There is little on earth smoother than a baby's skin and keeping it that way just takes a little know-how. So, whether you've just had a baby or have the joy of caring for a new grandchild, here's a little refresher on how to keep that bundle of joy's skin healthy, soft and sweet-smelling.
Some Problems You Might See
- Diaper Rash: This is the rash most often seen on a baby's skin. It can be caused by diapers that are too tight, wet diapers left on too long or even an allergy to diapers, detergents or baby wipes. Make sure you do baby's laundry in mild detergent (fragrance-free and hypoallergenic) and avoid fabric softener. Use wipes with no chemicals, change the baby often, and let the little one go diaper-less (on a towel) if he or she does develop diaper rash. Air is the best cure.
- Prickly Heat: Small pinkish red bumps appear on babies (usually during the summer or in an overheated house in the winter) around their neck, armpits, diaper area or skin folds. They are caused by a baby sweating. Dress the baby in layers and unwrap them one-by- one when they start heating up. They really won't get a chill.
Acne: Yes, even newborns get acne! It starts in the womb, when babies are exposed to their mother's hormones, which boosts oil production in the skin. Clogged oil glands lead to pimples. Don't do anything to them―they will clear up by themselves in a few weeks.
- White Bumps or Milia: 50% of newborns get these little white bumps on their nose and face. These are caused by dry baby skin that blocks oil glands. These, too, will go away in a few weeks.
How to Care For Baby's Skin
- Ditch The Powder: Remember the old days when we all powdered babies' bottoms? No more. Experts are worried that babies can inhale fine particles of talcum powder, causing them lung trouble. Corn starch-based powders are safer, but yeast, which causes diaper rash, feeds on cornstarch, so you may want to do away with it, too.
Watch For Sunburn: Avoid direct sun if the baby is under 6 months old (they burn and dehydrate much too quickly). After 6 months, buy a cute baby hat (that covers their forehead and the back of the neck), take an umbrella, and use strong sunscreen developed especially for babies. You can even put zinc oxide on baby's ears, lips and nose. Sunglasses are good, too, to protect the little person from the sun's bright rays. But, if you took every precaution and the baby still gets mild sunburn, apply a cool cloth to the area for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. For more severe sunburn, get the baby to the pediatrician.
Make Bath-Time Relaxing: Temperature is the thing babies complain about most when it comes to the bath. Test the temperature of the water with your wrist or elbow. It should be around 90 degrees. Keep a warm, wet washcloth on the baby's tummy for the duration of the bath, which, for infants, should last about 5 minutes. Wash the baby with a hair and bath product like Indigo Wild's Wee Bar Soap from their Lavender Lullaby Collection. The gorgeous scent will calm the baby down, while making him/her smell great, too. Pat, rather than rub, the baby dry afterwards.
Try Baby Massage: Put the baby on his/her back. Use a mild lotion like Indigo Wild's Wee Body Lotion. Warm it in your hand and rub gently around baby's face and temples, then down the tummy, using a circular motion. Rub each little finger and then down to the legs and feet, gently rotating the ankles and remembering to rub each toe. Turn the baby over and do the neck, shoulders and back. (Easy does it on the pressure.) Having listened to your soft voice and followed by being wrapped in a snuggly nightgown, the baby is ready for a great night's sleep (which, if you are watching a baby, you can certainly use, too).
At Diaper Changing Time: Indigo Wild also makes a lavender-scented Wee Rub for use on baby's bottom (instead of those medicinal smelling ointments) and even makes Lavender Lullaby Wee Mist to spritz the general area of the aromatic diaper pail (it works great on stinky summer dogs, too!)
We carry all of Indigo Wild's Lavender Lullaby products for babies (we always send them out as gifts to our friends who are expecting or have just welcomed a baby!). All are hand-made with totally organic ingredients like goat's milk, meadow foam seed oil, shea butter and sunflower oil. They smell so good, you'll never go back to Johnson & Johnson products again. Stop by Believe and see the whole line and congratulations on your new addition!