How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Sensitive Skin
Your baby’s skin is extremely delicate, especially within their first two years of age. Many of your usual bath and skincare products can cause rashes for babies, which are often characterised by bumps and blotches on the skin. Dampness, dirt, and excrement are also common causes of most newborn skin problems. While most skin conditions for young children are harmless and eventually clear up by themselves, there are a couple of things you can do to protect your baby’s skin. Here's a look at a few below.
Look out for diaper rash
If your baby has red skin mainly around the diaper area, you’re probably dealing with diaper rash. This occurs when diapers are too tight, or when wet diapers are left on for too long. In some cases, a particular brand of soap, diaper, or baby wipes could also be irritating your baby’s skin.
Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type of diaper rash, and can be solved simply by changing your baby’s diaper more frequently and using a rash cream to help calm down their skin. Some advanced cases of rashes like eczema, intertrigo, or yeast infections may require further medical care, so be sure to monitor and check in with your paediatrician when you can.
Help them adjust to temperature changes
For babies that are younger than six months, it’s best to prep for the summer months by keeping baby as comfortable as possible. Babies struggle to regulate their temperature, so keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible and dress them in breathable clothes. The temperature for your baby’s room should be at 18-20°C and look into investing in airnest fibres like tencel and merino for your baby's bedding. Both are soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics that can help with temperature regulation and combating skin irritation.
Keep them away from dust mites
Another source of allergic reactions could be dust mites, which thrive in warm, humid environments. They can cause itching, eczema, and even asthma and rhinitis for young children. To keep your baby’s environment clean and safe, air their beddings daily and wash duvets and pillows regularly, preferably in water that’s at least 60°C. Also, keep all floors and upholstery clean to avoid the transferring of dust mites.
To ensure the baby's safety, our airnest Mattress is 100% washable from its cover to the core. Moreover, the airnest core is made from food-grade polypropylene with no chemical-based foams or adhesives, and its cover is Oeko-Tex class one, which is classified as safe for babies. These materials keep any allergens, off-gassing, and other nasties away.
Moisturise their skin
Although it’s normal for newborns to have patch of dry skin, babies also do well with mild moisturisers. Always remember that less is more — most baby products are formulated without dyes, fragrances, phthalates, and parabens, but it’s better to check the ingredient list yourself. Petroleum jelly and aloe vera are two safe bets, and can help soothe areas that are dry or irritated. When in doubt, always check with your baby’s paediatrician to confirm if a product is appropriate.
Avoid bathing every day
For newborns, two to three baths a week will suffice. Too much washing can dry out their skin and even increase their risk of developing eczema. You can instead use a wet washcloth to sanitise their mouth, their diaper area, and anywhere they have skin folds. Baths should also be done in warm water for only about three to five minutes, and you should avoid letting them sit or play in soapy water for too long.
Better care for healthier skin
With regular care, you can ensure that your baby's skin remains soft, smooth, and healthy. If you find a rash or any other sign of irritation worsening within several days, don’t hesitate to contact a paediatrician to get medical assistance.
Article was specially written for https://au.growbright.co by Amy Palmer