Tips to Care For Your Baby Skin in Right Way
You have always dreamed of a baby with silky smooth skin, but now that you have one, you are not sure how to keep it that way. Do not panic–most babies are prone to bumps, spots, and rashes in the beginning. Their soft, delicate skin can be irritated by their diaper, rash bothers, cradle cap, or other common skin condition. The secret is keeping your little one clean and dry.
New-borns Are Prone to Rashes
You will need to keep an eye out for your baby’s skin. New-borns are prone to rashes and complex needs. Common skin problems in newborns include rashes and blisters. Sometimes, these are signs of allergies or conditions that need medical attention. But most baby rashes let you know that there is not a serious problem. These common baby skin problems are easy to spot and treat at home.
Avoid Diaper Rash
Your baby is growing fast and changing a lot every day. Sometimes, the things you do to keep your little one clean and dry – such as diaper changes, bath time, or putting on lotion – can bring on diaper rash, a type of skin irritation. Diaper rash can be a painful nuisance, but with preventative measures, can be avoided. Your baby’s skin is incredibly sensitive, so read your labels carefully and talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.
Your baby’s skin is more delicate than yours, so protecting it from rashes and irritations will help him stay happy and healthy. If a rash does develop, you will know that you are doing the right thing by treating it with zinc oxide cream, which your doctor will recommend. Remember: Keep the diaper area open to the air, if possible, change your baby’s diaper as soon as it is wet, and treat any rash with a warm cloth and zinc oxide cream.
Dry Skin
You have noticed that your baby has dry skin. This is quite common among newborns, especially if they are born a little late. While the underlying skin appears to be healthy and moist, it is common for the outer layer to appear raw, flaky, and scaly. This is often temporary and will usually clear up in a few weeks. If you notice that your baby’s skin remains dry, contact her pediatrician, who can recommend suitable products.
What to Do With Pimples & Whiteheads
Your baby’s skin is very delicate, so it is essential to use the right products to help improve your baby’s skin. Acne can appear on a baby’s skin around the mouth and cheeks. This is common during the first eight months after birth.
Baby acne is not acne like the kind of teenagers get. Rest assured that your baby’s acne will not scar them for life. It will, however, clear up on its own in a few weeks, so do not bother treating it or putting lotions on it. If you have any questions or concerns, call the pediatrician.
Eczema
It can start at any time, even when you are expecting. While you are pregnant with your first child, you may find yourself wondering what to expect when the baby’s skin is dry or itchy. While eczema usually goes away after a few years, it can be frustrating to deal with. Find out more about this common condition and get tips for coping with it. Eczema is an itchy, red rash that can flare up because of a trigger–then go away on its own. Treat it with the right soaps and moisturizers. You can also treat moderate eczema with prescription medicine. The bumps will go away after a few days to several months.
Birthmarks
What are birthmarks? Birthmarks are areas of skin discoloration—brown, red, tan, or even blue marks that stick out from the surrounding skin. There are a few different types of birthmarks:
Birthmarks are common – more than 1 in 10 babies have one. They can occur anywhere on a baby’s body, from the face to the feet. Some fade when your baby’s older, but some are permanent. But even if your baby has a birthmark that does not go away, it does not mean there is anything seriously wrong with them. Still, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any kind of mark on your baby.
Prickly Heat Causes Irritated Skin
Prickly heat is a common cause of irritated skin in babies. It happens when sweat builds up because your baby’s skin is sensitive to sticking together. Why it happens depends on the weather, how much body hair your baby has, when they last changed their diaper, and how well they tolerate heat.
Use heat to treat prickly heat. It helps to keep your baby cool, dry, and comfortable during the summer by keeping moisture away from the skin. It is best to dress them in loose cotton or short-sleeved clothing so that air can circulate through their body. When treating prickly heat at home, make sure the room is cool, but not cold — 65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.
Infant Skin Does Not Need Powdering
Infant Skin Doesn’t Need Powdering “Talcum powder is used to soften the friction of diaper rash and to prevent diaper rash in the first place. But there is no need for talcum powder for a healthy infant who does not use diapers.”
Excess Oil Causes Cradle Cap
Cradle Cap occurs during the first and second months of an infant’s life. It is brought on in part by an excess of sebum, or oil, on the scalp. The result is a scaly, waxy, red rash on the scalp and sometimes other areas. The best method of treatment prescribed by your pediatrician will vary depending on the severity of your child’s cradle cap.
Yellow Skin Can Mean Jaundice
If your baby looks yellow, she may have jaundice. Jaundice is more common in premature babies. Jaundice usually disappears by the time a baby is 1 or 2 weeks old. Treatment may include more frequent feedings or phototherapy if your baby has severe jaundice. Talk to your doctor about how to reduce a baby’s bilirubin level to help her look and feel better.
Look Out for Infant Sunburn
The sun feels great, does not it? But too much of it can hurt your baby. If your infant does not like being in the shade, keep an eye on his skin to make sure he is not getting pink, or red. Gently bathe any areas that are red with cool water. Redness usually fades after a while. Using bandanas, hats, and umbrellas is one way to protect your baby from the sun. But do more than just sunglasses. For the best protection from sunburn, keep infants out of direct sunlight during the first 6 months of life.
Baby Sunscreen and More
Protect your family this summer with a sunscreen kit. SPF (Sender Policy Framework) 30+ water-resistant lotion and mineral powder protect from harmful rays that can cause sunburn and long-term damage. Sunscreen is an insect repellent with a medicated formula to treat and prevent bug bites. Insect repellents can help keep mosquitoes and ticks away from you, your children, pets, and livestock. The Baby Sunscreen and More kit come in an easy-to-carry handle bag.
Baby Massage
All babies love a good belly rub, but for some reason, babies with rashes or other skin conditions can be particularly irritable. So, if you have tried everything else but your baby is still crying, try baby massage. Gently stroking and massaging your baby’s skin may not only lead to better sleep and lessen crying, but it may also improve the skin’s look and feel.
Baby Yeast Infections
Thrush is a yeast infection that appears in your baby’s mouth. These tend to come about after a round of antibiotics, so if your little one has recently been given antibiotics for another illness it may be wise to ask the doctor about thrush. Thrush can be treated with anti-yeast liquid and for diaper rash, you would need an anti-fungal cream.
Baby Skin Care Products
When choosing baby skin-care products, keep an eye out for common ingredients that could potentially irritate a baby’s skin, including dyes, fragrances, phthalates, and parabens. Little ones have sensitive skin. When in doubt, talk to your doctor or pediatrician to see if a product is appropriate.
Laundry Tips
The right laundry habits will keep your little one happy and healthy. White clothing can make some babies break out in rashes, so invest in darker colors if you are concerned. Keep an eye on the labels when buying baby clothes as well. Some fabrics may be making it harder to avoid a skin rash. Choose high-quality materials over cheaper options—they are often gentler on skin that is new to the environment.
Avoiding Skin Problems at Bath-Time
New-born skin is soft and sensitive. No wonder they need more attention than anyone else. To avoid skin problems in during bath time, keep it clean by bathing your baby in warm water. Do not let the child play or soak for long in soapy water. Always pat dry instead of rubbing the skin when you are done with the bathing process. Applying a baby lotion or moisturizer immediately after the bath while their skin is still wet will help to keep the skin hydrated and helps to prevent rashes and allergies.
White Bumps (Milia)
White bumps known as milia are a common problem for newborn babies who get milia, which looks like white bumps on the skin. They are caused by oil glands blocked by skin flakes. Milia are harmless and will go away on their own. They usually appear on the nose and face, but can also be found on other parts of the body. Milia are caused by oil glands that have been blocked by skin flakes, so they do not require any treatment.
When to Call the Paediatrician
Pediatricians say that most baby skin rashes and problems are not serious, but a few may be signs of infection and need close attention. If your baby’s skin has small, red-purplish dots or if there are yellow fluid-filled bumps, see your pediatrician right away.