Aveeno Skin Relief Healing Ointment
Thicker than a cream, this product is a good choice for chapped skin, especially in those cold winter months. For maximum protection , parents can massage the ointment in right after a bath. Valerie Callender, M.D., medical director of the Callender Dermatology & Cosmetics Center in Glenn Dale, Maryland recommends using Aveeno Skin Relief to protect against the irritation that can result from a pacifier or messy meals.
Apply to your baby’s face as a barrier before they eat or nap, the times when drool is most likely to pool.
To buy! Aveeno Skin Relief Healing Ointment, $10
How To Care For My Newborns Skin
Dry skin in newborn babies can be caused by their new skin being exposed to dry room air. Newborn dry skin is actually quite normal and not uncomfortable to the baby. If you feel the need to use a lotion on your baby, try to pick a very mild lotion that is free of fragrance or dyes. Some pediatricians even advise using plain petroleum jelly on your baby.
When you notice that your newborn baby has cracked skin, you may need to consider using some type of moisturizer at this point. Most often, pediatricians will suggest something natural such as olive oil. It is also recommended to limit soap use. Soap is very drying to babys skin.
Follow these tips using the less is more theory to help keep babys skin healthy and prevent skin allergies or development of a rash:
1. Do Not Bathe Your Newborn Frequently
If you bathe your baby too often , it can take off babys natural skin moisturizers that are there to keep your babys skin healthy and supple. Taking these oils off can open up your baby to skin reactions such as eczema.
Newborn babies dont get dirty with the exception of dirty diapers and saliva. They dont get sweaty or play in the dirt yet. Just give your baby a light sponge bath at first and wash the diaper area. Babies with dark skin should only be bathed once weekly because they have a bigger tendency to have dry skin.
2. Avoid Baby Products in the First Few Months
3. Wash Any New Clothing Before Baby Wears It
Baby Skin Care Products
As you set up the baby’s nursery — or the corner bedroom at grandparents’ house — assemble these newborn skin care products:
- Baby soaps, washes/cleansers, and shampoos: Cleansers and washes are mild and safe for newborns. But use baby soaps sparingly, as they can dry newborn skin.
- Baby lotion: Helps moisturize newborn skin. Use sparingly on tiny newborns.
- Petroleum jelly: Can be used to treat diaper rash. It provides baby’s skin with a protective barrier against moist diapers. You may be asked to apply it to the healing circumcision site.
- Diaper rash ointment: Provides baby’s skin with a barrier to moisture — protecting newborn skin so wet diapers don’t irritate.
- Baby oil: This classic is best used as massage oil for newborn skin, not as a moisturizer. Newborn skin does not absorb it well.
- Baby laundry detergent: Look for baby detergents that are free of perfumes and dye. Regular detergents are too harsh for newborn skin. The same applies when choosing dryer sheets.
- Baby powder: If using baby powder, try to find powders that are talc free and take care to keep it away from baby’s face and genitalia. The talc or cornstarch in the powder can cause breathing problems. Use sparingly.
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When To Consult A Pediatrician
You may notice that your baby has red skin with flaking and is itchy, it may be eczema and need to be seen by your pediatrician. The symptoms of eczema include red bumps, redness and peeling skin that itches. You may notice these areas on the arms, face and back of the knees. The doctor may suggest a medical treatment and offer some home remedies such as moist compresses to alleviate any discomfort.
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Baby Skin Care: Diaper Rash
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. Babies taking antibiotics are especially susceptible to a yeast infection diaper rash because the drugs allow fungal growth.
Most forms of diaper rash don’t require medical care. To treat diaper rash — and prevent further newborn skin problems:
- Check diapers frequently.
- Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.
- Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water. If the rash is severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.
- Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. The perfume or alcohol in some wipes can further irritate and dry baby’s skin.
- Pat baby dry. Don’t rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a protective ointment such as Desitin, A& D or Boudreaux’s.
- Avoid using using baby powder.
See your pediatrician if the rash doesn’t clear up in two to three days. If the rash is caused by eczema, a bacterial or yeast infection, or other condition, you may need a prescription treatment.
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Clean And Clear Special Circumstances
When youre bathing your baby two or three times a week, skin hygiene is critical:
- Stool can quickly irritate the skin, so change your babys diapers frequently, and wipe thoroughly using a front-to-back motion for female babies.
- While bathing a circumcised male baby, shake the water slightly so it runs over the penis. Do the same for an uncircumcised male, but gently retract the foreskin first you wont be able to pull it back very far, so dont force it or worry youre not being thorough.
- If your baby has cradle cap, a scalp condition that causes scaly patches to appear on the skin, you can wash the affected area with an anti-dandruff shampoo or gently rub it with a soft brush and baby oil. Use a gentle, circular motion to pull up the skin flakes rubbing too hard can pull out hair and the underlying layers of skin.
Use the same brushing method for skin rashes, such as eczema or diaper dermatitis. Harsh soaps can cause rash flare-ups, which is another reason to use mild, chemical-free soaps and bathe your baby less often. After cleaning the affected areas, apply a thick layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to moisturize the skin and protect it from further irritation. Use more than you think you need most new parents dont use enough.
Best Natural Baby Lotion
Price: $$$This simple cream is formulated without common allergens and irritants like fragrance or harsh chemicals, and is entirely plant-based .What this cream does contain is glycerin, a naturally derived humectant that is helpful in relieving dry, itchy skin as well as helping heal scratches and scrapes. Allantoin is another key ingredient that helps smooth skin and keeps it moisturized, notes Papri Sarkar, MD, a dermatologist in Boston, Massachusetts.
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How Should I Use Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%
- Use Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the treatment that is right for you. Do not change your treatment unless you talk to your healthcare provider.
- Use Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% in two treatments that are one week apart. Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% gets rid of lice but does not get rid of lice eggs so a second treatment is needed one week after the first treatment.
- Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% coats the lice on your scalp and scalp hair. It is important to use enough Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% to coat completely every single louse and to leave it on your scalp for the full 10 minutes. See the detailed Patient Instructions for Use at the end of this leaflet.
- Because you need to completely cover all of the lice with Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%, you may need help in applying Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% to your scalp and hair. Make sure that you and anyone who helps you apply Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% reads and understands this leaflet and the Patient Instructions for Use.
- Children need adult help in applying Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%.
- Do not get into eyes. If Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% gets in the eye, flush with water right away.
- Do not swallow Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%. If swallowed, call your healthcare provider right away.
- Wash your hands after you apply Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5%.
Babytime Soothing Cream By Episencial
If you’re looking for an all-natural moisturizer, Babytime Soothing Cream features ingredients that would be just as at home in the kitchen: chamomile, shea butter, safflower, avocado, and jojoba oils. Antioxidants and probiotics help to settle easily inflamed infant skin. Infused essential oils make this a nice choice for postbath pampering.
To buy! Babytime! Soothing Cream by Episencial, $12
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Using Lotion On Newborns
Using a moisturizing lotion on your newborn is okay and safe to use in place of baby oil unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician. Do keep in mind the type of lotion that youre using. Use a lotion that has been formulated with a baby’s sensitive nature in mind. You cant just be using mommys skin care and dab it on your little one – you need to find a lotion for baby skin. Even if the products youre using work for you, are for delicate skin, have been dermatologically tested and are non-comedogenic, this doesn’t mean you can freely use it on your newborn. Some adult skincare products have strong components or anti-aging properties like retinol, actives or acids that can seriously irritate and sensitize a babys already sensitive skin. Vitamin C, a common adult skincare ingredient for instance, safe as it sounds, can sensitize the skin to sunlight causing hyperpigmentation, potential sun damage among other things we would rather just not expose our children to.
Keep Your Little One’s Skin Soft And Smooth
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Finding the perfect baby lotion for your little one can be an uphill battle. Are you looking for a simple one that will provide daily moisturization? Or does your baby suffer from drier, possibly eczema-prone skin? The right lotion will provide long-lasting moisturization and help treat and prevent many skin concerns that your baby may face.
To help you find the best one for your baby’s needs, here are the best baby lotions on the market.
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What Qualifies As A Natural Baby Lotion
Theres no federal regulation over what is or isnt considered natural when it comes to skin care. This, Sarkar explains, is because most over-the-counter skin care products are considered cosmetics.
Any brand can use the term natural if they feel there is one ingredient in their recipe that is naturally derived, Sarkar says.
The best way to navigate the seemingly endless baby lotion options on the market is to seek out brands that keep things simple and that avoid harsh ingredients that may irritate infant skin.
There are also organizations like the Environmental Working Group and the International Natural and Organic Cosmetics Association, which do a lot of the work for you when it comes to researching ingredients lists.
When creating this list, we relied heavily on the advice of board certified dermatologists to ensure that we were selecting lotions containing the most beneficial and non-harmful ingredients. We also considered EWG ratings as well as customer reviews.
The 5 Best Lotions For Baby
For babies with chronically dry skin, these top-rated lotions may help:
1. Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion
Aveeno offers the perfect blend of soothing ingredients that wont clog pores or dry out skin. The fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula is gentle enough for daily use and contains natural colloidal oatmeal to naturally hydrate even the driest of skin. The formula absorbs quickly and moisturizes for a full 24 hours.
2. CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion
Developed by pediatric dermatologists, CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion is a healthy way to care for your little ones sensitive skin. Each bottle is formulated with three essential ceramides and is free of phthalates and parabens. Apply the lotion as needed to relief chapped, chafed, or cracked skin.
3. Pigeon Baby Milky Lotion
Baby Milky Lotion by Pigeon is exclusively designed to protect against skin irritation caused by dryness. The unique formula deeply nourishes and moisturizes skin, keeping it feeling soft all day. Many parents choose this brand as its hypoallergenic, pH balanced for babys sensitive skin, and enriched with natural Sakura extract to help hydrate dry, rough skin.
4. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
5. Babytime! Soothing Cream by Episencial
While most newborns can do without lotion, those with particularly dry skin may benefit from the occasional application of an unscented baby lotion. Use your best judgement to decide if your babys skin needs extra moisture.
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Our #1 Baby Lotion Tubby Todd
Tubby Todd has been the best baby lotion for our little ones. Tubby Todd was created by a mom whose child suffered from eczema and so she created her own lotion to clear up eczema. My daughter also had eczema and nothing was helping. In just two weeks of using Tubby Todd lotion, the eczema was completely gone. Not only that but Tubby Todd uses all-natural ingredients that are free of toxins, parabens, sulfates, and BPA. So you know they are safe for your babys sweet skin.
Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% Patient Information
Read the Patient Information that comes with Benzyl Alcohol Lotion 5% before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
Note: For use on scalp hair and scalp only
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When To See A Doctor
Usually, there is no need to seek medical advice. Peeling and dry skin happens to most new babies and will stop once the new layer of skin is exposed. Still, there are a few signs to look out for.
If you spot any of the symptoms below, contact your pediatrician.
- Sudden redness, which doesnt go away.
- Cracked skin .
- Persistent dry patches.