Despite the large amount of baby skin care products on the market, your baby needs very few products to stay clean and smell good. Babies lack the apocrine sweat glands that cause body odor in teens and adults--and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only washing them two to three times a week to avoid drying out their delicate skin. When you need baby products, find ones with as few added fragrances and chemicals as possible to avoid potential irritations or allergic reactions.
Chemical-Free Sunscreens
Avoid using sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months old. Keep them out of direct sunlight and use protective clothing. Choose a chemical-free sunscreen for older babies. Pediatric Dermatologist Patricia Treadwell recommends looking for brands with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect delicate skin without the chemicals and irritants found in other sunscreens. Instead of being absorbed into the skin, these sunscreens sit on top of it forming a barrier to the sun's rays. Treadwell offers reassurance that little evidence indicates that chemical sunscreens are toxic or unsafe. With young children and babies though, parents might want to err on the side of caution and avoid as much chemical exposure as possible.
Mild, Fragrance-Free Shampoos and Body Washes
Stick to low-foaming, fragrance-free shampoos and body washes for the first year to protect your baby's sensitive skin. Mary Spraker, a pediatric dermatologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology, suggests only washing your baby's bottom and his skin folds with the mild shampoo and body wash. While the market offers a slew of baby bath products, they need very little washing or soap to stay clean. Avoid using adult products on the baby---they contain a lot of fragrance and harsh cleansers---both unnecessary for babies. Many fragranced products contain phthalates, which Consumer Reports' ShopSmart editor Lisa Lee Freeman recommends avoiding due to potential developmental and reproductive health risks.
Rash Creams with Zinc Oxide
Break the baby powder habit due to its potential for causing respiratory problems and contributing to fungal and skin irritations in the diaper area, and use a rash cream to protect your baby's diaper area. When changing your baby's diaper, get the area completely dry before replacing the diaper. Fasten the diaper loosely so that plenty of air reaches the area. Allow your baby's diaper area to "air out" by leaving her diaper-free when possible. If you need a rash cream to alleviate irritation and redness, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends using one with zinc oxide. Never use a steroid cream with cortisone or hydrocortisone on your baby without your doctor's approval and guidance.
