Your baby's new, soft, delicate skin is so divine that you find yourself kissing it all day long. But wait! What are those red bumps all over his neck? His fresh skin also happens to be sensitive to elements that might not bother your weathered adult skin. As a result, it is prone to developing rashes, dry scales and even acne. Follow some simple skin care tips to keep baby as soft and healthy as he can be.
Skin Care Products
Infant skin isn't tough enough to withstand the harsh allergens, synthetic chemicals and irritants commonly found in products for older children and adults. Stick with gentle products intended for babies. Also avoid using unnecessary products such as lotions and powders unless a pediatrician recommends one for help with a skin condition.
Bathing
In the first few weeks of your baby's life, she will still have an umbilical cord stump. The stump should be allowed to dry up and fall off on its own to allow for the natural healing process to take over. As a result, you should only bathe her with a washcloth and keep her genital area clean when you change her diaper. When the stump finally falls off on its own and the surrounding area is healed, you may bathe your baby in a small tub or sink full of lukewarm water. However, BabyCenter online says that she doesn't need to be bathed more than one to two times per week when she is still so little that she isn't crawling or walking around. Continue to keep her face, genitals and bottom clean between baths.
Baby Acne
Some babies develop acne within the first weeks after being born. It is thought that fluctuations in the mother's body hormones prior to giving birth, transferred to the baby, cause baby acne. However, other factors such as certain medications may also contribute to baby acne. Unlike adolescent acne, baby acne shouldn't be disturbed with acne creams, scrubs or ointments. It should also not be picked or popped. Just continue to gently wash your baby's face with a washcloth and the baby acne will resolve itself within a handful of weeks. If you are concerned that your baby's acne has become infected, or if it hasn't cleared up within a few months, speak to a pediatrician for advice.
Other Skin Conditions
Four common infant skin conditions besides baby acne are heat rash, cradle cap, eczema and chafing. A heat rash, or pink pimples caused by heat exposure, is less likely to occur if you keep your baby cool and dry in loose clothing when the temperature is warm. Cradle cap, or crusty patches of skin found on a baby's scalp, is caused by overactive glands. It should resolve itself, but you can help keep the area moist by covering your baby's scalp with baby oil before washing it with shampoo. Eczema, or red and irritated skin with scales, is passed down through genes. Speak to a pediatrician to determine what skin care products are appropriate for your baby. Chafing, caused by friction between skin and skin or skin and clothing, can be reduced by dressing your baby in loose clothing and keeping his skin clean and dry.
Sun Exposure
Babies under 6 months old should not receive direct sunlight, according to BabyCenter online. Dress your baby in sun-protective hats, clothing and sunglasses. Additionally, skip taking your baby outside as much during the bright hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Baby sunscreens with zinc or titanium oxide can and should be used on babies over the age of 6 months.
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