Skincare for newborns and infants (up to 1 year of age) must be gentle. Their skin is thinner, allowing a higher concentration of products to penetrate the skin, and there is increased water loss from the body to the environment. There are many changes in the skin during infancy. Many common skin conditions in children fall within the normal spectrum of changes and often only require reassurance from a specialist.
The good thing about it, is that it is easy to do!
Lets start right from the beginning!
When the baby is born. Once the baby is handed over to the mother, the timing of the first bath depends on various factors, such as whether the baby is full-term or preterm, the skin condition at birth, and the weather conditions at the time of birth. For this discussion, let’s focus on skincare for a full-term baby with no abnormal skin conditions in a tropical country like India, where most parts are warm/hot and humid. A separate blog will cover skincare in very cold conditions.
Tips for Caring for the Skin & Hair of Newborn Babies:
Skincare for babies begins with their bath, using lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleanser. Some trusted baby brands include Cetaphil, Sebamed, Tedybar, and commercially available Dove. For the face, simple cleansing with just water is sufficient until the age of 1(one). After washing, gently pat the skin dry with a soft cotton towel.
While natural ingredients like turmeric, various flours with rose petals, and sandalwood are popular, they may not be suitable for babies with sensitive skin prone to eczema and dryness. These substances can irritate the skin, increase dryness, and heighten the risk of infection.
Oil massage before a bath is a cherished tradition in many cultures. Gentle, locally prepared oils like coconut or olive oil can be used. However, avoid using excessive soap to remove the oil during the bath, as this can make the skin drier. Additionally, oil can sometimes lead to tiny bumps or heat-boils known as oil folliculitis. If this occurs, discontinue the oil routine.
A gentle massage with minimal oil ‘after’ the bath is recommended, as it helps moisturize the skin better when left on. After the bath, avoid using talcum powder.
Washing the hair two to three times a week with a mild shampoo or head-to-toe wash is usually sufficient. The goal is to remove minimal dirt, oil, and sweat without causing discomfort. Mild to moderate dandruff can be ignored at this age.
For diaper changes, washing with water is usually enough, while soap can be used after potty. Use wet wipes sparingly, primarily when outdoors or traveling.
Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and avoid wool or synthetic materials that might cause irritation. Essentially, Skin and Hair care for babies is as simple as this.
Common skin Conditions in Kids that need not be worried:
When redness occurs in the genital region due to prolonged periods without diaper changes, using a good zinc-based diaper rash cream for a few days can resolve the issue.
In warmer climates, covering the baby with multiple layers of clothing can increase the likelihood of rashes caused by sweat. These rashes often begin in the folds of the skin and spread quickly. This is common in chubby babies, with redness often starting in the neck area due to poor aeration. Talcum powders can exacerbate the problem by blocking sweat glands and their secretion. To alleviate this condition, uncover the baby and keep them in cooler environments, or use a soothing lotion with calamine.
A transient dry rash on the cheeks is normal, as this area is thinner in babies. Reducing handling, such as touching or kissing, can help minimize this rash.
Yellowish, dot-like lesions on the nose during the first month are normal and result from maternal hormones. These typically resolve gradually.
Babies with inherently dry skin may experience pronounced dryness in the upper and lower limbs, particularly beneath the knees. While oiling can be beneficial, it is often absorbed quickly. In such cases, a cream-based moisturizer (which is thicker than lotions) from a pharmacy is preferred over over-the-counter products.
Avoid using baby oils, massage products, talcum powders, and over-the-counter baby moisturizers.
What products are safe to use on newborn babies for skin and hair care?
Just Mild soap/ shampoo, locally made Oil and a Diaper rash cream. Just 3 products! And your baby’s Skin care is sorted.
