5 Ways to Keep Baby’s Skin Soft & Smoothing

Once a baby is born, major changes happen as he or she is quickly exposed to many things around them. Parents are tasked to make sure the baby is able to adjust to all these new things and are not harmed in any way. The baby’s skin is a major consideration. Shielded for about nine months inside the mother’s womb and protected by a covering, the baby was in a perfect environment. Now things are much different and, if parents are not careful, the baby’s skin may suffer from harmful allergens and particles. There are many ways to ensure that the baby’s skin is kept clean, soft, smooth, and healthy.

Observe Reasonable Bathing Duration

Sponge baths may be advisable, especially for the first weeks. More elaborate baths may be observed once the baby starts to crawl and sweat more from increased activities. Dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD who is also a clinical instructor at the University of California stated that full body lathering is not necessary, according to Web MD. Instead, soap only where needed – such as in areas with folds.

The use of fragrance free and dye-free baby products would also be better as these mild cleansers do not dry baby skin nor sting the eyes. Bar soaps and commercialized bubble baths may be too strong for a baby’s delicate skin.

Observe Reasonable Time under the Sun

Parents are advised to keep their babies out of the sun as much as possible, according to Baby Center. Daytime trips outside necessitate appropriate and protective covering, since a baby’s skin is very much delicate at this stage. Apply sunscreen for it blocks out both UVB and UVA rays. Use one that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and make sure to apply on exposed areas only.

Apply sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before you head out. Choose hours outside the 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. time window, since that is when sunrays are normally at their strongest. Dress the baby in light colored clothing, stay away from dark colored clothes because they absorb heat. Protective headwear is also a must, especially if a baby is bald or has thin hair.

Keep Baby Moisturized and Dry

Make sure the baby is well moisturized especially in areas where there is constant rubbing or friction. The diaper area is a crucial spot, rashes can develop and worsen there. It is important to change a baby’s diaper frequently. Don’t let poop and urine settle for a long time. Cleanse promptly and gently. Use fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes and wash. Damp cloths may be a good alternative. Leave some time for baby to “air out” before strapping a new diaper on. Zinc Oxide ointments or petroleum jelly may be used on the skin after nappy changes as these products help keep baby’s skin dry. Choose baby friendly diapers. Buy from sellers like Honest Company who sell items that are gentle on a baby’s skin. Plant based materials with no fragrances or latex, these are gentle and safe to use, and risks no irritation on sensitive skin.

Observe Good Laundry Habits

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to pre-wash towels new clothing before usage, according to Parenting.com. Newborns especially have very sensitive skin, and pre-washing new items help prevent allergens or chemicals from coming in contact with the baby’s skin.

Parents also need to pay attention to laundry habits. Baby clothes may need separate washing as regular detergent may be too strong for their skin. Regular detergent leave residue after washing, so, a switch to baby (or mild) laundry detergents is advisable. Use fragrance and dye free products.

Be Physically Affectionate

Skin-to-skin contact lowers stress levels which decreases cortisol, according to Redbook Magazine. Physical touch makes for a happier baby. It signals the brain’s vagus nerve, which has connections all over the body. This is according to Tiffany Field Ph.D., the director of Touch Research Institute (University of Miami School of Medicine). Soothe your baby with loving strokes and light calming massage strokes, do this frequently.

Touch is a critical means of communication and the absence of it can slow down growth in infants both emotionally and physically, states the New York Times. Actual human contact has neurochemical effects on a child. Studies conducted by psychoanalysts Renee Spitz and John Bowlby revealed that infants who were deprived of touch during World War II failed to thrive. Even though they were fed and needs were cared for overall, infants who lacked human touch showed psychological and physical stunting. The research suggested that certain brain chemicals are released by touch, chemicals which are responsible for growth proving further why being physically affectionate is vital.