Newborn Baby Skin Care: The developing baby has skin that is anatomically and physiologically different from that of an adult, its care must be unique. Its function is that of a barrier since it passes from the uterus, where it is surrounded by liquid, to the outside environment.
As the Federation of Midwifery Associations of Spain ( FAME ) points out, “the skin is also necessary for the temperature to be properly regulated; In addition, it protects from injuries, such as bumps or scratches, and infections. It is the first form of defense that the creature has at birth.”
It is usual for parents to have doubts when caring for this vital organ for the baby so that they know how to function better.
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Cuidateplus Collects Some Tips
Clean with Neutral Soaps
We must consider the delicacy of the child’s skin, which initially lacks bacterial flora to protect it and has the umbilical cord wound.
As its pH is acidic and varies between 4.5 and 6 depending on the area, alkaline soaps must be avoided, which increases its pH, leading to irritations and infections. You cannot use any product to clean it. Instead, use neutral or slightly acidic soaps without perfumes. When soaping, it is possible to do it by hand or with a soft sponge.
Daily Bath is not Necessary
A common question is whether washing the newborn every day is necessary. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) indicates that cleaning all areas is unnecessary since they have self-cleaning mechanisms.
Antiseptics Should not be Abused
THE AEP rejects the abuse of antiseptics added to cleaning products. Its excessive use can change the typical microbiological ecosystem of the skin and favor the proliferation of other microorganisms.
In the case of alcohol, they warn that it can be harmful when absorbed, cause burns, or changes in pH.
Use Moisturizing Lotions After Bathing
FAME explains that “the skin is usually dry and flaky at birth. To avoid this dryness, moisturizing lotions after bathing is beneficial.
Be careful with the applied products
“Because the skin’s barrier function is not fully developed in infants, substances applied locally to the skin can penetrate more intensely, reaching the most active layers of the epidermis. Hence, preparations for external use must be administered and dosed prudent, ” warns FAME.
Alkaline-Free Preparations for Diaper Changes
This federation rejects that soaps are used for cleaning after changing the diaper. “Alkaline-free preparations, enriched with fatty additive agents and indicated exclusively for the care of special and delicate areas of the baby, are appropriate.”
In addition, they add that the crusts or elements that may remain attached to the skin are removed with the help of oils.
Prevent Sun Exposure
Newborn babies should not expose to the sun. FAME states that they should avoid this direct exposure for up to three years. In addition, it recommends going outside to protect against the sun’s harmful rays.
Avoid High and Low Temperatures
The skin of the little ones appreciates a warm temperature. Otherwise, high temperatures can lead to hyperthermia or sudamina, while too cold temperatures can favor hypothermia or panniculitis.
Natural Remedies for Dry Baby Skin
Many babies have dry skin. But this problem has a solution. It is necessary to know natural remedies that help your skin to be better than ever.
External factors can contribute to a child’s dry skin, such as excessive bath time or baby exposure to sudden changes in temperature. But how to fix it?
- The use of a humidifier
- Olive oil
- Control of bath time and soaps
- The use of oatmeal
- Peppermint infusion
- Rinsing the skin after chlorine or salt
- Chamomile extract
Factors that Contribute to Dry Baby Skin
Babies can have dry skin for many reasons: because their dermis is more sensitive, and they can affect by external agents such as cold, air conditioning, heating, or temperature changes when you get out of the heat, cold, or vice versa, due to excessive exposure to sunlight, chlorine in the pool, seawater or even contact with the sand on the beach. All these factors mean that the child’s skin can be drier than usual. To solve it, nothing better than consulting home remedies that end with dryness.
