Babies possess sensitive skin that necessitates special care. A brief search online or a stroll through Target’s aisles will uncover many baby skincare products. Whether you’re anticipating your baby’s arrival or observing dry or irritated skin on your little one, you may be curious about the essentials for maintaining your baby’s skin’s softness and tenderness.
Just as adults benefit from proper skincare, so do babies. Using a routine and products designed for an infant’s delicate skin ensures their skin remains soft and smooth.
So, what are the dos and don’ts of caring for your baby’s skin? What are the most common conditions that affect a baby’s skin? And how can you keep your little ones’ skin soft and clean? Keep reading to discover tips on caring for your baby’s skin, products and habits to use or avoid, and when it might be time to call the doctor.
Baby Skin Care Dos and Don’ts
Diaper Rash
One of the most common skin concerns for newborns is diaper rash, which is usually entirely preventable.
Diaper rash usually happens becuase:
- Diapers are too tight
- Diaper changes aren’t happening frequently enough
- Your baby is allergic to a particular brand of diapers, wipes, or laundry detergent
You can help avoid diaper rash if you:
- Change diapers as soon as you notice your baby is wet or soiled, and check them frequently. Newborns can have up to 15 diaper changes a day!
- Consider cloth diapers or switching to a natural diaper brand if you notice a rash
- Use water-based or reusable cloth wipes
- Use clear and free laundry detergent
- Allowing your baby time to air out with some non-diaper time!
You can treat diaper rash using a diaper cream or ointment, but unless diaper rash forms, you do not need to apply cream at every diaper change. Look for diaper ointments that are natural and breathable. My favorites when my kids were in diapers were Boudreaux’s Butt Paste and Monkey Butt. Two other companies whose products I love for babies are Honest Company and Burt’s Bees.
Massages for Baby Skin Care
Babies can benefit from massages just like us! A nightly massage before bedtime is an engaging way to bond with your baby and help them relax. Consider using lavender or chamomile-scented lotion; these scents are relaxing and sleep-inducing. Baby massages can relieve pain from gas and constipation and ease muscle pain in your baby’s quickly-growing body!
When massaging your baby:
- Make sure your baby is calm and alert
- Lay them on their back to start so you can maintain eye contact
- Use soft, slow, gentle movements
- Talk to your baby as you massage them
- Use a baby massage oil or lotion
If your baby seems uncomfortable:
- Stop the massage and try again later
- Soothe them and wipe or wash away any extra oil
Bath Time Baby Skin Care
Babies do not need to bathe daily; frequent bathing will dry their skin, potentially creating problems. According to Healthline, a newborn only needs one or two baths per week. Of course, if you have a major blowout or other big mess, you should bathe your baby, but avoid daily baths to protect their delicate skin.
As your baby ages, you can increase their weekly bath count. Until they are toddler, they won’t need a foamy bath and shampoo more than twice a week, but some babies enjoy splashing in the water. Many parents like to include a nightly bath as part of their baby’s bedtime routine.
If you’d like a nightly bath, let your baby play and splash in the water, giving them a simple wipe down with a soft cloth and water, and save the suds for twice weekly.
Bathing tips for baby skin care include:
- Use warm water. Purchase a tub thermometer to ensure the water is at the correct temperature.
- Only use soap and shampoo once or twice a week
- Use specially formulated body wash and shampoo for babies
- Use a soft sponge or cloth to wash all your baby’s chunky folds. Skin rashes can form in the folds, especially under the chin.
- Apply lotion after your baby’s bath.
When bathing baby:
- Never leave them unattended
- Avoid products designed for older kids and adults, as they aren’t gentle enough for a baby’s delicate skin.
- Don’t overbathe your baby, as this could dry out their skin. Before three months old, stick to only one or two weekly baths.
Sunscreen
Young babies should not wear sunscreen, so when going out, it is vital to keep them in the shade, have them wear a hat, and use a sun shield for your stroller. You can also dress your baby in lightweight long sleeves-or pants. When your baby is six months old, most pediatricians say it is okay to put sunscreen on them.
Only use sunscreen approved for infants and children, as it is gentler and less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Your baby should still wear a hat when out in the sun and avoid prolonged exposure even when wearing sunscreen.
Baby Skincare for Troublesome Conditions
Like big kids and adults, some babies have more sensitive skin than others, allergies, or skin that dries out quickly. Some common skin conditions that could affect your baby are eczema, contact dermatitis, cradle cap, and baby acne.
Eczema
Eczema tends to run in families, so if you, your partner, or an older sibling have it, your baby may develop it, too. It is a red, itchy, dry rash that can look scaly. The most common spots for eczema on babies are the scalp and cheeks, but the rash can appear anywhere on the body.
Treat your baby’s eczema with an OTC product approved for baby skincare. The National Eczema Association has a list of approved products for people with eczema. Daily bathing in lukewarm water can also help.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is another way of saying skin allergy. Babies have sensitive skin. Laundry detergent, soap, diapers, and baby lotion often cause allergies. If you notice a red, bumpy rash on your baby’s body that suddenly shows up, consider whether you’ve made any changes to the products your baby comes in contact with.
If your pediatrician confirms the rash is a skin allergy, try changing one thing at a time to see if the rash clears up. Notice where the rash appears. If it is only on their bottom, it might be the diapers. It may be your laundry detergent if it is on their torso, arms, and legs.
Cradle Cap
About 10% of babies develop cradle cap before their first birthday. It is flaky, yellow skin patches that appear on the scalp and around the ears. Cradle cap usually clears up on its own within the first year. While it may look uncomfortable, it is probably not bothering your baby.
You don’t need to do anything to treat it; however, if you’d like to try to clear it up, try shampooing your baby’s head saily with a mild baby shampoo and then using a soft-bristled baby brush or a soft toothbrush to brush their scalp gently.
Baby Acne
Baby acne is a common condition in newborns. It looks like small pimples or red dots and is usually on their face, scalp, neck, back, and chest. Baby acne usually appears after two weeks and should clear up in a few months. Use mild, unscented soap and dab, and don’t rub the skin where acne is present.
DO NOT use over-the-counter acne medicines to treat your baby’s skin; don’t pinch or squeeze their skin. If the acne concerns you, speak with your pediatrician about treatment options.
Caring for your baby’s skin might sometimes seem challenging, especially if you don’t know what’s causing the rash or condition. Anytime your baby has an unexplained rash or skin condition, contact the pediatrician for advice or treatment. It is often nothing serious, but it is always wise to have a professional examine your baby to make sure.
Many babies love bathtime and splashing in the water, so consider making a bath part of your nightly baby skincare routine! And remember to stick to using products approved for a baby’s delicate skin and avoid overbathing and drying out their skin.
By L. Elizabeth Forry, August 28th, 2024
