Newborn Skin 101

Everyone knows that a baby’s skin is some of the softest, most delicate skin around. Because it’s so delicate, baby skin is also some of the most sensitive skin around. Baby’s skin barrier takes time to develop; he or she isn’t born with an acid mantle. Without the skin barrier, baby skin cannot fight off harmful environmental allergens and pathogens as easily as adults can. Baby skin can also be up to 10 times thinner than adult skin, so the little ones in our lives need a little extra love when it comes to skin care. Here are our top tips for gently, yet effectively, caring for newborn skin. Following these steps will start your baby’s barrier development off right, leading to healthy skin in the future.

The Perfect Bath for Newborn Skin

Though it might seem infrequent, you only need to bathe your child two to three times per week. Bathing him or her too often dries out the skin and strips away the oils that protect baby against infections. Fill the tub with 2 to 3 inches of warm (not hot!) water and gently clean baby’s with your favorite baby wash and a soft wash cloth. We recommend choosing products that are formulated specifically for baby’s sensitive skin. Throughout the bath, be sure to pour cupfuls of water over your baby so he or she doesn’t get cold.

Diapers on Diapers on Diapers

Changing your baby’s diaper isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but perfecting your diaper routine is important. We suggest changing your baby’s diaper often and gently but efficiently wiping the area with baby wipes. Once the area is clean, apply a diaper cream or warm water to moisturize the skin. Only replace the diaper once the skin is dry. No more diaper rash? Sounds good to us!

Mind the Weather

Just like with adults, the weather has a big impact on baby’s skin. You can expose your baby to direct sunlight when he or she is six months old, but be sure to apply SPF to all exposed skin areas. Dress him or her in loose clothing and a hat to lower the risk of heat rash. In the cooler months, we recommend placing a humidifier in baby’s room because the dry winter air can harm his or her skin. To be prepared throughout the year, your baby should wear layers in case of sudden weather changes.

Embrace Baby Massage

There’s a reason why crying babies enjoy being held: they respond well to comforting touch. Gently massaging baby’s newborn skin, especially the feet, back, and legs, allows for bonding between parent and child and has numerous health benefits for baby. Bonus: your baby will sleep better, giving the skin barrier time to develop successfully.

Laundry Time!

When your baby gets new clothes, it’s hard not to let your baby wear them right away. Baby clothes are just so darn cute! But, in order to protect your baby’s sensitive skin, always wash his or her new clothes before he or she wears them. Use fragrance- and dye-free detergents only, and wash baby’s clothes and bedding in a separate load from the rest of the family’s items.

Helping you care for your child’s skin is our top priority. Sebamed offers a tailored regimen of products that helps babies’ and children’s skin barriers develop.

• Share
• Tweet
• Share
• Email