Caring for your baby’s skin

Until birth, your baby had everything she needed; tucked up and protected in your womb. However, all that changes after birth when her delicate skin needs extra special care. There are so many baby skincare products on the market that claim to do this or that for your baby. As a new mom, it is easy to fall into the trap and find yourself buying different products. Don’t be fooled by smart marketing -babies need very little after they are born.

Keeping your baby’s skin pure

1. Let your baby absorb the vernix

Fresh out of the womb, babies are covered with the most wonderfully thick, creamy, moisturising substance called vernix caseosa-do not wash it off. Vernix is mother nature’s perfect moisturiser as it provides perfect protection for the baby’s skin when it encounters the harsh climate of the outside world for the first time. Scientists have studied the components of vernix and have identified lipids, amino acids, proteins and beneficial microbes.

2. You don’t have to bath the baby everyday

The World Health Organisation advises delaying baby’s first bath for 24 hours. When you are ready to give your baby her first bath, simply use clean water or a completely natural wash. Babies need very little after they are born. Harsh, synthetically fragranced soaps strip the body of its natural oils. Don’t be fooled by smart marketing that shows the benefits of their products and prompt you to buy.

3. Trouble skin

Baby acne is different from that of adults. It does not need any special treatment but the baby’s skin has to be kept clean and dry. These tiny pink bumps on a baby’s face, neck and chest, which occur in a fifth of all newborns in their first month of life, mustn’t be squeezed or be applied with lotion as they often disappear by themselves. Leave it up to nature because there’s nothing much you can do as it is often related to the presence of the mother’s hormones in the baby’s body after birth.

4. Look at the contents and don’t let the baby smell fool you

A newborn’s skin is extremely delicate, so it is important to avoid any products with the words ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’ in the list of contents. Exposing your precious bundle of joy to these is one of the leading causes of allergies and irritation on the skin.  Whenever you are ready, introduce products with natural pure essential oil fragrances as they’re completely safe.

5. Anticipating nappy rash

The most common skin ailment one can expect in a newborn is the dreaded nappy rash. Unfortunately, the materials which keep disposable nappies from leaking, also prevent air from circulating, combined with the fact that a baby’s skin barrier is not yet fully formed. This creates the ideal environment for a rash to develop. When it comes to your newborn’s little bottom, the cleaner and drier the skin, the better. Dermatologists recommend that mothers use natural wipes and a bum cream to create a thick barrier on your baby’s bottom. If a rash does develop, treat the affected skin with a bum cream that contains natural plant oils as it allows the skin to breathe rather than petroleum bases. For a few minutes each day, give your baby some nappy-free time.Following these healthy skincare tips will give you peace of mind so that you spend less time worrying and more time cuddling with your baby.