How to care for a baby's skin?

In this article we are going to tell you how to look after a baby’s skin, what the main problems are and the best soaps to help protect it. Don’t miss out!

Mild, natural products

Less is more when choosing products for our babies’ skin. Look for mild products, preferably those that are specifically designed for the sensitive skin of babies, fragrance free without any artificial colouring that could cause irritation. Natural ingredients such as marigold, coconut and oat oils are an excellent choice to hydrate and protect our babies’ delicate skin.

Short, gentle baths

Bathing the baby is an important part of their routine, but we should never go over the top. Limit bath time to 10 minutes at the most, using warm water instead of hot water to avoid drying out their skin. Use mild soap specific for babies, and dry their skin by dabbing rather than rubbing it.

Regular moisturising

Hydration is fundamental to keep their skin soft and protected. Apply some fragrance free mild moisturising body lotion or cream after the bath to help keep moisture in. Pay special attention to areas that are more susceptible to drying out such as the cheeks, arms and legs.

Sun cream

Avoid directly exposing your baby to the sun during the middle hours of the day, and use protective clothing such as hats and long-sleeved tops. You can apply a little mild sun cream to the exposed areas of babies’ skin when they are over six months old. Be sure to some add more every few hours.

Change their nappy frequently

The sensitive part of the skin covered by the nappy is susceptible to irritation and skin rashes. To prevent any discomfort, change nappies frequently and clean the area using baby wipes or a clean cloth and warm water. Apply a thick layer of protective nappy cream after each change to prevent any irritation caused by moisture and chafing.

Keep an eye out for any skin reactions

All babies are different, and what might work well with one, may not work with another. Pay close attention to your baby’s skin, keeping an eye out for any signs of irritation or allergic reactions to the products you are using. If you notice any redness, itching, inflammation or any other concerning symptoms, check with your paediatrician for additional guidance.

What are the most common problems with babies’ skin?

Newborn baby acne: it is quite common for babies to get small white or red spots on their faces. This is caused by an excess of maternal hormones that are still in the baby’s body. Although we might be alarmed by it, it tends to disappear by itself after just a few weeks.

Nappy rash: one of parents’ most common concerns is nappy rash, which is an irritation of the area covered by the nappy. The skin turns red and there is a rash caused by the moisture and constant chafing against the nappy. Keep the area clean and dry. Change nappies frequently and use protective cream to help avoid and treat it.

Cradle cap: a lot of babies develop cradle cap, which is basically flaky or oily skin on their scalp. Although it can look unpleasant, it is generally harmless and is not itchy or painful. Gently massage some baby oil in and wash their head with a mild shampoo to help get rid of the flaking.