How To Care For Newborn Skin

Time To Show Some Extra Love To Your Babys Skin

Baby Skin Care – Easy Tips for Keeping Your Baby’s Skin Healthy

Handle your newborns skin with a lot of love. In addition to the tips mentioned above, make sure the new outfits of your little munchkin are clean and washed and you make them wear loose clothes to prevent prickly heat rashes. Refrain from using baby powders which may result in respiratory distress and chemical detergents or chemical-laden baby products that are often known to lead to allergic reactions.

Your baby deserves every bit of pampering you can offer and a soothing massage with your own hands is not just good for the babys skin, but it also fosters a healthy bond between the two of you. Go ahead and do your best to gift smooth and happy skin to the apple of your eye!

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An Important Note On Newborn Skincare For Nurses

Strategies to protect the skin should be used and regular assessments must be performed to detect risks and early signs of skin breakdown. This will help to prevent injury to the vulnerable newborns skin.

References

Blume-Peytavi, U., Hauser, M., Stamatas, G.N., Pathirana, D. & Garcia Bartels, N. . Skincare practices for newborns and infants: Review of clinical evidence for best practice. Pediatric Dermatology, 29, 1-14.

Kain, V. & Mannix, T. . Neonatal Nursing in Australia and New Zealand, 1st Edition. Australia: Elsevier.

Patane, I. . Skin and Wound Care. In E. Forster & J. Fraser. Paediatric Nursing Skills for Australian Nurses. Port Melbourne: Cambridge.

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As Soon As The Baby Is Born

The baby is covered with a protective layer called Vernix Caseosa. This is a layer that has moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties. This should not be wiped off completely.

If the baby is covered by faeces or blood, it is gently wiped by a wet cloth and is dried completely using a dry cloth. This step is usually done by the neonatologist attending the delivery.

The baby is then swaddled using a dry cloth and is handed to the mother.

How To Give Your Baby Skin

Skin

All humans need touch, but babies need it most. Babies wish to be held in close contactskin to skinwith their mothers. Dads can and should engage in the practice too.

Skin-to-skin care provides a host of benefits for babies well beyond a newborns first days. It improves heart and lung function, stabilizes a babys body temperature and blood sugar levels, transfers good bacteria, and helps relieve any pain from clinical procedures. It also enhances parent-baby communication, boosts parent-child bonding, reduces crying, helps a mom and baby initiate breastfeeding, and calms a hungry or weary child.

Here are ways to give skin-to-skin care immediately after birth and beyond.

Hold your baby right after birth. The first hour after birth provides a wonderful opportunity to begin skin-to-skin care. If a mother cant provide skin-to-skin care right awayfor example, after a cesarean deliverythe babys father can do so.

Room-in with your baby. Rooming-inhaving the baby stay in the mothers room throughout the hospital stayis becoming typical practice across the United States. Rooming-in ensures that youll have many opportunities to hold your newborn baby in your arms and skin to skin.

Comfort your baby during feedings. If your baby is showing signs of distress during feeding times, skin-to-skin care can help her feel more comfortable, reinforcing her sense of security and aiding her transition to suckling.

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How To Bathe A Newborn Baby

Your baby may have their first official bath in the hospital. But regardless of whether or not they were bathed following delivery, plan to give your newborn baby a sponge bath shortly after you bring them home.

To do this, dip a cloth or sponge in warm water and gently wash your babys head, body, and diaper area. A sponge bath is the safest option until your babys umbilical cord falls off on its own.

After the umbilical cord falls off, you can give your baby a bath in an infant tub.

Keeping Your Newborn Healthy

  • 1Give your baby tummy time every day. Since your baby spends so much of its time on its back, its important to also give your baby time to stay on his tummy so that he develops both mentally and physically and strengthens his arms, head, and neck. Some doctors say babies should get 15-20 minutes of tummy time a day, while others say that you should just place your baby on his tummy for 5 minutes during different parts of the day as he develops.
  • You can start with tummy time as soon as a week after the baby is born, once the umbilical cord falls off.
  • To make tummy time fun, get level with your baby. Make eye contact, tickle your baby, and play around.
  • Tummy time is hard work, and some babies will be resistant to it. Dont be surprised or give in if this happens.
  • 2Care for your newborns umbilical cord stump. Your babys umbilical cord stump should fall off within the first two weeks after theyre born. It will change in color from a yellowish green to brown and black as it dries and falls off on its own. Its important to care for it properly before it falls off to avoid infection. Heres what you should do:XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the worlds leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Keep it clean. Clean it with plain water and dry it with a clean and absorbent cloth. Make sure to wash your hands before you handle it. Stick to giving your baby sponge baths until it falls off.
  • Your baby also may just need to be burped.
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    How To Feed A Newborn

    For the first two to four days of life, newborns who are breastfeeding will need to be fed every two to three hours, or on demand.

    It might not seem like your baby is eating much as your milk supply comes in, but the colostrum you produce immediately following delivery is all they need at this stage.

    Transitional milk will replace your milk for the next two weeks, then your mature milk supply will come in.

    After the first few days, formula-fed newborns need 2 to 3 ounces of formula per feeding. Theyll need to be fed every three or four hours for the first few weeks.

    During the first two weeks of life, if your newborn sleeps longer than four or five hours at a time, you may need to wake them up to eat.

    At about 1 month old, both formula- and breastfed babies will need up to 4 ounces per feeding. At this point, formula-fed babies will be on a more predictable schedule, eating about every four hours. Some breastfed babies will eat every four hours, too, but some will still feed more often than this.

    How To Play With A Newborn

    Newborn Care Skin-To-Skin TIPS

    It might not seem like your newborn wants to do much other than sleep and eat for the first months of life. But rest assured your little ones brain is developing rapidly.

    A newborn will recognize their parents voices in their first days of life. Talk and read to them often. They also love to see faces.

    In the first few months, you can introduce them to the following:

    Your newborn wont remember you playing with them, but theyre learning important skills during this time, like interacting with you and the world around them.

    If youre concerned about your babys development, talk to their pediatrician.

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    Avoiding Skin Problems At Bath Time

    Remember, newborn skin is soft and sensitive. Keep your baby’s skin hydrated by bathing them in warm water for only 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid letting your baby sit or play or soak for long in soapy water. Apply a baby lotion or moisturizer immediately after the bath while their skin is still wet, and then pat dry instead of rubbing. If you are bathing your newborn, use a sponge bath if the cord has not yet fallen off.

    Back To Basics: Caring For The Newborn’s Skin

    Jump to: Choose article section… Special considerations General guidelines for newborn skin care TABLE 1 Bathing the baby TABLE 2 Treating diaper dermatitis Common skin conditions TABLE 3 Common neonatal skin findings that require no intervention Help parents keep their cool GUIDE FOR PARENTS How to care for your newborn’s skin Bathing the baby

    Parents look to pediatricians for advice on bathing their newborn and avoiding diaper rash. Discolorations and lesions are another concern. This review also updates the best way to care for the umbilical cord and addresses special skin-care considerations in premature infants.

    At birth, the infant emerges from an aqueous environment to a dry one. The term neonate’s natural covering, the vernix, is wiped off or shed, and as the skin evolves it protects the individual from water loss, trauma, absorption of toxins, and infection. The skin also helps to regulate the infant’s temperature in a world that is generally much colder than what it was used to in the uterus. Finally, the skin must contribute to neurosensory perception and immunologic surveillance. How can we best care for this vital organ in the first months of life? How does the skin of a premature infant differ from that of a term infant? How should we advise parents on the care of the umbilical cord? What common skin problems should parents be aware of? In answering these questions, we need to keep in mind that there are many ways to skin a baby.

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    When It Comes To Products Keep It Simple

    You dont need many products to provide care for your babys skin. In general, less is often better. Many conditions that affect your babys skin, including patches of dry skin, will typically clear without the use of lotions or creams.

    If you do need to use a product, follow the advice of your babys doctor. In general, you should avoid products that contain:

    Some products you may want to have on hand to care for your babys skin include:

    • baby shampoo and soap that have gentle cleansers
    • baby wipes that are fragrance- and dye-free

    Your babys skin is prone to getting rashes however, a lot of common rashes, patches, and spots may not need treatment. These include:

    If the rash doesnt go away on its own after a few days, or if your baby is in obvious discomfort or has a temperature of 100°F or higher, you should take them to see their doctor.

    Do your best to identify any triggers that may have caused the rash, but keep in mind that rashes are common and a normal part of childhood.

    How To Give Your Newborn A Tub Bath

    Some Babies have dry skin problems. here are some of the Home #Remedies ...

    Once your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off and after a boy’s circumcision has healed, you can give your baby a tub bath. This can be a pleasurable experience for you and your baby. However, some babies may not like to be bathed, especially the first few times. Talk softly or sing and try some bath toys if your baby protests.

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    Proper Bathing And Skin Care For Your Newborn

    A newborn’s skin is soft and delicate. Proper skin care and bathing can help maintain the health and texture of the baby’s skin while providing a pleasant experience for both of you.

    Contrary to popular thought, most babies don’t need a bath every single day. With all the diaper changes and wiping of the mouth and nose after feedings, most babies may only need to be bathed 2 or 3 times a week or every other day.

    Baths can be given any time of day. Bathing before a feeding often works well. Many parents prefer to bathe their baby in the evening, as part of the bedtime ritual. This works well especially if bath time is relaxing and soothing for the baby.

    Sponge baths are needed at first. To prevent infection, bathing in a tub of water should not be done until the baby’s umbilical cord falls off, and a baby boy’s circumcision heals.

    Instincts In New Babies

    Babies are born knowing how to suck. During the first few days they learn to co-ordinate their sucking with their breathing during feeding.

    Newborn babies also automatically turn towards a nipple or teat if it’s brushed against their cheek, and they’ll open their mouths if their upper lip is stroked.

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    Gentle And Proper Care Of Baby Skin

    “As soft as a baby’s bottom” that is a commonly used comparison. And it’s true, your baby’s skin is extremely delicate, which is why it is also so sensitive. Whilst in the womb your child was protected from external influences, yet after birth the skin has to learn how to cope with the cold, pressure and friction. This process can take some time. When dressing, applying cream and washing, you should therefore treat your baby’s skin with care.

    Follow A Proper Bathing Routine

    How to Take Care of Newborn Skin | Infant Care

    A newborn babys skin is soft and delicate, so when it comes to your babys skin, try not to over-bathe. A newborn doesnt need a bath every day because babies dont get dirty enough to need daily baths. Plus, frequent bathing may dry out the skin and strip the natural oils that act as a barrier against infections and other irritants, explains Dr Kathwate. Thats why bathing the little one twice or thrice a week is okay.

    Bathe your baby with lukewarm water, instead of hot. Also, dont forget to clean the diaper area from time to time.

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    Research Results: Moms Benefits

    When mom and baby are together, hormones that regulate lactation balance out, helping mom to produce more milk and breastfeed more successfully. Newborns heightened sense of smell helps them seek out the nipple and begin breastfeeding more quickly when placed skin-to-skin. One study showed that moms who practiced kangaroo care were more likely to breastfeed exclusively and for longer periods. And moms who were having breastfeeding difficulties saw improvements almost immediately when they started skin-to-skin care one to two times a day for about an hour each time.

    When you are holding your baby skin-to-skin, your oxytocin levels increase, which reduces your blood pressure and lowers stress levels. Increased oxytocin also helps restore pre-pregnancy hormone levels, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.

    How To Change Babys Diaper

    To change your newborns diaper, make sure you have all supplies on hand. Then, follow these steps:

  • Lay baby down on a changing table or flat surface. Use safety straps if its a high surface.
  • Remove your babys clothing. Untape the soiled diaper but dont remove it. Instead, fold the front of the diaper down so you can access babys diaper area.
  • Clean the diaper area with a wet wipe or damp wash cloth, wiping front to back and in skin folds.
  • Gently lift up babys legs, slide out the soiled diaper, and replace with a clean one. The tape side will be underneath.
  • Apply diaper cream or lotion if needed.
  • Dispose of the old diaper, get baby dressed, and wash your hands.
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    Theres Such A Thing As Too Clean

    If youre a first-time parent, you may be tempted to wash your little one once a day or after every meal or spill. The truth is, babies dont need frequent baths or even daily baths in their first year.

    For many babies, three baths per week is just fine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If you bathe them much more often, you may dry out their skin.

    When you do give your baby a bath, you should follow some of these general tips:

    • Keep the water warm but not hot so your baby doesnt get cold.
    • Use only water on their face area, not soap.
    • When washing their body, use only a small amount of soap that doesnt contain dyes or perfumes.
    • Gently clean your babys scalp with a soft brush and a small amount of soap or mild soap-free cleanser.

    What Types Of Skin Care Products Are Safe For Babies

    Skin

    When youre shopping for skin care products for your infant, make a beeline for the baby section as lotions, shampoos and soaps that are made especially for newborns are generally the gentlest.

    Other good choices include those that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and phthalate- and paraben-free. Skip powders, however, unless your doctor recommends one for your babys skin.What type of baby rashes should you look out for?

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    When To Call The Pediatrician

    Most baby skin rashes and problems aren’t serious, but a few may be signs of infection — and need close attention. If your baby’s skin has small, red-purplish dots, if there are yellow fluid-filled bumps, or if your baby has a fever or seems drowsy and sluggish, see your pediatrician right away.

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