Your newborn’s skin is ultra-sensitive and very delicate. It is important to take care of baby’s skin naturally .It can’t be treated the same way, or with the same products, as adult skin. Perfumes, dyesand chemicals in clothing and bedding, laundry detergent and even baby products can cause rashes , irritation , dryness and chafing.
How to clean baby?
If baby gets too much bath time, the natural oils that protect his skin are lost, which can lead to problems later on.
First week, vernix caseosa
A newborn’s skin is covered with a white, creamy substance called vernix caseosa . During the first week of life, this naturally disappears by flaking. It is best not to rub your baby, bathe him or treat him with lotions or creams, it is better to let this protection come off naturally. Especially for a baby born prematurely. Thanks to its nourishing and antioxidant properties, vernix caseosa also protects the fragile and immature skin of the baby against external aggressions by forming a natural waterproof barrier. If your baby is born full term, this layer will probably have already disappeared by birth.
The first month
Except for burping and diaper changes, babies really aren’t very dirty . So, for the first month, you can safely clean your baby with just a bath 2 or 3 times a week.
Use a mild soap, without essential oils. Goat’s milk and calendula soap , or sweet almond soap , without essential oils are suitable for baby’s toilet.
Between baths, simply clean baby’s mouth and diaper area with pressed cotton that has been soaked in warm, soft water.
The following months
In the early months, when the baby’s immune system is still developing, it is not recommended to use industrial baby products.
If there is a family history of allergies, skin problems or asthma, it is especially important to protect the baby’s immune system from irritating allergens.
Of course, you should always wash the clothes and crib sheets you buy before using them.
While they may be new and look clean, it may be tempting to use them straight out of the box, they will be better for baby once they have been washed in a mild, fragrance-free detergent with an extra rinse. Consider washing baby clothes separately from the rest of the family’s laundry.
Baby skin irritations
Usually, newborn skin problems, such as eczema or rash, do not develop during the first two months.
Eczema in young babies often starts as a red, itchy rash on the face, scalp and body.
Here are some tips to prevent eczema and dry, itchy skin:
Check with your doctor before using over-the-counter lotions or creams to treat eczema. Your baby may need medication.
Diaper rash is usually the result of your baby being in a wet or dirty diaper for too long. It can also happen if your baby was not dried properly after washing.
Sometimes, a diaper rash is the result of a fungal infection. Babies who are taking antibiotics or breastfed infants whose mothers are taking antibiotics are more likely to get this type of diaper rash because the antibiotics allow the fungus to grow.
Check diapers often and change them regularly.
Wash the area with clean water or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. A cleansing fluid, free of essential oils, fragrances and allergens, can be helpful for cleaning baby’s skin.
If the rash is severe, use a spray bottle to clean without having to scrub.
Apply a thick layer of protective cream. Talcum powder is no longer recommended.
Most forms of rash do not require medical attention. However, seek medical advice if the rash does not clear up within 2 to 3 days. If it is caused by eczema, a bacterial or yeast infection, you may need prescription-only treatment.
The Soothing Touch
The most pleasant for baby and for you! Newborns’ skin absorbs hugs , caresses, massages as a sedative . It’s not only a way to get closer to your baby, but research also shows that touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity and helps fight diseases .
There is no special method for massaging a baby. Warm some baby oil or a gentle lotion in your hands, then massage your baby’s chest and belly, gently but firmly. Remember to look your baby in the eye and speak softly or even sing. Babies who are massaged are said to be calmer and sleep better. However, if your baby cries, stop. It could be that you have pushed too hard or that he or she is not ready for the