Newborn baby's skin is still sensitive and prone to irritation. Therefore, don't make the mistake of taking care of your baby's skin. Here are some tricks for caring for newborn skin that you can do.
The skin of a newborn baby should not be in arbitrary contact with chemicals, detergents, and fragrances. In fact, not all types of baby skin care products can be used. This is because the skin condition of newborns is still very sensitive, and their immune system is also still weak, making them prone to rashes or skin irritation.
Tricks for Caring for Newborn Baby's Skin
To maintain and care for the newborn's skin, here are some tricks you can do:
1. Don't shower too often
At this time, the baby's body is not too dirty so it doesn't need to be bathed often. Bathing more than three times a week can erode the natural oil levels on the surface of the skin. In fact, the oil serves to keep the baby's skin moist.
Until the age of 1 month or more, Mother simply cleans the Little One's body by wiping the surface of the skin using a wet towel, 2-3 times a week.
Especially for the mouth and genital area, you can clean with a little water or add special baby cleaning soap. Avoid using bar soap or soaking your baby in soapy water. Choose a liquid soap made from mild to keep the skin moist.
2. Treat the scalp
A newborn's scalp usually looks dry or flaky like dandruff. In more severe conditions, the baby's scalp can be filled with hardened patches of skin such as yellowish, thick, and oily scales.
This condition is harmless and usually goes away on its own after a few months. Mothers can remove these scales by washing their hair every day using a special baby soft shampoo.
Gently massage the baby's head to help remove the scales, then comb his hair using a baby comb to remove the scales. After that, rinse the head with clean water.
3. Keep skin moist
It is recommended to apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the baby's skin after bathing, to prevent the skin from becoming dry. Cream type moisturizing products are more recommended than lotions.
4. Prevent diaper rash
Diaper rash is a very common thing experienced by babies. To prevent this from happening, Mother is advised to change her diaper frequently when it is wet or soiled with feces.
In addition, so that the baby's groin does not get irritated, you can apply it petroleum jelly or shea butter and let it dry before putting on the diaper.
5. Protect from direct sunlight
Morning sun exposure is good for meeting the needs of vitamin D in babies. But remember, avoid exposure to direct sunlight on newborns. Keep clothes on your little one and use an umbrella or hat for added protection.
6. Choose a special baby detergent
Given that baby's skin is still sensitive, you also need to be careful in choosing detergent when washing your little one's clothes. We recommend choosing a detergent that does not contain fragrances and dyes, for the safety of your little one's skin.
In addition, if your little one has milia, do not squeeze or apply milia with lotion or oil. Milia on a baby's face may look annoying, but it usually goes away on its own in a few weeks.
Caring for a newborn's skin requires patience and caution because the skin is still thin and sensitive. Mothers can do the ways above to help minimize the risk of irritation to the baby's skin. If your little one's skin is irritated, you should consult a pediatrician for safe treatment.
