Congratulations on the newest addition to your family: a newborn baby! Bringing a new child into the world can be an exciting and fulfilling thing, but it also comes with its fair bit of struggles and challenges. Throughout our new series of articles aptly named “Baby Care,” we’re going to provide you with tips and tricks to make your journey a little bit easier.
Today, we’re going to be giving you some advice on how to take care of your precious little thing’s largest organ: their skin! But before we dive deep into that let’s talk for a bit about the difference between a newborn’s skin and that of adults.
What are the difference between a newborn’s skin and that of adults?!
Individual differences of infant skin as compared to adult skins can be observed in the following:
1.Thickness:
There is a drastic difference in thickness as infant skin is thinner compared to adults. At birth, it is about 40-60% thinner, which makes it more delicate and exposes it to injuries or irritation.
2.Elasticity:
Newborn’s skin is less elastic than that of an adult. It slowly becomes more elastic as the child grows. Which means a newborn’s skin is more prone to being injured or irritated and as a result need that extra special care.
3.Moisture:
A newborn has high skin hydration when compared to an adult due to the amniotic fluid found in the womb. After birth, the baby can quickly lose moisture as well. The adult skin also can retains moisture better since it is more developed but still can vary based on the skin type and other factors.
4.Skin Barrier:
The skin barrier is also structured differently in the newborns and the matured people. Due to the fact that the skin barrier in the newborns is underdeveloped they are more prone to infections, irritation and dryness. This additional barrier takes weeks to few months to develop further and enhance protection.
5.Secretion of oils:
Sebum production in babies is lesser than adults, as a result their skin is more dry. On the contrary, more lubrication is provided to adult skin as more sebum is produced which helps protect against potential environmental damage.
6.Pigmentation:
Billions of children all around the globe are born with lighter or paler skin, and a few months are required for the full development of their skin color pigmentation. Adult even skin color tones are more often due to the presence of the pigment melanin, although pigmen
How to take care of a newborn’s skin?
The skin of a newborn is very soft and tender hence children need extra care and attention. Here are a few tips on how to take good care of a baby’s skin.
Gentle Cleansing
Use mild, non-scented products: Any baby soap or baby wash that is completely fragrant-free and gentle should be used.
Avoid giving babies a bath every day: Bathing a newborn day is generally thought to be unnecessary. Bathing them a couple times a week allows their skin to stay clean without the detrimental effects of drying out.
Don’t give full baths: Until the umbilical cord stump sheds (which occurs usually within the first few weeks), wipe down your newborn with a soft washcloth and lukewarm water and avoid any movement that may aggravate that area.
When bathing, always use a washcloth: Use soft washcloths because using bare hands is rough to babies’ skin.
Moisturize Regularly
Baby cream should be used: Use a towel to dry the baby’s skin after taking a bath, and as soon as possible, apply a gentle, non-scented moisturizer to the skin.
To treat dry areas, use a thicker ointment: To soothe dry or scaly patches on your baby’s skin that may appear during the first few weeks of life, try applying a thicker ointment such as petroleum jelly or a specialized baby balm.
Say no to creams: Perfumed and alcohol-free medications can be agitating for newborns because they are present in most adult lotions or creams.
Ensure excess moisture does not remain trapped in the skin
Change diapers frequently: Diaper rashes are common and occur as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture. It is every parent’s duty to change their baby’s diaper immediately after it has been soiled and the area around the diaper should be wiped clean, preferably with alcohol-free wipes or plain water only.
Use breathable fabrics: It is advisable to put on your baby clothes made from soft and natural fibers such as cotton. Recommend not to wear too much clothes on a baby in order to avoid overheating and resultant sweating which is likely to cause irritation to the skin.
Use diaper rash cream: If the situation worsens and a rash appears, then a diaper cream containing zinc oxide must be used thickly on the baby’s buttocks to form a protective layer over the affected skin.
Protect from Sun Exposure
Avoid direct sunlight: Newborns skin is particularly sensitive due to its tenderness which makes it a necessary routine to limit sun exposure, especially around the first months. A baby should remain in the shade with a hat or other clothing to cover them.
Use baby-safe sunscreen: For babies six months and older, a small amount of sunscreen may be applied on the face to reduce chances of sunburn but the concentration should a baby-safe broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Keep the Environment Comfortable
Maintain proper humidity: In case where the air is very dry, for example in winter, it is recommended to use a humidifier in the baby’s room. This can prevent skin from becoming too dry and cracking.
Regulate the room temperature as required: Ensure that the room maintains a moderate, cool temperature. Excessive heating can cause discomfort or even heat rashes.
Management of Routine Skin Disorders
Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis): This is an infantile condition where scaly patches of yellowish crust displace hair follicles on the scalp. Use soft brush or washcloth to aid in removing the flakes by rubbing them gently. You may also add a drop of baby oil or petroleum jelly and rub gently on the scalp before washing it with soap.
Eczema: If your baby has any patches on their skin that are red and dry or if without other ailments, the skin seems itchy then please see the baby’s pediatrician. At times, they may suggest a specific cream or an ointment to help treat eczema.
Do not Expose To Irritants
Minimize contact with irritant products: Kindly be careful of scented detergents, fabric softeners, or even soaps. Use fragrance-free gentle baby products if you are required to use something.
Avoid use of foreign products: Once you use a new product (lotion, soap, ect.), always place a small amount of it on your baby’s skin to see if there are any allergic reactions to the product.
Consistent Check-ups
Look for rashes or infections: Unfortunately, some skin conditions may develop, such as rashes, dry patches or signs of skin diseases. If you see something alarming, go to your baby’s pediatrician.
Cleaning of umbilical cord: While the umbilical stump is still intact, ensure its hygiene, and that it is dry. It should not be covered with a diaper but cleaned with water and sponges if clean up is essential.
We hope these tip and tricks make taking care of your newborn a little bit easier. And you feel like you need a little bit of help with your newborn, explore our baby care and newborn nurse services.
