A newborn's skin is fragile and thin and needs gentle care. Although some people think that constant application of lotions, ointments and creams prevents rashes, an infant's skin is sensitive to the chemicals in many products, says pediatrician Uwe Steve on Naturodoc.com. Educate yourself about newborn skin care and consult your pediatrician to ensure that the products you use for your baby will not cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Baths
Although babies may be bathed every day, two or three baths per week is sufficient, notes C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Give the newborn sponge baths until his umbilical cord falls off to ensure that submerging the cord in water will not cause infection or interfere with the cord's natural process of drying out and falling off. Use plain, lukewarm tap water or gentle baby soap to wash the baby in a tub that is filled only to the baby's navel. Never use soap on the newborn's eyelids or genital area. Rinse the genital area with plain water.
Acne
Newborn acne is a common occurrence that usually manifests on the newborn's chin, back, forehead and cheeks at approximately two weeks of age. It appears as small whiteheads that may be accompanied by reddish-looking skin. Newborn acne usually clears up on its own within three weeks; consult your pediatrician if it lasts longer. Wash your baby's face with water and mild baby soap once a day and pat dry. Do not use any over-the-counter acne medications, oils or creams on her face; they are too harsh for her skin and may make her acne worse.
Powder
Use cornstarch powder in the newborn's creases--such as the genital area, neck and underarms, says pediatrician Dr. Jay Gordon on NaturoDoc.com. Do not use talcum-based powder. If your newborn inhales talcum-based powder, he may develop allergies, irritation or even chemical-induced pneumonia.
Lotions, Creams and Ointments
Newborn skin generally does not need creams, ointments or lotions, says C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Greasy substances may block the newborn's sweat glands and cause heat rash or pimples. Use only baby lotion that contains pesticide-free lanolin if the newborn's skin becomes dry. Apply the baby lotion twice daily, within three minutes of the newborn's bath, to retain the moisture in his skin.
Umbilical Cord Area
Keep the newborn's umbilical cord dry at all times. Fold diapers down below the cord area or cut out a piece of the diaper with scissors to ensure that the cord remains uncovered. Apply rubbing alcohol to the area where the umbilical cord is attached twice a day. Although this process delays the umbilical cord's separation for one or two days, it prevents cord infection.
