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
Does Breastmilk Help Dry Skin
Breast milk is said to help soothe the dryness of your babys skin. If there are specific areas, you can soak a cotton ball in breast milk and apply it to the affected area. Parents also bathe their baby in breast milk if they have a severe skin condition such as rashes, eczema, an itch of bug bites, etc.
Its not a medical treatment, but some parents see a difference in their babys skin condition as breast milk soothes them. If youre wondering about this sort of treatment, then talk with your pediatrician to clear any doubts. Otherwise, follow their form of treatment.
Babo Botanicals Calming Lotion
Babo Botanicals Calming Lotion gently comforts, calms and moisturizes sensitive and dry skin. This mild and pure plant-based formula contains a skin loving blend of active botanicals. Enriched with Lavender to relax, soothe and facilitate a more restful sleep and, Organic Meadowsweet and Shea Butter to soothe skin. This hypoallergenic lotion for â¦
Don’t Miss: Which Diapers Are Best For Newborns
Causes Of Dry Skin In Babies
The main culprit for dry, peeling skin is exposure to amniotic fluid. Your newborn spent months surrounded by this liquid. Typically, this affects overdue babies to a greater extent. However, it isnt until the outer skin develops that the fluid poses a threat.
Newborns that I have seen between the gestational ages of 40 to 42 weeks tend to have an excessive amount of skin peeling. By two weeks old, this peeling layer of skin sloughs off, resulting in smooth skin. Many parents ask me about using moisturizers to reduce peeling. I reassure them that moisturizers are unnecessary, and peeling skin is a normal process.
Editors Note:
Up until about 17 weeks of gestation, your babys skin was transparent, covered by tiny hairs, and adapted to the moist environment. But as the normal skin develops, a barrier called vernix caseosa forms to protect it from the various liquids.
What Are The Safety Measures To Follow While Applying Lotion
Here are some safety measures you should follow when applying lotion to your babys skin :
- Make sure there is no contact with the eyes. Babies tend to put their hands in their mouth and eyes, and if you have applied a generous coat of cream, it may cause a reaction.
- Apply lotion immediately after a bath to prevent dry, irritable skin.
- Dont use a moisturizer that contains food and plant products as they may disrupt the skin and cause irritation and allergic reactions.
- Dont dip your finger or a spoon to take out the cream from the bottle of lotion. This will contaminate the cream.
- Use flip-top or twist-up lotion tubes. Here, direct contact from the tube to the babys skin will lower the risk of contamination.
- Use a lotion for your babys skin more frequently and consult your doctor if there is persistent dryness.
Recommended Reading: How Much Milk Newborn Need
White Substance Keeps Newborns Skin Soft
Many parents dont know, but finding the right time to put lotion on their newborn baby is connected to their first bath at the hospital and removal of vernix.
Now that you know that vernix is beneficial to your babys skin, you should know how an early remover of this white substance can cause early dryness to appear.
This substance keeps your newborns skin smooth and soft for a week or two. But this only stays that way if you delay their first bath at the hospital after birth. You need to let your doctor and nurse know that you dont wish to bathe your baby after birth.
Its beneficial for the baby and not dirty. Request the nurse to remove the traces of blood and amniotic fluid with a cloth. Even if you delay the first bath for 24 to 48 hours, the vernix caseosa will have its benefits.
For the next two days after the birth, gently rub this substance into their skin so its absorbed, making your newborns skin soft.
But if the baby is born dirty, that means covered in their stool which sometimes happens, and then its vital for the newborn to bath as soon as possible, so they dont end up consuming it.
Does My Baby Really Need Baby Body Lotion
Moisturising your babys skin is as important as changing diapers or feeding them on time. Your babys skin will thank you later. As a newborn, your baby wouldnt really require a baby body lotion, but as they grow it is better to go for a caring, pediatrician-approved baby body lotion.
While you might be thinking, wouldnt my lotion be enough for the baby? Even though what you use works perfectly for you, it might not be safe to use on a newborn as their skin is delicate and sensitive than yours. We suggest using Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion, as it is specially made with prebiotic moisturiser to support baby skins natural health and offers long-lasting moisturisation.
Recommended Reading: How Long A Newborn Should Sleep
Secret Behind Newborns Soft Skin
Before your newborn arrives in this world, youve prepared for every possible scenario and stalked up on all the things you could need when theyre born. One such thing is baby products for your newborn, such as lotion.
You think you would be using all the items on your newborns first bath, such as baby soap, shampoo, and lotion. But what you dont realize is how your babys skin is already protected with a natural moisturizer known as vernix caseosa when theyre born. Also, how sensitive they are with the umbilical cord stump still intact.
Vernix caseosa is a protective layer on your babys skin and appears as a white cheese-like fluid on their body. Vernix has many benefits for your baby apart from keeping their skin soft and supple for the first week after birth.
Some of the other advantages include:
- Antimicrobial properties
- It helps in lubricating the baby out of the birth canal
- Moisturizing their skin
This white fluid substance makes your babys skin smoother and softer at birth and keeps it that way after birth. Its like a natural moisturizer that keeps them protected from dryness and cracking of the skin.
How To Care For Your Babys Skin In Cold Weather
Cold weather and indoor heat can conspire to dry out your babys skin, so take some extra precautions when the temperatures dip. Shorten his bath time, use a fragrance-free cleanser and then apply lotion or cream while his skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
If you notice rough patches on your infants lips or cheeks, apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer or baby ointment to soften. You can also use a cream or balm before you go outside to protect infant skin from cold air and wind. And using a humidifier during naps and at night is another way to fight dry winter skin.
Also Check: What Does Newborn Poop Look Like
Is It Necessary To Put Lotion On A Baby
According to Kaiser Pemanente, many newborns usually will not need to use a moisturizer. Newborns may have peeling skin but this is normal. If it seems like your baby suffers from dry skin or eczema, a moisturizer should be used.
How often should you lotion your baby?
Prevent contamination of your moisturiser by spooning creams out or using a pump pack. If your babys skin usually seems dry, you may need to apply moisturiser two to four times a day. If your babys skin is very dry and red, they may have eczema.
Will Baby Lotion Cause Acne
While many people can apply baby oil to their face without increasing their risk of acne, you should avoid using it if you have acne-prone skin. Even though baby oil itself wont clog your pores, the barrier it creates over your skin could trap dirt and oil that gets into your pores and makes your acne worse.
When can I start using baby products on my newborn?
Until your baby is about 1 year old, use products designed for babies or very mild soap only on the parts of his body that really need it.
Recommended Reading: How Can I Apply For Medicaid For My Newborn
What Age Can You Start Putting Lotion On A Baby
Most doctors recommend waiting until the first birthday to apply any type of lotion. Why? A babys skin is very delicate and is more permeable, which means that chemicals in the lotion can be absorbed more easily.
As a general rule of thumb, you can start putting lotion on your child after the six-month mark or when an infant turns one year.
How To Care For Your Babys Skin In Warm Weather
To protect your babys skin from the sun in warm weather, dress him in a single lightweight cotton layer with long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat. As mentioned, you can apply sunscreen to exposed skin and, if your baby will allow it, don a pair of sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.
And to avoid heat rash, which can erupt on the skin when its hot and humid out, strive for outfits that are cool and breathable. Heat rash tends to break out in skin folds like the elbows, neck and diaper areas so keep these spots as dry as you can, and then skip his clothes for a while to expose the areas to the air.
Read Also: Is It Ok For Newborns To Cry
Can You Wash Bottles In Dishwasher With Other Dishes
Place bottles, nipples and other utensils in the dish drainer and use sanitized tongs to remove them. It is possible to clean bottles, nipples, caps, rings, and other equipment in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.
Can You Use Jet Dry with baby bottles?
Is it safe to wash baby bottles and nipples in the dishwasher and use jet dry? Yes it is safe to wash baby bottles in the dishwasherjust put them on the top rack.
Is the dishwasher enough to sterilize bottles?
To actually sterilize the bottles, though, the dishwasher is not sufficient. If your machine has a sanitizing cycle, its ideal for cleaning bottles and feeding accessories. Use a basket for the smallest parts or the top rack of the dishwasher to prevent melting.
How Often Should I Bathe My Newborn
A newborn is in a very delicate condition for the first two weeks of their life. During this time, the umbilical cord stump is still attached and will fall off on its own in the first two weeks. Newborns shouldnt bathe every day at this point.
Sponging your newborn is the best thing you can do for them, and at max thrice a week of bathing should be considered. And if your newborn is born during winters, then extra care needs to be done so they dont catch a cold while you think of bathing them.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Newborn Sleep
Is Baby Lotion Safe For Newborns
Baby lotion is made of the most sensitive and gentle ingredients, especially if you shop the best baby lotions that are natural. So that does mean you can use baby lotion on a newborn.
However, newborn skin is very sensitive and soft and doesn’t usually need much lotion to keep it that way. As long as your baby doesn’t have too many baths, it’s probably okay to skip the baby lotion on a newborn too. If you notice some eczema or dry spots on your newborn’s skin, check with your peditrician to see if using a baby lotion is the best thing to do.
If you want to give your infant a massage or if your baby has cradle cap, you can also try a natural oil instead of a lotion, like olive oil or coconut oil, on their sensitive skin.
Are Lotions Important For Babies
According to several sources and researches, it is said that babies dont really need lotion in the first several weeks. Their skin naturally is incredibly soft, silky and smooth due to the substance called vernix. The vernix takes care of their skin whenever it gets dry. After a baby is a couple of weeks old, the vernix flakes and goes away, this is the time you will have to apply lotion on your babys skin. Baby skin usually gets dry because of air exposure and after theyve taken a bath. Its best to apply lotion at these times.
You May Like: What Do Newborn Chicks Eat
How To Apply Lotion On Your Newborn Baby
Applying lotion to a newborn baby may seem like a daunting task, but its actually quite simple. Just follow these easy steps:
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.
Recommended Reading: What To Do With Your Newborn
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.
Can I Put Lotion On My Newborns Face
Parents and caregivers can buy moisturizers that are particularly suitable for a babys sensitive skin. They should choose a hypoallergenic moisturizer and apply it two to three times a day. Another way to prevent peeling skin on newborns is to ensure that they do not become dehydrated. see more
Also Check: How To Make Baby Formula For Newborn
You May Like: What Should My Newborn’s Poop Look Like
Choosing The Best Lotion For Newborn Baby
With when can you put lotion on a newborn baby, you also need to pay attention and consider some essential things when you are choosing a motion for your newborn. The following tips will help you in doing that.
- Instead of buying a usual commercial product, go for a product that is recommended by the doctor.
- Choose a gentle and mild lotion, which is free of colors, perfume, phthalates, parabens, preservatives, phenoxyethanol, and organically extracted plant oils.
- In order to avoid any allergic reaction, go for a hypoallergenic lotion on your little offsprings skin.
- In case you do not prefer to go with a lotion, you can rely on petroleum jelly, olive oil, or a doctor-recommended vitamin A-D cream.