Your entire life changes the moment you set eyes on your newborn. While this is a happy, exciting time, it can also be fraught with worry. We understand parents want the best for their babies in all aspects of their care.
Skincare is a top priority for new parents. Babies often have very sensitive skin, and some even have common skin conditions, such as cradle cap (which is a form of dermatitis related to eczema), that require even more dedicated care.
New parents have plenty of worries, and taking care of your baby’s skin is a big one. That’s why we’ve created this guide for parents, so you can learn all the tips and tricks to help you take care of your baby’s skin.
There’s Such A Thing As Too Clean
Many new parents are anxious about germs, bacteria, and viruses reaching their sweet little ones, and some insist on visitors using hand sanitizer or washing their hands before holding their newborn.
Doing so is good practice while your baby is still very young and vulnerable, but you can loosen up as they age. In fact, there's such a thing as being too clean.
Children need to be exposed to dirt, germs, and other natural aspects of life. It helps build their immune system and can prevent them from becoming seriously ill from exposure to common bacteria in the future.
New parents may feel pressured or expected to give their newborn a bath every day, but that's not necessary. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only bathing your baby once every three days.
Giving baths more frequently than that could dry out your baby's skin. Sticking to a bath once every three days (except in the event of a diaper blowout or similar circumstance) will let your baby stay clean without stripping their skin of essential, natural oils.
Related: The Science Behind Our Skincare Products
Care For The Umbilical Cord
Another worry for many new parents is how to keep the umbilical cord stump dry and clean properly. Previous generations believed that you needed to clean this area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to avoid infection.
Now we know that the opposite is true. The umbilical cord is better off left alone. Don't apply any substances to it, and don't wipe at it unless a diaper accident necessitates cleaning the area.
The umbilical cord will detach and fall off on its own by the time they're 5-15 days old. Just keep the area dry and let nature run its course! However, if you see any of the following symptoms, you should contact your baby's pediatrician immediately:
- Redness and tenderness around the umbilical cord area
- Foul smelling yellow pus or drainage
- Active bleeding
Those symptoms are signs of an infection, which isn't very common but can happen. Bleeding generally only occurs if the umbilical cord stump is pulled off too soon. Make sure you're careful when changing your baby's diapers and clothes to avoid pulling on the stump.
Are you looking for a skincare product that’s gentle enough for your baby’s skin? Check out Soteri Skin to view our pH balancing products!
Keep Your Baby Out Of The Sun
Too much exposure to the sun can cause fully grown adults skin problems, but it can be very dangerous for young babies. The reason it’s more dangerous for babies is because their skin has too little melanin at this age.
Melanin is the pigment that provides your eyes, hair, and skin with protection against the UV rays from the sun. Young children don't have enough yet to provide sufficient natural protection.
Instead, you can protect your baby (and their skin!) from the sun in the following ways:
- Avoid bringing your baby out in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the UV rays from the sun are strongest.
- Keep your baby in the shade.
- Dress them so their skin isn't exposed to direct sunlight. Use a hat to protect their heads.
- Don't apply sunscreen on babies less than six months old. After six months, use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
Keeping your baby protected from the sun will help keep their skin healthy. Sunburn can be very dangerous for babies, and sun safety needs to be taken seriously.
Stick To Simple Products
Babies don’t need products with heavy fragrance or coloring. Caring for their skin requires using appropriate soaps and lotions. Avoid soaps or lotions that contain perfumes and other additives. These things aren’t necessary and could potentially cause an allergic reaction.
You usually don't need to use a fancy diaper rash cream either. If your child gets a diaper rash, try using some simple GIMME MORE first to create a physical barrier. Our products can strengthen a baby's physical barrier because the pH/LOCK technology balances their skin without irritating it. If the rash persists, contact your child's doctor to determine the best cream to use.
Rashes Will Happen
Babies are figuring out how they relate to the world around them every day, and so is their skin! Rashes will inevitably happen. It could be a diaper rash or the result of a reaction to a skincare product.
Rashes are often a sign that your baby is reacting to something. Some rashes, like the classic diaper rash, can usually be treated at home. However, if the rash has come on suddenly, is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, or appears to be an allergic reaction, it's best to contact your baby's pediatrician.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby’s health!
The Takeaway
Diving into new parenthood is an exciting and scary time. New parents worry about many things, and taking care of your baby's skin is a top priority. All parents deserve to feel confident about how to care for their baby's skin properly, and that's why we've created this guide!
Now you know a solid foundation of knowledge to help you navigate taking care of your baby's skin. Try not to overthink it or worry excessively (easier said than done- we know!) and enjoy this time. They really do grow up too fast!
Are you tired of trying different skincare products and never getting the result you want? Head on over to Soteri Skin to see testimonials from customers whose lives have changed after using our products!