The fragile nature of our little ones who had just welcomed the world does not exclude their skin. Fitting to their delicate nature, caring for a baby’s delicate skin requires special attention and gentle products, as it is thinner and more sensitive compared to our adult skin. Taking care of our baby’s skin ensures that they remain comfortable and are protected from potential irritants and infections. By establishing a simple routine, we can guarantee that our little one’s skin is as smooth as cotton every day, and sleeps comfortably every night without making any fuss, caused by their skin. In merely a couple of easy steps, we can form the best routine for our babies and protect and support their natural development. Let’s discover together.
Why is Baby Skincare Important?
Maintaining your baby’s skin health is crucial for many reasons from their comfort to their development. A baby’s skin acts as the first line of defence against any environmental factor, making it a crucial part of their immune system and promoting overall health and comfort. Taking care of their skin helps prevent dryness, irritation, and infections by protecting your babies from bacteria, pollutants and allergens. Additionally, establishing a consistent and suitable skincare routine for your little one can soothe and calm them, fostering a sense of security, and ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Bathing Newborns
As long as there is not another health issue concerning your baby and it is not recommended by your doctor, newborns do not need daily baths. Bathing them two to three times a week is enough to keep your baby clean without stripping their skin of neutral oils. To bathe them, use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser designed for babies. When bathing them it is essential to pay special attention to skin folds and the nappy area, where moisture and irritants are more likely to accumulate and cause any discomfort.
Moisturising Your Baby’s Skin
Babies’ skin is prone to dryness and irritation, which makes moisturisation an essential topic when it comes to skincare. By choosing a gentle hypoallergenic moisturiser free from fragrances and harsh chemicals, you can ensure that your baby’s skin stays as soft as ever. To get the best results from the moisturiser of your choice, apply it immediately to your baby’s skin after bathing, while the skin is still damp, to lock in moisture. This ensures that their skin remains soft, supple and resilient against environmental stressors.
Sun Protection
UV radiation is as much of a problem for our babies for as much as it is for us. We can say that it is even worse for them when we consider their fragile skin. Avoiding direct sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, using physical barriers such as clothing, hats and shades, and applying a small amount of broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen on their exposed areas is crucial to prevent many health issues that can be caused by the sun. Make sure to always consult a paediatrician before using sunscreen on infants younger than six months.
Allergies
Right to their fragile nature, newborns are susceptible to skin allergies and sensitivities, which can be triggered by various products and environmental factors, and lead to stress in both you and your little ball of sunshine. When trying to form a skincare routine or simply getting any product for your baby, make sure to opt for hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested products to minimise the risk of reactions. Before adding any product to your daily life, conduct a patch test and watch for signs of irritation and allergy, such as redness, swelling and rash to be able to address issues promptly. It is always the safest option to consult your paediatrician or dermatologist if you are not sure of how will your baby’s skin react to any product. Better safe than sorry!
Rash
When a baby is present in a household, rash can always be a conversation topic. Rashes are quite common in babies, especially newborns and can be caused by a variety of reasons including heat, moisture, friction, and allergic reactions. Nappy rash is particularly prevalent and can be prevented by simple actions. Changing nappies frequently, using a protective barrier cream, and allowing the baby’s skin to air out regularly helps protect their skin against rash and helps heal it when it is present. It is always easy to handle rash and keep your baby comfy in their nappies with the right cream. It is important to note that if a rash in any area persists or worsens, consulting your paediatrician for the appropriate treatment is your safest option.
Ingredients to Prefer and Avoid
When trying to form a skincare routine for your baby to ensure their comfort, promote their natural development, and prevent any possible skin issues, it is important to mind the product contents of any product you are eyeing. When looking for products, prefer those containing natural, gentle ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile and calendula. Mind any possible allergies, of course.
It is best to avoid products with fragrances, alcohol, parabens, phthalates and sulfates, for these ingredients can irritate the sensitive skin of your baby and become the cause of the problems that you have been trying to avoid. Before buying a product, always read the labels carefully and choose the products specifically formulated for the delicate skin of your little one. To ensure that your baby is safe and you do not waste money on products that you cannot use, you can always consult a paediatrician before buying any.
