A baby’s skin is one of the softest and smoothest you will ever find. In the early days after birth, they have wrinkly skin and some amount of peeling. However, that usually clears up before or by the fourth week. Unfortunately, a baby’s skin is prone to certain conditions due to its delicate nature. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. You can take proactive steps to reduce the risks of developing such skin conditions. Already, 1 in 5 children have eczema, and statistics show that babies under one year are the most affected. So with that said, here are three helpful tips for protecting your baby’s skin.
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Wash baby’s clothing before it’s worn
It’s understandable why people get excited when the baby’s due date approaches. Shopping for baby clothing and other items becomes a priority on to-do lists. However, when you purchase baby clothing, blankets, etc., that would contact the baby’s skin, remember to wash them first. Doing the laundry before the baby wears these helps eliminate any fabric dye or chemical traces.
While at it, remember to use only baby laundry detergent. These types are usually fragrance and dye-free. Additionally, it is recommended to do their laundry separately from the rest of the family. The baby’s skin can break out into an itchy and painful rash when it comes into contact with harsh detergents. Some infants may even develop skin allergies upon first contact.
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Change their nappies often
Soiled nappies can irritate the surface of the baby’s skin. The Paediatric Society recommends changing a baby’s nappy immediately it starts to get soaked. Even though your baby’s urine may not have a strong ammonia-like smell, a soaked nappy can contribute to a rash that causes your baby a lot of discomforts. The same applies to your baby’s poop.
Consequently, your baby’s skin should remain clean and dry. This is why the hourly nappy change is a significant part of baby care. While doing a nappy change, it helps to use a water-proof baby mat that doesn’t irritate the skin. For example, the memo changing mats are made from baby-friendly materials. When clean, they can contribute to protecting your baby’s skin during nappy change.
Vaseline petroleum jelly continues to receive rave reviews from mothers. The jelly forms a protective barrier when applied to the bottom and genitalia areas. This helps prevent nappy rash and other skin conditions caused by heat and moisture. According to dermatologists, powder should never be used on a baby during a nappy change since it can irritate the skin.
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Use unscented baby wipes and cosmetics
You may want to stay away from fragranced baby wipes. These usually contain phthalates, neurotoxins, or other allergens. When exposed to a baby’s skin, especially on the buttocks area, it can cause inflammation and pain. In the same vein, any fragranced baby cosmetic is a no-no. Ideally, you can wait until your baby is a year and over before introducing fragranced products.
The healthy appearance of your baby’s skin depends a lot on the daily measures you take. While some skin conditions are not your fault, a majority can be avoided if you take proper care of the baby.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
