After nine months in the mother's uterus, a newborn's delicate skin is quite sensitive to his new environment. No longer is the little one in temperature-controlled, watery surroundings. He is now exposed to an environment where chemicals and harsh weather can irritate and dry out his skin. You should continually monitor your newborn's skin for rashes, dryness or other skin irritations.
Step 1
Change your baby's diaper immediately after she wets it or has a bowel movement. According to the Parents magazine website, diaper rashes are a common occurrence caused by urine, which raises the pH of the skin, and by the wet diaper creating friction against the baby's skin. That combination can break down an infant's skin and lead to a rash.
Step 2
Bathe newborns and noncrawling babies once or twice a week. Nonmobile babies do not usually get dirty enough to require a bath every day, reports the website BabyCenter. When bathing an infant, use two to three inches of lukewarm water and a mild soap so you don't irritate the skin. Take a damp washcloth and wash the baby's face, hands and genitals.
Step 3
Apply lotion to the baby at least once a day, maybe more depending on the weather and the baby's skin condition. During the winter, you may have to apply lotion in the morning and in the evening to prevent your baby's skin from getting too dry. A fragrance-free lotion is best for babies with sensitive skin because fragrances can irritate an infant's skin.
Step 4
Apply sunscreen on babies six months and older. The website BabyCenter reports that applying sunscreen on infants younger than six months is only needed if adequate shade is not available. Baby sunscreen is available for purchase and often contains a higher SPF. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing the baby to the sun so that the skin has time to absorb the sunscreen. It is best to keep babies out of the sun and in the shade.
Things You'll Need
- Lotion
- Wipes
- Diapers
- Bathtub
- Mild soap
- Washcloth
