If you are a new parent, you probably cannot stop admiring your munchkin’s soft and smooth skin and their amazing smell. But the truth is, even your baby’s skin can become sensitive, itchy, and irritated, especially during the first year of their life. Therefore, you must be extra careful while choosing skincare products for your baby and follow a skincare regimen suitable to your little one’s needs. The products that you choose for your baby should be gentle on their skin, chemical-free, and organic.
Since your newborn’s skin is still adjusting to the harsh environment, it tends to be super-sensitive and reacts to even the slightest discomfort or irritation. Thus, extreme care needs to be taken for their skin. Moreover, a baby’s skin is more fragile, thinner, and susceptible to developing infections or allergies within the first few months. Having a daily skincare routine can keep away skin concerns and also keep their comfort and health in mind.
Before we get into the kind of skincare routine you should follow, let’s first look at how you can identify sensitive skin in babies.
How To Know If Your Baby Has Sensitive Skin
Some babies develop flaky, dry skin, and rashes after contact with various substances. If your baby shows any of the following symptoms, they are likely to have sensitive skin:
- An allergic reaction after a bath with soap or body wash
- Irritation after applying lotion to their body (this can be caused by fragrances or chemical ingredients)
- Allergies o the skin after being dressed up or swaddled (this can be caused due to harsh laundry detergents)
Baby Skincare Basics
Proper skincare during the early years can ensure that your munchkin maintains great skin all their life. Here’s an effective daily skincare routine that you can follow to ensure optimum skin health of your adorable little munchkin.
Massage Regularly
Massages are beneficial for babies in more than one way. They help improve their blood circulation, aid in their overall development, and deeply nourish their skin. Use a natural and plant-based massaging oil to nurture your baby. Look for products with ingredients such as moringa oil, avocado, almond oil, and organic sesame and saffron. These ingredients contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties that work miraculously to nourish and protect your little one’s skin. Massaging with this baby oil, once a day, before bath, can help maintain your baby’s skin health, and also relax and calm them.
Keep The Baths Short
It’s crucial to give your newborns regular baths, but that doesn’t mean you should bathe them for long hours. Keep the baths short, for about 5-10 minutes to avoid drying out your baby’s skin. Use a mild baby wash and alternate between oiling and shampooing their hair. For their hair oil, use a product that is organic and free from parabens and harsh chemicals. Look for ingredients such as almond oil, peach oil, marula oil, and avocado that nourish your baby’s scalp, prevent flakiness, and strengthen their hair.
Similarly, use a baby shampoo that gently cleanses their scalp and contains mild ingredients such as baobab oil, marula, and peach. This will promote faster hair growth and prevent dandruff or cradle cap. Also, for their bath routine, make sure you are washing them in lukewarm water and not hot water. And after bathing, pat your baby completely dry with a soft towel and then move on to moisturising their skin.
Moisturise The Body Frequently
Your baby’s sensitive skin can be prone to dryness, that’s why you should keep it moisturised at all times. As soon as you get your baby out of the tub, ensure to moisturise their skin thoroughly. You can also use an oil-based lotion to nourish their body and ensure that their skin isn’t left dry. Invest in a coconut oil-based lotion to hydrate your baby’s skin and protect from dryness. While purchasing, make sure to read the ingredient list to determine whether the product is toxin and chemical-free.
Keep The Diaper Area Squeaky Clean
Always make sure that your baby’s diaper area is clean and nourished. Change their diapers immediately if they have soiled them and use water-based wipes to clean their bottoms. Use diapers that offer breathability and are highly absorbent. If your baby’s skin is irritated or they have diaper rashes, use a diaper rash cream to soothe the area and try to keep them diaper-free for at least 3-4 minutes throughout the day to allow their skin to breathe.
Use Soft, Breathable Fabrics
Sometimes, even clothes can trigger skin rashes or infections in babies. That’s why it’s vital to choose soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton while dressing them up. Also, you should ensure that your baby’s skin is different from yours as it is still developing. Therefore, you cannot use adult laundry detergent to wash your little one’s clothes. Use a cloth wash that is specially designed for babies and is free from harmful chemicals, dyes, and fragrances.
Reduce Exposure To The Sun
Since your baby’s skin is sensitive and still developing, you should ensure to limit their sun exposure. However, if you are stepping out with them, you cannot miss applying sunscreen on their skin. This will protect their skin from harmful UV rays and avoid any kind of irritation or discomfort.
Make sure to use a natural baby sunscreen that contains the goodness of organic ingredients such as chamomile, rosehip oil, carrot seed oil, and hempseed oil. These ingredients are powerful antioxidants that soothe the skin and prevent sun damage. Also, dress them up in long-sleeved clothes and put a hat on their head before stepping out in the sun.
Apart from following these skincare tips, you can also protect your baby’s sensitive skin by protecting them from potential triggers that cause skin discomforts such as harsh soaps, pollutants, dyes, perfumes, and toxin-loaded products. Remember, your baby’s skin is delicate, and therefore, you need to use baby care products that are natural, mild, chemical-free, and dermatologist-approved.
