As a baby develops in the womb, a waxy substance known as vernix coats his skin. Secreted by the baby’s oil glands, vernix protects against amniotic fluid. A baby born prematurely or within 40 weeks still has remnants of vernix, which will eventually absorb into his skin. A newborn that comes into the world after 40 weeks often has no trace of vernix, because it has already absorbed into his skin while in the womb. As a result, dryness and flaking can occur, but it's common and not a serious condition. Common hygiene routines will soothe your baby's skin.
Step 1
Set a baby bathtub on a sturdy surface and fill it with 2 to 3-inches of warm water. Place your newborn in the tub and bathe him with a mild baby wash. Bathe your baby in this manner two to three times per week to help remove dry skin flakes.
Step 2
Pat your newborn’s skin with a soft towel after bathing to remove excess water. Massage your newborn’s skin after drying, using a moisturizing lotion or cream specifically manufactured for use on babies.
Step 3
Apply a baby moisturizer to your newborn’s skin in between baths. Additional moisturizing every day will help keep your newborn’s skin hydrated and relieve flaking, especially in the diaper area, which tends to stay damp.
Step 4
Run a humidifier if your home is dry. Ideal humidity levels in your home should range between 35 and 40-percent. A humidifier will release moisture into the air and help to relieve your newborn’s dry, flaky skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Insert a baby bath thermometer into the tub before placing your baby in the water. A temperature between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit is suitable for babies. You can also stick your elbow into the water to test how hot it is. If you are unsure of the humidity levels in your home, a hygrometer can help with detection. Sore throats, nosebleeds, dry coughs and dry skin are all signs that the humidity levels in your home are too low.
- Detergents can cause skin irritations, allergies and dry skin in newborns. Even if you use a detergent specifically designed for washing baby clothes, the chemicals in the detergent can still irritate your newborns tender skin. Rinsing the clothes twice can help to remove detergent residues. Do not use baby powder on your newborn. Dust and talc released during powdering can entering your newborn’s lungs, making breathing difficult. Never leave your newborn baby in the bath unattended.
Things You'll Need
- Baby bathtub
- Mild, baby wash
- Soft towel
- Moisturizing cream or lotion
- Humidifier
- Baby bath thermometer
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