Research-backed
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Your baby is the most precious asset you have right now – and most delicate. This is why it is of utmost importance that you take good care of your baby in all the ways possible. One of the most common issues that can worry a newborn baby is dry skin and it’s quite normal. Before you freak out and try a hundred thousand baby creams and oils, here are some important things you need to know:
The Baby’s Skin
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Naturally, a newborn baby’s skin is wrinkly and it comes with an outer layer called vernix that peels off during the first week (1). If your baby is born a little late, this layer of skin would have peeled off while the baby is still inside the womb. If this is the dryness that’s worrying you, then take a chill pill. You don’t need to rush into things by applying lotions and creams on the baby right now.
Even after the first week, your baby’s skin can get dry because it’s super thin and doesn’t produce much sebum yet. Sebum is the natural oil that our skin produces to stay moisturized and healthy. You need to start using a moisturizer to ensure that your baby’s skin is not dry. Ignoring dry skin in babies can cause a lot of issues and cause irritation to the baby. It can even lead to eczema which results in itchy, dry, and red colored skin mostly due to inflammation (2).
Baby Skin Care Products
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Babies’ skin is extremely delicate and so is their immune system. A lot of over-the-counter creams and lotions contain color, fragrance, and chemicals that can harm the baby’s skin. Using products that aren’t safe can cause skin issues like irritation, dryness, rashes, and chafing. Ask your doctor to suggest a few baby care products and stick to these products to make sure you’re getting only the best things for your baby boo.
Baby Baths
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Resist yourself from giving your baby baths too frequently even if they make you change the diaper all day long. Frequent baths can rip off the natural moisture that’s there in the baby’s skin. This natural moisture protects the skin of the baby and its absence can cause serious irritation, dryness, or even eczema. Baths are required only thrice a week until your baby turns one (3). Until then, all you’ve got to worry is about a bit of drool and the diaper area. Use a little water or a mild cleanser to keep these areas clean.
Baby Clothes
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Baby clothes include whatever the baby wears, lies on, towels, napkins, and everything the baby actually touches. Wash these clothes separately in warm water with baby laundry detergents that are free from artificial fragrance and dye. Do not mix these clothes with that of the rest of your family while doing the laundry.
Diaper Rashes
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Diaper rashes occur due to soiled diapers, wetness after the bath, or because of bacteria or yeast infections (4). Check diapers frequently and change them immediately in case they are soiled. Use a clean soft cloth to wipe the area after washing it with water. Do not rub the area and be careful not to use baby wipes that contain artificial fragrance and alcohol. Make sure that the diaper area is completely dry before putting on a new one. If your baby already has rashes in the area, apply a protective ointment suggested by your doctor.
Eczema In Babies
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Eczema appears as a red itchy rash in areas like face, scalp, elbows, and behind the knees (5). It hardly develops before the first two months since the birth of the baby. Your baby may need a prescription treatment in case of eczema. Use over the counter creams and lotions prescribed by the pediatrician and do not apply any scented, dyed, chemical-filled products on your baby’s skin. Use only loose and soft clothes for the baby.
Dryness is not something that is dangerous as long as you take care of things in the right way. Try to give regular oil massages to your baby because the oil moisturizes the skin and your touch comforts the baby (6). Do use the baby oil brand suggested by your doctor for this. In case of any difference in the texture or color of the skin, the best thing to do is to get it checked by a doctor.
