Because babies have a reputation for having flawless skin, most new parents are surprised to learn that baby-soft skin is a myth. In the first year of life, skin blemishes are fairly prevalent.
Here are some suggestions for keeping your baby’s skin smooth and healthy.
1. Keep your kid out of the sun
As far as possible, you should restrict your baby’s exposure to the sun. Even in the winter, try to keep their skin out of the sun when you do take them outside.
Sunscreen should not be applied to a newborn under the age of six months, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source. Instead, they suggest that you do the following:
As much as possible, keep your kid in the shade.
Wear a hat that protects your baby’s neck and ears.
Dress your baby in light, loose-fitting clothing that covers his or her arms and legs.
When ultraviolet (UV) rays are highest, restrict sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If you’re going to be outside for more than a few minutes, it’s also crucial to keep your baby hydrated with breastmilk or formula.
Similar guidance is given by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They advise against using sunscreen on babies under the age of six months, but older youngsters should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Your baby’s pediatrician should be able to answer any questions you have about wearing sunscreen on your child.
2. Dry skin should be avoided at all costs.
Not all babies require the use of a moisturizer. In the first few weeks after returning home, it’s common for babies to develop little patches of dry skin. Often, these spots will fade on their own, without the need for additional moisturizer.
You can use petroleum jelly-based products on your baby’s dry or cracked skin. You can also use a moisturizing lotion that is free of fragrances and dyes, which might irritate your baby’s skin worse.
Natural plant oils like olive, coconut, and sunflower seed oils have been recommended as baby moisturizers, however, there is some evidence that they may aggravate dry skin or eczema in children.
3. Bathe according to best procedures.
When it comes to bathing your baby, use the recommended practices. Bathe your kid on a frequent basis; however, you do not need to bathe them every day.
Between tub washes, keep their hands, face, genitals, and other body parts clean with a soft washcloth and lukewarm water. Washcloths, on the other hand, can sometimes irritate and dry up the skin.
For a relaxing bath, follow these simple guidelines:
hold your baby safely and never leave them unattended
Use lukewarm, not boiling, water.
bathe in a warm environment
Keep baths short, between 5 and 10 minutes, and only use water to clean your baby’s eyes and face. When bathing your baby’s hair and body, use a fragrance- and dye-free baby soap.
After showering, properly dry your baby before putting them in clothes or a diaper.
4. Don’t worry about the cradle cap.
Cradle cap is a common skin ailment that affects babies between the ages of three weeks and three months.
You’ll see yellowish, greasy-looking plaques around your baby’s scalp and crown of their head if they have cradle cap. Cradle cap can also form on the brows, around the ears, and on the forehead.
The majority of the time, the cradle cap will go away on its own. Apply a tiny amount of emollients, such as mineral oil, to the afflicted region before washing your baby’s hair and head with a gentle shampoo before bathing.
If the situation does not improve after a few washes, you should consult your baby’s doctor about further treatment options. Let us know in the comments what do you do to protect your baby’s skin…
