Baby Skin Care

All parents want what is best for their baby, so it’s natural to be extra cautious when it comes to baby skin care products. Babies have very sensitive, delicate skin making them prone to rashes and irritation but unfortunately the usual culprits when it comes to skin troubles are actually the parents.

Baby’s skin is constantly obsessed over my Mom and Dad. About two thirds of the skin issues infants face are totally natural and will correct themselves on their own, the other third comes from the use of products with fragrance and irritating ingredients. The detergent the baby’s clothing, towels, and blankets are washed in can cause irritation as well.

The baby skin care products that are best for baby are products that are free from dioxanes, sodium laureth sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. These chemicals can irritate sensitive skin and some have even been shown to cause cancer in laboratory settings. Fragrance-free, dye-free and organic products tend to be the gentlest on Baby’s skin.

So when does a parent use these gentle products? Is lotion necessary everyday? Is there really nothing a parent can do about the common issues?

Baby lotion is only really necessary if there are dry patches on the baby’s skin but it can be used safely everyday as long as it’s free of the chemicals listed above. For best results apply the baby lotion right after the bath (ideally within three minutes) to lock in moisture. And don’t leave the baby in the bath for more than five minutes- long baths can actually dry the skin out more.

As for bath products look for gentle tear-free formulas that contain no fragrances. All in one washes that can go from Baby’s hair down to his toes are the most convenient. Organic products may have soothing scents that come naturally from herbs like lavender and chamomile, this is ok as long as the infant is not allergic to any of the plants used.

Baby detergent for clothing can also prevent many irritations. The detergents use enzymes to clean the clothes. Some feel that baby detergent is necessary while many others find using regular detergent causes no problems. If your baby is suffering from rashes try switching to baby detergent to see if that eases the irritation.

One of the most important products for babies’ skin is baby sunscreen . Babies under six months should not be exposed to direct sunlight, and all ages should wear sunscreen when outdoors. Baby sunscreens are hypo-allergenic and have high SPFs (45 or higher) to protect the delicate skin.

Treating some of the common skin issues is usually just a matter of time, most issues clear up on their own. For example baby acne is caused by Mom’s leftover hormones in Baby’s system. Once the hormones are gone the acne should clear up, lasting at the latest to the sixth month. Don’t scrub or pick at baby acne as it can worsen the condition and cause scarring.

Cradle cap is also another common skin ailment that clears itself up on its own. It’s common in babies up to six to twelve months. It looks like scaly patches on the baby’s scalp. To help speed recovery Mom or Dad can wash the scalp every other day with a gentle shampoo will softly scrubbing with a baby brush. For extra tough cases baby oil can be applied before washing to loosen the dry skin. There are also some baby exfoliators on the market that can help. Just be sure to not over-scrub or pick at the skin.

Eczema is a skin condition that does require treatment. It can be very itchy and uncomfortable for the baby if left untreated. Red, dry, itchy patches are usually triggered by certain soaps and lotions (or detergents). Use a hydrocortisone cream and a heavy moisturizer that’s free of irritants. Parents should try to identify the triggers and avoid them at all costs.

Diaper rash is by far the most common skin issue with babies. Diaper rash comes from diapers being on too tight, or being left on wet for too long. The best way to treat the rash is lengthened exposure to fresh air, frequent diaper changes and an application of a zinc oxide cream. Powder is not necessary and can actually cause other issues.

To sum up baby skin care it’s really quite simple, don’t obsess over every little bump. Use organic, fragrance free and dye free products. And never pick or scrub at irritations. Baby’s skin is extra delicate and has it’s own natural balance so parents should do as little as possible in order to not disrupt its tender state.

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