Newborn Skin Care: Keep it Simple
There are many skin care products that are being marketed as essential for your newborn. However, you might be surprised to learn that many doctors think these baby skin care products might actually be detrimental to your newborn. The reason for this is the chemical ingredients they often contain.
You want to avoid exposing your baby to chemicals as long as possible. Don’t interfere with the natural growth of your baby’s skin. This way, skin problems and irritations like allergies or eczema aren’t as likely to show up.
Babies only require the basics of skin care. For the first month, keep your baby safe from any type of product containing chemicals. In your baby’s first month all that’s necessary for bathing is some warm water and a soft cloth. You can comb thick hair with a baby comb to get it clean during bath time.
Pure and Natural
When it comes to baby skin care, natural is best. To follow a natural skin care routine, leave your baby’s skin untreated as much as you can.
After your baby’s birth, you might see a white, sticky coating on your baby’s skin. Don’t remove it, because it’s a natural skin moisturizer. It should be allowed to penetrate the skin on its own.
It’s doubly important that you stay away from these products if your baby was born prematurely. The reason for this is that preemies have even more fragile skin than a full term baby. Don’t use any skin care products at all on your premature baby until after the original due date has passed.
Cleaning the Cord Area
Be sure to keep the region around the cord clean and dry until it falls off. You don’t have to use lotion and powder on it. If the area gets dirty simply use a soft cloth and water to wipe it clean before patting dry.
If your baby is premature or sick then the skin care routine you should follow for keeping the cord clean may be different. You might require the use of an antiseptic to keep infection at bay. Your pediatrician can help you out with advice on caring for the skin of a sick or premature baby.
Don’t use baby wipes until your baby is at least one month of age. Any baby wipes you use should be alcohol and fragrance free. Get the mildest ones you can find. Emollient based moisturizers are the best for your newborn.