A new member has joined your family and now you need to learn how to care for your newborn. On the top of your list is the need to keep your baby warm and nourished. And, caring for the baby’s skin is also an important part of this.
Babies have a highly delicate skin with very few defenses against environmental elements. This means it is vital to take care of your little one’s skin to keep them clean, comfortable and moisturised. If you are feeling overwhelmed, then don’t worry. This blog will be a complete guide for establishing a safe, baby skincare routine.
What is the Need for Baby Skincare Routine?
Baby skincare is absolutely essential for keeping your baby’s skin healthy. Baby skin is much more delicate than adult skin. Proper skin care will help protect against harmful environmental factors and common skin problems like rashes, cradle cap, and diaper rash.
According to doctors, it can take anywhere from two years to four years for a baby’s skin to finish the maturation process completely. The infant skin is vulnerable during this time and is easily affected by weather, UV rays, environmental chemicals and irritants.
Additionally, a consistent skincare routine will help build healthy habits for the long-term, teaching the importance of personal care and hygiene to both the parent as well as the child.
Ways to Establish a Baby Skincare Routine
Now that we know how important baby skincare is, let us look at some ways to establish a baby skincare routine for your little one.
1. Know Your Baby’s Skin
As mothers, you must first understand what the skin type of your baby is. Baby skin is very soft and differs from baby to baby. You just have to see or feel their skin to look for signs of their skin type.
- Is it soft, smooth and supple with no dryness? This is normal baby skin.
- Does it look rough and flaky? This could be dry skin.
- Does the skin easily turn reddish when exposed to environmental stressors? Your baby likely has sensitive skin
- The skin is very dry and is itchy from time to time? It could be an atopic prone skin
Determining your baby’s skin type will help you decide which type of skincare product to use and to treat any skin conditions before it becomes worse.
2. Choose the Right Skincare Products
Once you have an idea of your little one’s skin type, it is time to identify the right skincare products for your baby. Since the infant’s skin is still developing, it is easily susceptible to loss of moisture and irritation.
Always choose chemical-free and hypoallergenic products that are made especially for babies. You can look for labels such as sulphate-free, paraben-free, dermatologically tested, and so on, to identify products that reduce the risk of irritation.
To protect the delicate skin barrier of your baby, it is vital to go for products made with safe, gentle, and natural ingredients.
3. Bathing Your Baby
Bathing is an important part of your baby’s skin care, but it should be done carefully. Avoid bathing your baby daily, especially in the first year. Doing it more than three times in a week could remove the natural oils from the baby’s skin, leading to dryness. This might also worsen atopic dermatitis or eczema.
Apart from drools and changing of diapers, babies don’t get very dirty like adults. So, a sponge bath 2-3 times a week is more than enough to keep your baby clean. You can increase the bathing frequency as your baby grows.
While giving a bath to your baby, ensure to use lukewarm water (around 37°C) that is not too hot or cold. Opt for a gentle cleanser instead of regular soap as it can cause unnecessary dryness. After the bath, take care to not rub your baby’s skin. Just pat gently with a soft and dry towel.
4. Moisturising Your Baby’s Skin
To keep your baby’s skin soft, supple and well-hydrated, moisturising should become a key part of the skincare routine. Select a moisturiser according to the skin type. If your baby’s skin is dry, choose one that has ingredients which are hydrating in nature, such as coconut oil. If it is sensitive, choose one that has no artificial fragrance and is made from natural ingredients.
The best time to apply moisturiser on your baby’s skin is right after a bath. The skin is damp after bath time, so this can help to lock in the moisture. You should gently apply the moisturiser all over the baby’s body using circular motions, especially on areas such as cheeks, elbows and knees. These parts are more prone to dryness and hence will benefit more from moisturising.
5. Skin Care for Diaper Area
One common skin problem that can affect babies is diaper rash. Some of the common causes include leaving dirty or wet diapers on for a long time, friction or chaffing, yeast infections and using antibiotics.
To prevent diaper rashes, you must make sure to change your baby’s diaper regularly, like every two to three hours. You should change diapers immediately if it is wet or soiled. Avoid tight-fitting diapers as the friction can cause diaper rash. Also, it is recommended to give your baby some time without diapers so the skin in the area can breathe.
Additional Tips for Proper Baby Skincare
Following are a few additional tips to keep in mind while taking care of your baby’s skin care,
- Keep babies under six months away from direct sunlight as their skin is very sensitive to UV rays. Those above six months must wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when outdoors, even when it is cloudy.
- Use lightweight, full-sleeve clothing to protect your baby when you are moving outdoors.
- Be consistent with your baby’s skin care. Use products that work well with your infant’s skin and avoid switching brands frequently.
- If you notice persistent skin problems, it is best to consult a dermatologist or pediatrician.
Conclusion
An important part of motherhood is taking good care of your baby and that includes establishing a safe baby skincare routine. By understanding your baby’s skin type, choosing natural, skin-friendly products, and following a routine that focuses on gentle cleansing and moisturizing, you will be providing the best care for your baby’s delicate skin.
Remember, just a little extra care now can make a world of difference later, keeping your baby warm, healthy, and comfortable.
At Babynaturo, we are focused on delivering pure and premium baby products that are gentle on your baby’s skin. Made with natural, plant-based ingredients, our products are free from artificial fragrances, sulphates, parabens, and other toxins. Each of our products are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, so they are completely safe. Want to know more about the baby products we offer? Reach out to us.
