Newborn Skin Care
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Newborn skin care is a very easy regime, and you don't have to spend vast amounts of money on it either.
For the first month or so (maybe longer with premature babies) don't bother buying any baby skin care products, not even natural organic baby skin care products.
The new advice out is very simple, less is best.
When your baby is brand new, the skin is very thin, and has very little protection. So anything you put into the bathwater, or onto your baby's skin has a high chance of being absorbed, including germs and chemicals.
In your baby's first month of life, her skin will start to form it's own protective barrier, if anything interferes with this, it can cause skin conditions to develop in later life.
Newborn skin care - In the bath
So for washing and bathing your baby in her first few weeks, plain water is the best idea. I know it doesn't sound very exciting without bubbles for her to splash in, but it is a lot safer and kinder to her very delicate skin.Just remember anything that touches your baby's skin, has the potential to do harm, even though you don't realise it.
Newborn skin care - Vernix
If your baby was born a little early she may still have some vernix (the sticky white stuff that baby wore as protection in your uterus) on her body. In full term infants this may still be present, but it is rare. Don't attempt to wash it off! It really is a great moisturiser for your baby's skin, which will absorb it naturally.Newborn skin care - Dry & cracked skin
Some babies can be born with dry and cracked skin, especially if they were overdue. Don't be tempted to pile on moisturiser as this will do her delicate skin more harm. Just leave the dry skin alone and in a few days it will peel off. Leaving perfect soft new baby skin underneath.Newborn skin care - The last few tips.
- Only use water to wash and bath your baby for at least the first month. After the first month, if you do want to use baby products, then introduce them slowly to let babies skin get used to them.
- You can buy thermometers to test how hot baby's bath water is. Do invest in one of these, they only cost a couple of pounds and are well worth it!
- Shampoo isn't needed for the first 12 months of your babies life. Just use plain water, or use the bath water.
- If you use do use fabric conditioner on babies clothes and blankets, then try to use perfume and colour free products.
- Baby wipes should not use be used for the first month. Try cotton wool and water instead. When switching to baby wipes later on, try and use perfume and alcohol free brands.
- Don't use cotton buds in your baby's ears and nose!
When you start to use baby products after the first month, it will be kinder to your baby's skin if you try and use natural organic baby skin care products.
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