Baby Skin Care: Tips for Your
Newborn
Your newborn is home now,
and you're settling into a daily routine. Keeping your baby warm and nourished
is tops on your list. Baby skincare
is just as important.
Newborn skin
is delicate -- and so is the baby's immune system. Chemicals, fragrances, and
dyes in clothing,
detergents, and baby products can cause newborn skin
irritation, dryness, chafing,
and rashes.
However, there's much you can do to protect your baby from these skin problems.
The upside to baby's skin
sensitivity? Your touch on your newborn's
skin has a soothing, nurturing effect -- and is critical to
your baby's development
Natural Baby Skin Care
A newborn baby is
born with wrinkly skin and a protective covering called vernix that naturally
peels off during the first week. There's no need to rush it, rub it, or treat
it with lotions or creams. (If baby is born past the due date, this
process is likely finished while she is still inside the womb.)
With newborn skin care, the
adage is "less is more." Here are tips to help protect your baby from
developing allergies and rashes:
Resist the urge to bathe
your baby frequently. Too-frequent
bathing -- more than three times per week during the first year of life --
removes the natural
oils that protect baby's skin. That may leave baby's skin vulnerable and
dry. It may also aggravate eczema.
Except for drool and diaper
changes, newborns don't get very dirty. Babies aren’t working 9 to 5 and
hitting the gym afterward! 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
water or cleanser.
Once-a-week sponge baths (or
even less) are best for newborns with darker skin tones (like
African-American). These infants tend to have dryer skin and have a higher risk
of skin problems such as eczema.
Don't use Scented baby
products in the early months. This
can irritate your baby's delicate skin.
Wash baby's clothing
before it's worn. Use
only baby laundry detergents that are fragrance- and dye-free. Wash baby
clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family's laundry.
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