Soft as a baby’s bum. People always say that they dream about having smooth and soft skin – just like a baby. However, every parent knows that it is actually challenging to keep a baby’s skin perfect.
According to skincare experts, especially newborns are extremely sensitive, prone to rashes, dryness, discolorations, and more. And how can you know what to do? After all, such young skin certainly requires different care than yours. With the abundance of various products available in stores these days, it is easy to get overwhelmed.
If you are a new parent wondering how to take care of your precious baby’s delicate skin, you have come to the right place. Read on to discover ways to build a baby’s skincare routine, ranging from choosing products of the highest quality and with the right ingredients, avoiding daily baths, limiting sun exposure, and moisturizing, among other things.
Consult With Your Pediatrician
One of the most essential things to do when it comes to building a baby’s skin care routine and caring for your baby’s delicate skin is to consult with your pediatrician. They will be able to assess your child’s skin and give you some tips on how to care for it. That’s how you’ll learn what products and ingredients are okay and which ones need to be avoided. You can find out if your baby is prone to rashes, dry skin, or eczema. Your doctor will also recommend how often you should bathe your baby and consider their individual characteristics, such as birthmarks or allergies.
Choose the Right Products
When building a baby’s skin care routine, the right skincare products are those that will take care of your baby’s skin, not damage it. You definitely want to use organic products as much as possible, as they are the best choice for delicate skin. If you don’t have access to all-natural products, opt for those made with as many natural ingredients as possible and labeled as hypoallergenic.
You should also avoid using strong detergents and alcohol-based cleansers, as they may dry out your baby’s skin. Instead, look for gentle soaps and lotions that won’t leave any residue on the skin. As for shampoos and other hair products, you should choose those that will not cause irritation and clean the scalp without drying out the skin.
Avoid Daily Baths
While bathing is essential for removing dirt and grime from the body, especially after a diaper change or playing outside, it can actually do more harm than good if done too often. Babies’ skin is very sensitive and doesn’t tolerate chlorine and other harsh ingredients in most soaps and shampoos. So, try to limit your baby’s bath time as much as possible. Add some moisture to their skin by giving them a sponge bath instead of a full bath every day. Just make sure you rinse your baby thoroughly after their sponge bath and pat them dry instead of rubbing them with a towel.
Moisturize
Moisturize your baby’s skin at least twice a day – once in the morning after their morning wash and again before bedtime. This is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your child’s soft, smooth skin. When choosing a moisturizer, opt for one that is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, petroleum-free, fragrance-free, and safe for babies. Keep in mind that the best moisturizers are those that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, etc.
Pay Attention to Sun Exposure
Paying attention to sun exposure is another important part of building a baby’s skin care routine. While you want to share the joy of sunbathing with your baby, you must protect their delicate skin from the sun. This is why you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 on their face and hands before going out in the sun. Make sure you reapply the sunscreen every two hours, especially if playing in a pool or a water park. You should also keep them inside from 11 am to 4 pm, when the sun rays are the strongest. Choose a high-quality sunscreen that will provide maximum protection without clogging pores or leaving any greasy residue on the skin.
Choose the Right Diapers
Diapers can’t be overlooked when it comes to taking care of your baby’s skin. Not only are they responsible for cleaning up all the mess, but they can also irritate your baby’s skin. That’s why you should always look for organic cotton diapers made with natural fibers and free of any harsh chemicals. You want to use the softest ones available.
If you are using disposable diapers, choose the least-absorbent ones available. This way, you will reduce the risk of your baby’s skin coming in contact with bacteria and chemicals.
Conclusion
All in all, taking care of your baby’s delicate skin doesn’t have to be complicated. You can continue learning more about what to do by researching other methods on the Internet or asking your pediatrician for advice. However, one thing is certain – you should always prioritize your baby’s safety and well-being above everything else.
Make sure to follow these simple tips, and your child will grow up with smooth, soft, and beautiful skin.