Baby SkinCare 101 - 5 Key Factors to Focus On #SoftestForBabySkin

Parenthood is a tricky phase. Along with a precious new life inside the house, you now have two young parents who are about to find themselves overwhelmed in a world of love, memories and yes, even fatigue as the first year goes by. Everyone they meet will have words of advice on what is best for the new addition to the family and how to keep the child safe and healthy, avoiding health issues like chest infections and skin ailments.

So how do you separate the correct information from the rest of the avalanche doled out by everyone from your grandparents to the maid servant regarding how you should look after your child? Here are five dictums that every parent should know about and follow to ensure that first year is a blissful happy memory to look back upon.

1. Bathing - Less is More.

Unlike our adult daily routine which has us weaving through crowded buses and sweating in the hot sun, a baby's life does not often involve them getting very dirty in the first year of their life.

• For the first month, a basic sponge bath two to three times a week should suffice.
• Bathing too frequently can be detrimental to the baby as it removes the natural oils that protects their skin, thus making them vulnerable to allergies.
• Bath in warm water and avoid keeping them for long in soapy water.
• Apply baby lotion or moisturizer while the skin is still wet and then pat dry.

Doc talk: If you are using soaps, do not keep changing the brands because you do not wish to expose the baby to too many chemicals at such a young age while the immunity is still developing.

2. Here comes the sun.

Yes, you want to show the whole world your bonny lad or lass but don't forget to protect the wee baby when you take him/her out into the harsh sun.

• Consider loose clothes and a wide brimmed hat during the first few months. Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement as they protect the child from harmful rays.
• Sunscreen can be applied on infants of any age.
• Apply sunscreen to areas of the baby's skin that are uncovered rather than all over.
• For mild sunburn, place a cool cloth upon the baby's skin for 10-15 minutes 4-5 times daily.

Doc talk: If you are using sunscreen, look for those that block both UV-A and UV-B rays (variants of ultraviolet rays). Sunblocks with zinc oxide or titanium offer the best protection and least likelihood of an allergy.

An easy infograph to help you know what to focus on

3. The Baby wears Prada

In the early months of life, the immune system is still evolving so the baby is especially prone for skin reactions and allergies. Among the most common sources for these are cloth materials and the detergents used to wash them.

• Watch out for rashes during this sensitive phase.
• Consider using a milder detergent. Better yet, use baby washing detergents that are fragrance and dye free.
• Wash baby clothes and blankets separately from the rest of the laundry.

Doc talk: American Academy of Pediatrics recommends washing even new clothes before wearing them.

4. Butt, of course

You can't talk about skin care in babies and avoid the diaper zone, can you? So what are the essentials dos and do nots of the doo-doo region?

• Do check the region frequently and change diapers immediately when soiled.
• While washing the area, use plain water or fragrance-free cleansers. Similarly, avoid baby wipes containing perfume or alcohol as they only further irritate the skin.
• 'Pat, don't rub' is the dictum for drying. If there is a bad rash, consider a spray bottle to clean while simultaneously avoiding hurting the baby.
• Leave the area to dry fully before applying ointments/creams and placing a fresh diaper.

Doc talk: Look for diaper creams that block moisture (once more, zinc oxide based ones.) Babies can inhale the fine grains of talcum powder which could cause lung problems.

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5. Dealing with rashes.

First of all, calm down. Don't needlessly guilt yourself. A rash does not mean you've been neglecting the baby. Most rashes are temporary and harmless. Some rashes are caused by insect bites, which aren't always avoidable. Of course, if you do think that you've got an insect problem, contacting a company like https://www.pestcontrolexperts.com/local/minnesota/ will deal with this issue before any harm is caused! 

• In case of allergic reaction to clothing, demarcated regions can help you identify the source. 
• Prickly heat appears on areas prone to sweating (neck, armpits, diaper region). A dry environment and loose clothes are often enough. 
• In case of eczema, mild cases may subside if the allergen is identified or by using moisturizers. Severe cases may require prescription medication. 
• If the rashes persist / appear to be filled with fluid (pustular) / seem to be getting worse or associated with fever, consult a paediatrician. 

Doc talk: If the parents have a family history of asthma, allergic dermatitis or other allergies, the child may be more prone for allergic reactions especially in the first few months.   

Hope these tips are helpful and you learned something new. Happy Parenting, everyone!