How to Care for Newborn Skin

SPONGE BATH YOUR NEWBORN TWICE OR THREE TIMES A WEEK TO CARE FOR THEIR SKIN.

Most parents give newborns too many baths. This can cause undue drying of the baby's skin. Wash your baby carefully with a soft cloth a couple times a week. Be sure to clean the face and eyes to prevent a buildup of milk or spit up residue that can irritate the skin. Avoid getting any moisture on the newborn's umbilical cord area

AVOID USING SOAPS, LOTIONS, OR BABY PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN DYES OR FRAGRANCES

Newborn skin is especially sensitive to dyes and fragrances and may develop skin allergies if regularly exposed too early. Wash baby clothes in baby detergent. Anything that touches the baby's skin should be washed separately in this detergent and receive extra rinses.

USE RUBBING ALCOHOL FOR YOUR NEWBORN'S UMBILICAL CORD

Only apply this to the drying umbilical cord that should be dyed from the hospital. Apply this every time you change the diaper or give a bath. This may delay the removal of the cord, but this is crucial to prevent infection.

PEELING SKIN IS NORMAL IN NEWBORN BABIES (FOR A FEW DAYS)

Babies routinely shed a protective layering of skin within the first few days of their lives. Do not rub or rush the peeling of this layer of skin. It will happen naturally.

KEEP THE NEWBORN SKIN FRICTION FREE

Newborn skin is much more sensitive to chaffing. Be careful to keep any rough edges away from your baby's skin. If a diaper rash occurs, consider using a cornstarch based powder. Do not use talcum powder since it can cause severe lung problems on inhalation. Use vaseline or Desitin to provide protection to the diaper area when necessary.