The baby's skin is very vulnerable, since it has less protective capacity than that of adults. This lower defense capacity makes Newborn skin deserves special attention with these cares that we go on to list. How to moisturize your skin, how to clean it, what clothes to wear, how to protect them from the sun, how to pamper it with massages ... are some of the tips we offer you.
Hydrate baby's skin
The skin of a healthy baby is more hydrated than that of an adult, so it is not necessary to apply products to hydrate it every day. In fact, the baby's skin when it is born is usually covered with the vernix caseosa, with a high water and fat content, with protective properties for the skin.
However, since the contact is so pleasant for both the baby and the parents, regular hydration can be applied. To hydrate the baby's skin we can use hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion special for newborns, in cream or in oil. There are good specific moisturizing products for babies, like those of Johnson & Johnson, Mustela, Avene, Lutsine, Isdin, Sebamed ... It is best that our pediatrician recommend us the cream indicated.
The most delicate areas, such as the chin or the culete, which are more prone to be wet, and where folds form, require more hydration (it is where more dirt accumulates and where more irritations appear).
When we apply cream, we must keep in mind the skin that is behind the ears, which is thin and prone to flaking, so it must be hydrated frequently. The instep is another area that requires a lot of hydration and that usually goes unnoticed.
Massages for the baby
But if we want our baby's skin to look beautiful and join her in a very special way, we can apply moisturizers by gently massaging our babies. Anyway, remember that the benefits of massages can also be achieved without cream.
Caresses reassure the baby while our closeness stimulates his senses, not only that of touch. The baby after the massage sleeps calmer and eats better. The massages relieve the gases that cause discomfort to the baby. Links are reinforced and a fabulous time is shared. Touching the baby favors its development.
Massages can be performed throughout the body, from the head (watch out for the space between the fontanelles, which have not yet been closed) to the feet. Gently, the massages can be circular, straight or zigzag. We do not intend professional massages but the contact, closeness and pleasure of caressing and being caressed. In addition, a different massage may come in handy for each baby.
Clean the skin of the newborn
We can also use a special bath gel for the skin of the newborn, since it is very delicate due to the action of soaps or detergents that are too strong, which can dry or irritate it. It is not necessary to use shampoo: the same gentle head gel can be used.
The soaps and soft gels for babies They dissolve quickly with water, make very little foam and are suitable for both skin and hair. In a newborn it is advisable to avoid any synthetic substance of high foaming power, the ideal is to wash it with a soap that has a pH of 4 to 4'5.
Regarding the diaper area, you can gently clean with water or use wipes for sensitive skin. Once the area is cleaned, protective cream can be applied to prevent irritation.
Do we put cologne on the baby?
If we decide to put a baby cologne, it is best not to apply it directly to your skin but to the clothes. It is best to use infantile colonies that are less strong than other colonies or perfumes, with little or no alcohol content. Anyway, we can try to put a few drops of cologne at a specific point on the baby's skin to see if it undergoes any reaction.
Baby clothes
We already saw how much clothes you have to put on the baby, and now we focus on what kind of clothes to wear. With "clothes" we also refer to the "bedding", sheets, covers or blankets of the crib or the training that will be in contact with the baby's skin.
All these clothes will have a very direct contact with their delicate skin, so we will have to choose the right clothes. It is best to opt for natural fabrics In clothes, like natural cotton, which is breathable, washable, it maintains the baby's body temperature and does not use chemicals in its elaboration. On the contrary, we must try to avoid synthetic fibers or wool, which are rougher and can cause itching on the delicate skin of the child. In addition, the labels must be cut to avoid chafing or snagging.
With respect to laundry, should be done without softener and without bleach or strong detergents, because the application of these products in the laundry can cause chemicals to remain attached to the fabric. These remains can irritate the baby's skin.
Before releasing bedding or any baby garment, it is advisable to remove the remains that can be brought from the factory, giving it a first wash and rinse without softeners.
Protect the skin from the sun
The baby's skin should not be directly exposed to the sun in its first weeks. It does need clarity, but direct sun can cause burns. Experts do not agree on whether it is good to use sunscreen for babies under six months, as sun creams can cause irritation. We will be very cautious with the sun if we advise against the use of photoprotection cream. So it is best to avoid direct exposure to the sun and to conveniently cover the baby's skin with clothing or shade.
If, on the contrary, we are advised by a photoprotector, we will also have to be very careful and cautious about the intensity and time that the baby's skin is exposed to the sun. In addition, we will have to choose the right photoprotector for babies and children. Also remember that you should always try the sunscreen cream briefly in a specific strip of the baby's skin to see if there is an allergic reaction.
Finally, we would like to remember that in spite of all these newborn skin care Babies with any type of skin lesion or abnormal manifestation should be evaluated by the pediatrician or the child dermatologist.
