3 Tips For Looking After Baby’s Delicate Skin

Written By Natalie Wilson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

A baby’s skin is extremely delicate. Newborn skin especially so, meaning that it can be daunting to look after. Babies are known for having super soft skin, but it is actually quite common for babies and young children to suffer from cradle cap, blemishes, rashes and even baby acne.

As adorable as babies are, when they are born, their skin is around 30 percent more delicate than adult skin, so it is extremely sensitive to products and temperatures. Whilst many skin complaints will pass on their own, there are some ways that you can help to look after your baby’s delicate skin or at least make symptoms less irritating.

With that in mind, here are three tips for looking after your baby’s delicate skin.

Keep An Eye On Dry Skin Patches

In the weeks after being born, it is very common for babies to develop dry skin patches. As their skin is much more sensitive than ours, they are simply getting used to the world around them and, when they are home wrapped up warm with central heating and being bathed often, this can wreak havoc on their sensitive skin.

Usually, any dry skin patches will clear up on their own without any cause for concern, but it’s important to keep an eye on these patches, especially if they begin to look dry or as though they are cracking.

Should this happen, you should soothe the area using petroleum jelly-based products or scent and dye-free moisturizing lotions, applying regularly throughout the day. You can also use natural oils, such as olive and coconut oil, but use them sparingly as there is some evidence that it might make skin complaints worse.

If you notice any dry patches getting worse, speak with your health advisor or GP.

Set Your Bathtime Routine

When it comes to bathing newborns, you should be giving them regular baths but avoid bathing them every day, as this can dry their skin out further.

You can wipe down their face, hands and bottom daily instead, which prevents their skin from drying out as much but still keeps them clean, using soft baby washcloths, preferably in a bamboo material, or cotton wool as it is most gentle on delicate skin.

When it comes to bathtime, you should use lukewarm water, not hot and not cold, and bathe them in a warm room. Keep baths short, between five and 10 minutes, so that their skin doesn’t dry out after wrinkling.

You don’t need to use soap, but if you do, consider using a product that is specially formulated for newborn and baby skin as it will be much more moisturizing. After bathtime, consider adding a baby massage routine using a baby moisturizer or body oil. This helps babies to relax, but also keeps their skin super soft!

Keep Their Nails Short

Although only small, your baby’s nails are thin and can get really sharp. If not maintained properly, your baby can cut their face or body. Regularly check your baby’s nails and how quickly they grow, making sure to file or trim every week or so. Use a non-metal nail file to gently go over and smooth the nail or use baby nail clippers to cut down the length.

This isn’t an easy task with a wriggly baby, so look to do it whilst they are sleeping so there isn’t a risk of damage. It’s not always the best option, but if you can’t cut your baby’s nails, consider putting baby mittens on until you can.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Natalie Wilson is a freelance health and wellness writer. She loves researching and writing about new health trends and topics, as well as keeping up to date with the latest health news. When not writing, you can find her taking long walks in the countryside with her dog or browsing her nearest bookstore. You can connect with her on Twitter @NatWilson976.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels