Touch your baby’s skin. It’s gossamer soft and delicate. In fact, it is one of the most vulnerable parts of your baby’s body.
For humans, the skin is the largest organ in the body. It works as a protective barrier against all sorts of invasions, be it sun rays or germs.
As your baby grows, their skin also becomes thicker and stronger. In about a year’s time, a baby’s epidermis (upper layer of the skin) begins to function effectively. When it starts out, it is thinner, has less pigment, and doesn’t regulate temperature as effectively as the skin of bigger kids and adults.
As a baby’s skin is so delicate, it is vulnerable to rashes and other irritations. That’s why it is necessary to take special care of your baby’s skin.
Here are 6 great tips to keep your newborn’s skin healthy.
1. Use mild soaps and shampoo
It is better to use shampoo and soaps which are free of chemicals and additives such as parabens and colourants which can easily irritate your baby’s soft skin. A good example in this category is Nivea Baby Head to Toe Shampoo and Bath, which is free of parabens, colourants, and alcohol. Also, avoid using antibacterial soaps as they are too harsh for baby’s delicate skin.
2. Mind the diaper area
Change your baby’s diaper often. Diaper rashes often occur due to skin irritation when a wet diaper is left on for too long and/or is too tight. You can use baby wipes such as Nivea Baby Soft and Cream Wipes for regular cleans, or cotton wool soaked in clean water for messy situations. If a diaper rash breaks out, use a diaper rash cream on the affected area, after cleaning and drying the skin. You can also apply Nivea Baby Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion to soothe the baby’s skin.
3. Moisturize
Experts recommend using a gentle moisturiser daily to keep your baby’s skin hydrated and soft. Do remember to choose one without fragrances or dyes such as Nivea Baby Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion, which can keep your baby’s skin moisturized for 24 hours.
4. Wash new baby clothes
New clothes might carry germs as they have made the journey from the factory floor to our shopping basket. They might also carry traces of fabric dye or other chemicals. For these reasons, be sure to wash new clothes before dressing your newborn in them.
5. Beware of skin problems
Be alert for skin conditions on your baby. Most baby skin rashes are not a serious problem. However, some might indicate infection, needing special care. As a rule of thumb with newborns, even the smallest health condition warrants a trip to the paediatrician for advice. In any case, to soothe your baby’s skin, keep Nivea Baby Soothing Caring oil (200ml) or Nivea Baby Daily Protection Smoothy Cream (200ml), handy.
6. Protect from the sun
Early exposure to the sun’s UV rays could cause skin cancer later in life. This is true especially for infants, whose brand-new skin has less of the pigment that protects it from the sun.
For the first six months, avoid exposing your baby’s skin to strong sunlight. For babies of all ages, parents should avoid heading outdoors when the sun is at its strongest.
If you must step out, then protect your baby’s tender skin with a long-sleeved cotton top, pants and hat.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident about taking care of your precious newborn’s delicate skin.
To know more about Nivea Baby’s full product range, visit their website.