracting a virus and becoming ill.
- If possible, keep your newborn away from ill people for the first few weeks.
- When to See a PediatricianBabies usually recover from minor skin rashes without any treatment at all.
- A doctor should examine anyone who has a fever and rash.
- In case of doubt, it is always best to consult a paediatrician.
