Newborns Need Natural Skin Care

There are many skin care products that are being marketed as essential for your newborn. However, you might be surprised to learn that many doctors think these baby skin care products might actually be detrimental to your newborn. This is due to the chemical content of many of them.

Chemicals shouldn't come in contact with your baby as long as you can possibly avoid it. Leave your baby's skin to develop unimpeded. Allergies, eczema, and other irritations are less likely to occur this way.

Babies only require the basics of skin care. So avoid any kind of chemicals for the first month of your baby’s life. Indeed, in the first month of your baby's life you really only need to use a soft cloth and some water. If your baby has thick hair, you can use a baby comb to clean it while bathing.

Pure and Natural

When it comes to baby skin care, natural is best. To follow a natural skin care routine, leave your baby's skin untreated as much as you can.

After your baby's birth, you might see a white, sticky coating on your baby's skin. This is a natural moisturizer so don’t wipe it away. It should be allowed to penetrate the skin on its own.

It's doubly important that you stay away from these products if your baby was born prematurely. This is because a premature baby’s skin is even more delicate than other babies. Don't use any skin care products at all on your premature baby until after the original due date has passed.

Cleaning the Cord Area

Be sure to keep the region around the cord clean and dry until it falls off. Lotions and powders are unnecessary. If the area gets dirty simply use a soft cloth and water to wipe it clean before patting dry.

You might need to follow a different routine for cord care if your baby is sick or premature. You may need to use antiseptic wipes in the area to help prevent infection. Your pediatrician can help you out with advice on caring for the skin of a sick or premature baby.

Don't use baby wipes until your baby is at least one month of age. Make sure that the baby wipes you use are free of alcohol and fragrances. Get the mildest ones you can find. Emollient based moisturizers are the best for your newborn.