Research-backed
Image: iStock
Whenever we see someone with soft and supple skin, we refer to them as baby-soft. Baby’s skin is soft and sensitive. And their skin is what makes them even more adorable than their cute little features. But, even they are prone to skin problems. Here we list some of them:
1. Sunburn
Image: IStock
Avoid going out with your baby when the sun is at its peak. Also, choose the right kind of clothing for your baby when you step out. Choose a light clothing material that covers their hands and legs. Use a hat with a brim to protect your baby from the sun. If your baby is older than 6 months, you can start applying sunscreen (1). Pick a sunscreen which has an SPF of 30 or above. Apply it all over the baby’s skin that may be exposed and reapply every few hours. If he/she is sweating, you may have to reapply it more than usual. Choose a sunscreen that has either zinc oxide or titanium oxide in it.
2. Diaper Rash
Image: IStock
If the skin around your baby’s bum looks red and irritated, it might be a diaper rash (2). You can avoid it by changing the diaper soon after it’s wet or soiled. Always keep the area clean and dry. You can use a cream or ointment containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly before putting on a new diaper (3). Also, avoid using wipes that contain fragrance or alcohol.
3. Dryness
Image: IStock
Babies have delicate skin. Winters can make their skin dry because of the cold weather and low humidity. So what can you do to retain the moisture content in their skin? Avoid bathing them too often during winters. Also, avoid giving them long baths. Instead, go for short baths. Make sure that the water is not too warm. That can sap away the moisture from their skin. If your baby has really dry skin, it’s a good idea to bathe him/her every other day. Use a mild cleanser, preferably fragrance-free. It’s better to avoid using anything which has a strong fragrance. After a bath, pat your baby dry using a soft cloth and apply a gentle lotion or moisturizer twice a day. If you feel that your baby’s skin tends to be drier in any particular area, reapply the lotion again.
4. Cradle Cap
Image: IStock
Cradle cap is harmless and vanishes on its own without any treatment. They are rough, scaly patches on your babies scalp (4). Doctors believe it occurs when the oil glands in the scalp start producing excess oil. It can also occur around the diaper area, behind the ears, the face, and in the armpits. If it occurs, you may have to wash your baby’s hair every day using baby shampoo. After washing, you can brush their hair using a soft brush. It can loosen up the scales. Some parents also found it effective to use baby oil, petroleum jelly, or olive oil on their baby’s scalp. But talk with your doctor first before using it.
5. Eczema
Image: IStock
Eczema is a common skin problem in babies, but it can be treated. They are red patches that occur on the baby’s skin (5). They are mostly itchy and rough. It can occur on any part of their skin. Though there’s nothing that you can do to prevent it from occurring, you can prevent any further recurrences. Use a fragrance-free cream or an ointment with petroleum jelly a few times a day. Bathe your baby with lukewarm water (not hot) as it can ease your little one’s itching as well. Keep the bathtime short. Use cotton clothes and avoid putting on anything tight. Avoid using perfumed or antibacterial products. Use soap only when you feel like your baby is dirty. Otherwise, rinsing with water will do.
Babies have sensitive skin. Educating yourself about the skin conditions that may occur in your little one can help you be prepared if anything comes up. You can also prevent it from occurring in the first place by taking care of them in the right way.
