A newborn baby is a precious, delicate thing. And if you’ve ever been around a baby before, you know how incredibly delicate their skin is. From diaper rash to cradle cap, babies are prone to a litany of small but irritating skin conditions — especially a few months after birth. That being said, it’s important to care for your newborn’s skin in the safest and most thorough way possible. Here are some tips and pointers to help keeping your baby’s skin in pristine conditions.
Avoid Diaper Rash
Babies will often develop red, chapped and irritated skin around the diaper area. If this is the case, the diaper may be too tight, or a a wet diaper may have been left on for too long. Alternatively, your baby might be allergic to the particular brand of detergent, diapers, or baby wipes that you’re using. Take care to keep the diaper area open to the air as long as possible, to change your baby’s diaper frequently and to wash the area with a warm cloth and applying zinc oxide cream.
Baby Acne
Baby acne is very different from the hormonal outbreak teenagers experience. Rather, it is often due to yeast. Baby acne springs up on babies’ cheeks and noses but will typically clear up by itself in a few week’s time.
Dealing With Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema
Eczema typically occurs in response to a trigger. In order to avoid triggers, use gentle soaps, shampooes, detergents, and hypoallergenic fitted crib sheets. Baby crib sheet sizes vary and are made with fabrics that serve as mattress protector against bed bugs and other pests, too. You can also purchase protective pillow cases that perform the same function as the baby crib sheets.
Dry Skin
Peeling, dry skin is relatively normal for newborns. In fact, this usually occurs when a baby is born a little late. The underlying skin will be moist, soft and healthy. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if the dry skin persists.
Prickly Heat Can Lead to Irritated Skin
When small, pinkish, red bumps show up on the skin, it’s typically due to sweating and tight-fitting clothing. Remedy this with a cool, dry environment and loose-fitting clothing. Good references.
