Bringing a new baby home is a time of joy and anticipation. Caring for them, on the other hand, can be stressful, even for seasoned parents. Fortunately, there are five basic recommendations that can make caring for your baby's fragile skin, hair, and nails a lot easier and less scary.
Dermatologists propose the following tips to assist you care for your baby:
1. Keep your baby clean at all times. Bathe your baby gently two to three times per week. When your baby's umbilical cord stump falls out and heals, start with sponge showers before moving on to regular baths. Use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free baby soap and shampoo while bathing your infant. Only use soap on places that are unclean, such as the creases in the neck and the diaper area, and rinse afterward.
2. To avoid diaper rash, change dirty diapers as quickly as possible, even if they are merely wet. If a diaper rash appears, wipe the diaper area gently and use zinc oxide diaper cream.
3. Your baby's nails should be trimmed. To avoid scratching, trim your baby's nails whenever they get sharp. Create a rounded, not jagged, form with a nail file or emery board. When trimming, make sure you have plenty of light.
4. Usage fragrance-free detergents to wash baby blankets, bedding, and clothing before and after use.
5. Keep your child out of the sun. The easiest way to protect your infant from the sun is to put him or her in the shade. Make your own shade with an umbrella, canopy, or the hood of a stroller if you can't find any. Wear a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, slacks, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses to keep your kid safe from the sun.
Choose garments with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label for better protection. Use sunscreen sparingly on youngsters under the age of six months. If shade and appropriate clothing aren't available, parents and caregivers should apply a small amount of sunscreen to any exposed skin. Select sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum protection, are water-resistant, and have an SPF of 30 or greater. Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide sunscreens are less likely to irritate your baby's sensitive skin. Because there is no such thing as "waterproof" sunscreen, reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming.
Healthy skin care habits, such as sheltering your infant from the sun, can have a long-term impact on your child's health. Consult your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist if you have any questions about how to care for your baby's skin, hair, or nails.