New parents often find themselves overwhelmed with the job of caring for an infant. Fortunately, the care of an infant's face does not require a lot of work. The face needs to be protected and cleaned, and parents should watch out for conditions such as acne and rashes. This leaves plenty of time for parents and caregivers to observe all of an infant's picture-perfect features.
Eyes, Nose and Mouth
An infant's eyes should be watched for infection and kept clean by wiping away any goop or crust that appears in the corners. A stuffed nose can be uncomfortable for an infant who needs to be able to breathe through her nose to eat, so parents can keep the nasal passages clear by using a nasal aspirator or saline spray designed for babies. The nose and mouth should also be checked for sores or cuts that need the attention of a doctor.
Cleaning
Since infants spend their day sleeping, eating and having brief periods of awake time with less activity than an older baby, it is not necessary to bathe an infant more than once every few days, according to Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. During and between baths, cotton balls or a wash cloth can be used with a gentle cleanser to clean his face and behind his ears. Parents and caregivers should be careful not to get soap near his eyes, which can cause irritation.
Protection
An infant's face needs to be protected from the elements because the skin is so new and sensitive. To protect from sunburns, infants should be kept out of the sun for long periods of time. If she is going to be in the sun, she should be in a shaded area with a wide-brimmed hat to provide protection. She should also be outdoors sparingly if the weather is windy and cold to prevent her cheeks from becoming chapped. A moisturizer can be applied to her cheeks and nose before going outside in the cold to prevent chapping. She can also wear special mittens to prevent her from scratching her own face.
Acne
Baby acne is a common condition that typically occurs a couple of weeks after birth and is the result in a change of the mother's hormones before delivery. The acne occurs as whiteheads that are surrounded by red skin, and the acne can be irritated by saliva or spit-up. Excessive washing or scrubbing can also irritate the acne, as can creams and oils. Medicated creams and oils are not designed for infants and should not be used. Parents should simply keep the face clean and allow the acne to clear up in a few weeks.
Rashes
Approximately 20 percent of infants experience eczema, according to Babycenter. Eczema is caused by dry skin and changes of temperature and appears as itchy, scaly red bumps on the forehead or cheeks. It can also spread to other parts of the body. A pediatrician may recommend special creams for eczema, but regular baby moisturizers can provide relief. Milia is a type of rash that appears as tiny bumps, and this condition will disappear on its own. An infant can also get a heat rash after being exposed to warm weather or being dressed in too many layers. A cool bath can relieve a heat rash.
