6 Tricks for Caring for Newborn Skin
The skin of a newborn is arguably still sensitive and prone to irritation. Therefore, doing good and correct baby skin care is so important for mothers to do in times like this.
The current skin condition is still very smooth and soft. So even with the immune system that is still weak. This makes the skin unable to come into contact with chemicals, baby skin care products, fragrances, clothes dyes, detergents, and even water for bathing. The skin dries, blisters, a rash appears, or irritation can occur if the mother is not careful when applying the chemical to the skin.
Well, to keep the skin healthy, you can do the following trick:
Don't bathe it too often. In these times, the baby's body is not too dirty so the mother does not need to bathe too often. Too much contact with water, more than three times a week, can erode the body's natural oil levels. In fact, the oil can keep the skin from drying out.
During a month or more, the mother can actually clean her body by only wiping it with a wet towel 2-3 times a week. Especially for the mouth and genital area, the mother can clean it with a little water or add soap.
It is recommended to keep baby's skin away from bar soap and bubble bath. Choose mild liquid soap to keep the skin moist. This liquid soap also doesn't hurt in the eyes.
Protect from direct sunburn. Babies under 6 months are advised not to be exposed to direct sunlight, especially at 10am to 4pm. If the mother must be forced to bring her exposed to the sun, the mother can apply a special sunscreen to the baby's skin that is not wrapped in clothes. Choose SPF 15 sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Apply every two hours or every time he starts sweating.
Take care of his scalp. The scalp of a newborn usually looks dry or flaking like dandruff. Or worse, the scalp is filled with patches of skin hardening like yellowish scales, thick, and accompanied by oil. This condition is harmless and can usually disappear on its own after several months.
Well, the mother can, how come, erode the condition from her head by washing her hair every day with a special soft baby shampoo. Gently massage his head to help shed the scales. Then, comb using a baby comb to remove scales. After that, the mother can rinse her head with clean water.
Moisturize the skin. It is recommended to apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after bathing to avoid the skin becoming dry. Creamy moisturizing products are preferred over lotions. Moisturizing lotion can more likely irritate your skin.
Prevent diaper rash. Common babies experience this condition. A sign that your child has diaper rash, which is reddish spots, spots of acne or blisters on the diaper area. To prevent this from happening, you are advised to change her diaper often when it is wet or dirty from feces.
Before putting on a diaper, make sure the skin is completely dry. Use a cream or ointment like petroleum jelly and leave it to dry before putting on a diaper, this can prevent the skin from getting too wet.
Choose baby detergents. Not only is the Little One's clothes to be washed with this type of detergent, clothes for all family members are also recommended to wear them too. According to dermatologists, the rash can appear on the baby's skin when it comes in contact with the clothes of anyone who comes into contact with it. Wash everything, including blankets, sheets and towels with baby-only detergent. But separate between washing baby clothes with adult clothes. Choose detergents that don't use fragrances and dyes.
Caring for newborn skin needs patience, because the skin is still sensitive. If your child is born with skin conditions such as eczema, you are advised to pay more attention to skin care.