Baby Skin Care For Newborns – Protect Your Newborns Skin

A Newborn baby’s skin is very delicate, and so is the forming immune system. Chemicals, fragrances, clothing dyes, detergents can cause skin irritation, dryness and rashes. This might sound like a worry, but there many things you can do to protect your baby from skin problems.

In the first month, as the immune system is still developing, don’t use baby products. Anyone with a family history of allergies or asthma should pay close attention to protecting babys new immune system and skin.

Always wash your baby’s new clothing before it’s worn. Use baby only laundry detergents that are completely fragrance and dye-free. Wash clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the regular family laundry and always give everything an extra rinse.

Resist the urge to bathe your baby frequently. Frequent bathing removes the natural oils that protect baby’s skin. Except for drool and diaper changes, newborns don’t get very dirty, so for the first month or so, a sponge bath two or three times a week will keep your baby safely clean. In between, simply clean baby’s mouth and diaper area with a little warm water and cleanser.

When baby has an allergic reaction, the result can be a rash. Rashes under the diaper may be eczema and not a diaper rash. An allergy to dyes in the diapers themselves can cause this reaction so changing to dye-free diapers may be all that’s needed to prevent future outbreaks. If it doesn’t go away then reduce bathing to once a week, change your baby’s skin products and make sure baby wears only soft clothing.

Most often, diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. The rash can also develop when baby’s skin is not properly dried after a bath. Sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash, especially for babies who are taking antibiotics.

Most instances of diaper rash don’t require medical care. To treat diaper rash and prevent further newborn skin problems:

1. You must always check diapers frequently.

2. Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.

3. Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or just plain water. If the rash is especially severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.

4. Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. The scent or alcohol in wipes can irritate and dry baby’s skin.

5. Pat baby dry instead of rubbing and let the diaper area air-dry completely before putting on a new diaper.

6. Apply a layer of as Vaseline or other protective ointment like Desitin or A&D.

7. Avoid the use of baby powder. Corn starch-based powders allow yeast growth and talcum powder can cause lung problems if breathed-in.

Giving your newborn a massage is important one-on-one time that conveys your love to your newborn. Research shows that a baby’s very survival depends on being touched by others — as touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less which is another big benefit.

There’s no special technique to massaging a baby. Find a carpeted floor in a warm room. Simply lay baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hand. Then gently massage baby’s chest and tummy — using a gentle yet firm touch. Try to make eye contact and talk to your baby. Sing softly.