All parents want their children to feel clean and comfortable in their skin. There is nothing quite like the smooth touch of a newborn’s back or the feeling of their adorable chubby arms and legs against yours. However, a newborn has extremely delicate skin and it requires a lot of sensitive care. In this article, we will discuss common skin conditions and some gentle products for newborn skin care.
Note: I had the absolute pleasure to work with EARTH BABY to bring you this article. They provide baby skin care products that are “organic goodness from mother earth”.
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Common Skin Conditions
It would be nice if all babies had that perfect glowing skin that you see on television. However, most babies suffer from at least a few of the skin conditions below:
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a fairly common condition that most babies get a few months after birth. This is a crusty rash on the scalp that is caused by extra sebum at the root of the hair. However, this is not a serious medical condition. Simply wash your baby’s head with a gentle SHAMPOO and comb through the hair afterwards.
Baby Dermatitis (Eczema)
Baby dermatitis is characterized by itchy, dry, flaky, and cracked skin. Unfortunately, this is a chronic condition that requires a lot of patience. It is best to see what triggers the irritable skin, and be very careful what products you use. baths in lukewarm water sometime help, along with HYPOALLERGENIC MOISTURIZERS.
Diaper Rash
A Diaper rash is a form of skin inflammation that is usually caused by prolonged contact between a soiled diaper and a newborn’s skin. To prevent rashes, it is very important to change your baby’s diaper regularly and ensure that the skin is dry before applying a new diaper. However, skin inflammation usually only lasts a few days with the proper DIAPER RASH CREAMS. Proper newborn skin care during diaper changes is essential to prevent and relieve rashes.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis are red rashes that usually occur from exposure to an allergen. There are so many possible sources for the irritation, that range from laundry detergents to bath soap. If this occurs, try to remove the irritation and wash the skin area with a HYPOALLERGENIC SOAP to relieve the discomfort.
Peeling
Dry and peeling skin are usually seen in babies who are born a little later than their due date. Peeling usually resolves on its own as the baby gets older. Because peeling can be uncomfortable for babies, continue to make good hygienic choices regarding baths and newborn skin care. It is always helpful to keep your baby’s skin moisturized with a CHEMICAL-FREE LOTION as necessary.
Common Causes of Skin Issues
Most babies have some form of a skin issue, and that is okay. It is important to treat the symptoms of the skin condition, and at the same time work through the original cause. Although there are so many different causes of skin conditions in your children, here are a few common causes:
Environmental Factors
Possible environmental factors for skin conditions include weather changes, heat or cold, the wind, sun, rain, and air pollution. Pretty much anything besides a nice perfect temperature that never changes can trigger a skin reaction. This is why it is so important to use a NON-TOXIC BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN. You can also control for changes by avoiding direct sunlight, proper newborn skin care, and properly dressing your child for the weather.
Household Products
Household products definitely play a huge role in the health of your children. Special attention should be made to your detergents, perfumes, even your HAND SANITIZERS. To avoid household triggers, try to wash linens frequently, and pick breathable and natural products.
Emotional Factors
A lot of parents overlook the effect that stress and emotions have on their child’s skin. Anger and intense emotions can very easily trigger a skin rash for a baby. Try to remain patient with your child, and teach them self-soothing techniques early on. You can also try AROMATHERAPY to help keep emotions in check.
Genetic Factors
Unfortunately some babies are born with sensitive skin. For these children, it is so important to avoid triggers and treat symptoms as necessary. Be mindful of what goes on your child’s skin, and try to record when triggers arise.
Tips to Relieve Sensitive Skin
Although it might be impossible to avoid all triggers for sensitive skin, there are ways that we can help to reduce the risk of inflammation and rashes. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family more comfortable:
Watch the Diet
Studies have shown that diet plays a large role in health, and the skin is included. Because the skin is the largest organ in the body, and it requires a lot of care. Watch what your child eats, and try to avoid excess sugars and greasy/fatty foods. Fruits and vegetables really are essential for a child’s diet (although sometimes it might be hard..I know!). Just try the best you can to try to manage your child’s diet.
Be Mindful of the Linens
Sometimes a simple change such as washing the linens more often can make a huge difference. You can also try to use more breathable clothing such as cotton. When washing, make sure to use a laundry detergent that is specifically for babies.
Less is More
Sometimes when you see sensitive skin, you might want to do “more”. Because you see your baby uncomfortable, you might want to bathe your baby more or apply more lotions to the skin. However, this actually with further dry out the skin and cause more complications. Try to bathe your baby every 2-3 days, and try to use natural and sensitive products for your baby.
Use Sun Protection
One great way you can help relieve irritable skin is by reducing your child’s exposure to the sun. Try to use long sleeves when outside, and avoid too much direct sunlight when possible. If your child is older, use a HYPOALLERGENIC BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN. Consult with your doctor to see when it is safe to start using sunscreen. Most babies can start using it after 4-6 months of age.
Try it First
This is a simple tip that will make a huge difference. Before you try a new product, sample a little bit on your child’s arm or leg. This is a way to avoid a much larger rash or irritation if your child has an allergy to an ingredient.
Recommended Newborn Skin Care Products
It is very common for babies to have sensitive skin. As such, it is so important for new parents to exercise cautions before trying new products. Try to avoid products with too many chemicals, and be mindful of triggers to irritate your child’s skin.
I recently have been researching into products by EARTH BABY and I absolutely love their products and message. For one, they have a variety of products from LOTIONS and DIAPER RASH CREAMS to BABY SHAMPOO and SUNSCREEN. In addition, their products are very budget-friendly, with most of their products ranging from $5-$15.
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I absolutely love how all of their products are free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Mineral Oil, Propylene glycol, DEA, MEA, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Triethanolamine, Petrolatum, and Lanolin. Their products are also dye-free, hypoallergenic, and made with essential oils.
If you are expecting a new baby or have one at home, I highly recommend their products. They are safe to use on sensitive baby skin and made with certified organic ingredients.
Any questions please comment below!
Conclusion
Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!
Free Prenatal Class
Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel
Exciting News!!
Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.
Sources
- https://www.nfed.org/blog/diagnosing-ectodermal-dysplasia-syndromes-babies/?gclid=CjwKCAjwmMX4BRAAEiwA-zM4JhShkc1LBjihBatkEh3SaJE5vz3Zn_d4PJoTQtoMkDYCiWjpQJelChoCnEAQAvD_BwE
- https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/zx1747
- https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/s/skin-conditions-newborn
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/newborn-skin-101
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0101/p47.html
- https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-conditions-in-newborn-babies/
Hey there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent blog and amazing design and style.
Pinned to share with my daughter and son in law. Baby due in November!
What a great resource for new parents!
Thanks for the info. We have two new grandbabies on the way later this year so I appreciate the refresher.
Great info. I had one child that I had trouble finding a diaper rash cream that actually worked for them and I remember being so frustrated.
Yes sometimes it can be very difficult dealing with diaper rashes!
Lots of great information here. I wish we had these products – and knowledge when my girls were young.
Yes it helps a lot!
All my babies had cradle cap. And diaper rashes. And being mindful of what touches their skin definitely helped! I had to start using sensitive laundry detergent because of their skin allergies. I love your photos!
Aww thanks so much! Its such a common issue