A newborn’s skin is soft and delicate and needs special care.
A newborn’s skin is soft and delicate and needs special care. A proper skincare and bathing routine can help maintain the health and texture of your baby’s skin and hair while also providing a happy experience for both of you. However, contrary to popular belief, most babies do not need a bath every single day. With all the diaper changes and wiping of the mouth and nose after feedings, most babies only need to be bathed 2 or 3 times a week.
While making the pre-delivery arrangements, make sure to purchase baby-friendly skin and shower sets that can be used once you are back at home with the baby.
What factors to be kept in mind while selecting a shampoo?
- Whether your baby has less hair or a full head of hair, it is important to keep the scalp clean with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo.
- Avoid using any shampoo that is heavy on chemicals as it could be too harsh on your baby’s skin.
- Ideally, you should look for formulas that contain natural, plant-based ingredients like:
- Fruit oils, such as raspberry and avocado oil
- Chamomile extract
- Sunflower seed oil
- Avoid using shampoos that may have the following chemicals:
- Parabens, or chemicals that are used as preservatives in cosmetics
- Phthalates, or chemicals found in plastic
- Dyes
- Sulfates, specifically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is commonly found in household cleansers
- Added fragrances or perfumes can cause irritation or trigger an allergic reaction and ideally should be avoided.
- You should also look for a product that’s tear-free, meaning it won’t irritate baby’s eyes, and formulated for sensitive skin.
- Keep in mind, however, that just because an ingredient is natural does not mean it can’t cause a skin reaction in a baby. If you think that your baby may be allergic to a particular ingredient, speak with your pediatrician.
How to select a body wash?
- Avoid using regular soaps on your baby’s skin because many of them are very drying, and contain perfumes or other allergens which can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.
- Use a tear-free formula to avoid irritating your baby’s eyes.
- Hypoallergenic washes are best for babies with dry skin, eczema or allergies.
- Ideally, you should stick with unscented baby washes because products with fragrance can cause allergic reactions. If you must have a scent, opt for a wash that is naturally scented and mild.
- Avoid products that contain dyes or harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates and sulfates.
- Alcohol listed as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol is another ingredient to avoid as It can cause dryness, irritation, rash and breakouts
While using baby powder, make sure that:
- Put the powder in your hand and then apply it to your baby’s skin.
- Shaking powder into the air releases dust and talc, which can make it hard for your baby to breathe.
- Use only a moderate amount of powder as and when necessary
Conclusion
It is best to use hair and skin products that have been made especially for babies, as products for grown-ups can be too harsh for a baby. In case your baby has any issues or allergies, consult the doctor on the specific product to use that is safe for your baby.
Special thanks to Dr Santosh Soans (M.D, ( PEDIATRICS) DCH )for expert advice
