Proper Bathing And Skin Care For Your Newborn
A newborns skin is soft and delicate. Proper skin care and bathing can help maintain the health and texture of the babys skin while providing a pleasant experience for both of you.
Contrary to popular thought, most babies dont 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 babys umbilical cord falls off, and a baby boys circumcision heals.
Can You Use Lotion On A Newborn
A newborns skin is still developing and may not be able to tolerate lotion as well as older children or adults. According to WebMD, it is best to use a lotion that is fragrance-free. Typically, the fewer ingredients in anything you put on your baby, the better.
When using lotion on your baby, pay extra attention to areas that tend to get extra dry. These are usually the hands and feet.
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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When Should I Use Baby Lotion
Your baby is unlikely to need any extra moisturisation for the first few weeks of life, after which you can use lotion whenever your little ones skin needs some TLC, as well as after bathing, swimming, exposure to the sun and spending time in dry or cold air either inside or outside the home. Introduce creams and moisturisers to your baby sparingly and ensure that you have clean hands when applying.
If your baby has eczema or another skin condition that isnt improving or appears to be painful, you should consult a doctor.
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Babytime Soothing Cream By Episencial
As a mom or someone who really loves and cares about the baby dry and flaky skin is hard to stomach. However, many doctors are against lotions and oils, the Babytime! Soothing Cream by Episencial is one of the many lotions that are natural as well as scent-free. Its packed in a cream formula that has calming caledula as well as raspberry butter. These two key ingredients are best for restoring lost moisture. The formula is also helpful in treating baby eczema, cradle cap, diaper rash, dermatitis as well as baby acne.
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Minute Old Newborn Baby Boy
34. A baby boy is a little miracle that you would like to share, an angel that you always handle with care. Unknown . 35. Of all things that I held, my baby boy is the most beautiful and precious. Unknown . 36. The child who knows unconditional love has the greatest gift the world can offer. David Scott . 37.
Safety Measures To Take While Applying Lotion
Here are some safety tips to follow while applying lotion on your newborn:
- Choose a mild lotion, free of harmful chemicals.
- Clean your hands thoroughly before applying lotion on your babys body.
- Make sure you do not have sharp nails, as you could scratch the babys skin when you apply the lotion.
- Avoid using several baby products as this can harm the newborns skin.
- Wash new clothes before the baby wears them to reduce the risk of skin irritations or allergies.
- Do not bathe your baby more than thrice a week, as it strips the babys skin of natural moisture.
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Tips When Applying Lotion On Newborn
Some tips can prove to be quite helpful when you decide to start applying lotion to your newborn. These tips, if remembered, can prevent different kinds of rashes from developing on your newborns skin.
- When choosing a lotion for your baby, dont just apply any lotion. Choose a lotion specifically made for babies as it consists of soothing ingredients keeping in mind the delicate skin of newborns.
- Just because a lotion smells nice doesnt mean you should apply it to your newborns skin. Avoid using any scented lotions and stick to baby lotion.
- Clean your hands thoroughly before applying lotion.
- Make sure you have patted dry your newborn from everywhere. You might want to get in the folds to avoid any wet spots.
- Make sure your nails are trimmed as they can easily scratch your newborns delicate skin.
- You dont have to use different skincare products on your newborn, and going overboard can harm your babys delicate skin. Dont use baby powder on them yet, and wait till they turn a couple of months old to start using other baby skin care products.
- Make sure youve washed the clothes before your newborn wears them. Many people prefer using old clothes of other older children in their family to avoid skin irritation or allergies.
Is Lotion Necessary For Newborn
Skin care for your newborn Products for adults may be too harsh for a baby and may contain irritants or allergens. Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby’s skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby’s healthcare provider…. see details
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The Best Baby Face Creams And Moisturisers For Your Little Ones Skin
Your newborn babys skin is delicate and sensitive, and its best not to use any lotions or creams on your baby for the first few weeks.
But once your baby is a little older, introducing a gentle moisturiser into your babys bathtime routine can not only protect and soothe their skin but can also be a relaxing part of the day for you both. You could even try to massage your baby while youre using the lotion.
A babys skin is much thinner and more sensitive than adults, losing moisture more quickly, which can result in itching, rashes, cracking, and flaking. A good, sensitive moisturiser specifically designed for use on baby skin will help soothe any skin irritation. Always remember to read the label and choose products designed for your babys age range.
If youre looking to use a baby face cream or moisturiser, here are some of the best on the market available to buy today.
Baby Skin Care Products
As you set up the babys 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 babys skin with a protective barrier against moist diapers. You may be asked to apply it to the healing circumcision site.
- Diaper rash ointment: Provides babys skin with a barrier to moisture protecting newborn skin so wet diapers dont 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 babys face and genitalia. The talc or cornstarch in the powder can cause breathing problems. Use sparingly.
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Best Baby Lotion For Sensitive Skin
Price: $$This formula from Mustela is headlined by plant-derived ingredients, such as jojoba oil, sunflower oil, vitamins E and F, sweet almond oil, shea butter, avocado perseose and glycerin. Because its also free of potential skin irritants it leaves skin hydrated and smooth without risking redness or rash.
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Lets Hear It From The Experts
According to Sandy L. Chung, your newborns skin is extremely sensitive. So, it is important that you avoid harsh chemicals at least for a few weeks. These scented lotions and oils can cause rashes, and allergic reactions claim the expert. Similarly, you should also avoid powders as it can cause respiratory distress. However, many parents still want their newborns to smell nice, for that take the lotion or oil in your palm, rub it gently to warm it up and then apply to your babys skin, do so very frugally.
According to Susan Scott Ricci, Terri Kyle Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, you should always bathe and apply an unscented lotion of needed and avoid putting lotion on your babys head.
As per Pual Pettit, lotions are a big no as they block your babys sweat glands, and babies dont require lotion anyway.
So, its pretty apparent from the accounts of experts that lotions and scented oils are a big no, they dont do any good. In fact, they may even harm the baby. If you do feel that your babys skin is dehydrated even after 2 or 3 weeks of birth, consult a doctor.
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Do Baby Lotions Clog Facial Pores
Whiteheads or blackheads are called comedones. Many people look for non-comedogenic lotions that do not clog pores. Everyone has a different skin type, so comedogenicity tests are not accurate.
It would be best to check the lotions properties to determine if the product will clog pores. Thicker lotions and more oils added to the lotion result in clogging the pores.
Inconsistency, baby lotions are lighter however, they are not non-comedogenic labeled. Instead, many baby lotions are made with ingredients that are more likely to clog the pores.
Hence, before you put a baby lotion n your face, it is advisable to check the ingredients. Alcohol, fatty acids, and lanolin are some of the ingredients that clog pores.
How To Protect Your Babys Skin From Bug Bites
A mosquito or two might decide your sweet babys skin is delicious, so keep in mind that the same type of clothing that protects newborn skin from the sun will protect it from bugs. And its safe to use DEET-based insect repellents on babies over 2 months old. The AAP recommends sticking to ones that contain no more than 30 percent DEET.
Spray the repellent on your hands and then rub it onto exposed skin and clothing, avoiding the mouth and eyes and wash it off when you get back inside. But skip DEET and sunscreen combinations as the sun protection isnt as strong in these products and reapplications of it can expose your baby to too much DEET.
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When Can You Put Lotion On A Newborn Baby
As I have mentioned earlier, there is an organic milky substance, which covers the newborn babys skin. This waxy layer of protection mainly covers the little lifes skin in the womb from the amniotic fluid.
After the baby is born, in the first few weeks, this very layer starts to peel off, and the flaky, dry baby skin appears. The skin, which lies below the layer, has enough moisturizer and does not need extra moisturization.
If the baby seems to have very dry skin, specifically around the elbows, ankles, and hands, you can think of putting lotion on the newborn. Olive oil, petroleum jelly, or Vitamin A-D cream is safe to use in order to help the appearance of the skin when the vernix is peeling off.
In case you are planning to go with store-bought lotion or moisturizer, take advice from your pediatrician or go with a fragrant-free mild one.
When Can You Start Applying Lotion To Your Baby
A newborn baby does not need any lotion to moisturize their skin at least for the first month of birth, but if you really feel that the skin is too dry or flaky, then consult your babys doctor for using a specially formulated lotion for newborns. Olive oil is best for your baby at least for the first few months after birth.
Here are a few points to keep in mind if you are a first-time parent:
- Before using any product, consult with the doctor.
- Newborn babies need to bathe three days a week.
- Clean the crease areas of the babys body like the armpits, toes, genitals, neck, and behind the ears.
- Always check the ingredients and the expiry date of baby creams, lotions, and other products.
- Dress your little one in soft cotton fabric that is breathable.
- Apply a gentle cream or lotion after the bath.
- Change diapers often and keep the area clean to avoid the chances of rashes.
Now that you know the difference between baby cream and lotion, choose what suits your baby the best. Enjoy a nice, moisturizing baby massage with your little one and keep their skin moisturized.
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Q3 Can You Put Lotion On A Babys Face
Many parents ask me when to use baby lotion on newborn face. As I have mentioned earlier, once the vernix layer starts to peel off, you can apply lotion. Though the beneath layer has natural moisture, due to the reasons I have mentioned above, your newborns delicate skin can lose its natural moisture. You can choose your pediatricians recommended gentle and mild lotions, which is a hypoallergenic moisturizer for your babys face as well.
What Type Of Baby Rashes Should You Look Out For
Your babys soft skin will sometimes spot rashes or bumps many of which are normal and treatable. Here are some of the more common baby rashes:
- Diaper rash. If his tush is sore and angry-looking, its likely diaper rash. Keep his bottom as clean and dry as you can and expose his bare skin between changes.
- Cradle cap. These crusty yellowish patches and flaking are caused by overactive glands after birth. Loosen cradle cap with mineral oil and wash away flakes with shampoo.
- Infant acne. Tiny red bumps appear due to your lingering hormones in your babys bloodstream. To treat baby acne, skip scrubbing and soap and just wash gently with plain water.
- Milia. These common little white bumps may show up on your babys nose, chin or cheeks, but they dont require any treatment. Theyll disappear in a matter of weeks.
- Heat rash. You might notice reddish spots and a rash on your infants face, neck and torso when its hot out. A cool bath is the best treatment .
- Infant eczema. This itchy and uncomfortable rash is typically dry and flaky. A gentle lotion on damp skin can help baby eczema, as can a cool mist humidifier.
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Newborn Babys Skin Needs Lotion
We all are aware of how delicate, and soft newborns skins are. But as they have extremely soft skin, that does not mean they are not susceptible to dry skin. A very organic compound named vernix caseosa is one of the reasons behind soft baby skin.
Vernix is a white, milky substance, which is covering the baby when she is firstborn. We all have seen it. While facilitating postnatal hydration, vernix coats the skin and plays the role of a barrier, helping your little angel with all-over accumulation along with retention of moisture.
This truly amazing, organic, natural moisturizer effectively keeps the soft feeling of your babys skin. But it does not last forever. Your baby will still encounter dry skin with or without vernix. In addition to that, your little boo also can experience several skin issues, rashes, baby acne, or eczema if not taken proper care of.
The Best Soothing Baby Lotions For Babys Skin According To Dermatologists
There is no shortage of skin care products available on the market for babies and, naturally, Mom gets nervous wondering which products are gentle enough to use on her infants delicate skin. Weve consulted with experts to get their opinions on hydrating products that moms should have handy but dont worry, theres no need to break the bank buying lotions for your little one. You dont need to spend a fortune to moisturize your baby, assures Dr. Melanie A. Warycha, MD, FAAD. Most of these products can be purchased at the drugstore. One key thing to avoid, she cautions, are scented creams. It is possible for your baby to be irritated or even allergic to fragrances, so look for unscented products. Keeping babys skin moisturized is most important adds Jeanette M. Black, M.D.Applying moisturizer regularly after bathing is a great way to maintain moisture in a babys skin and prevent skin from drying out. Hydrated skin is healthy skin and prevention can go a long way to avoid rashes and discomfort. Check out our dermatologist recommended roundup of the best softening moisturizers to keep your babys skin silky smooth.
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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