Baby Skin Care Tips

Baby skin care is an important topic, particularly to moms who are caring for their young ones.

People don't often think about the need to care for a baby's skin, perhaps because it's so perfect. Few things feel more soft and supple, so much so that it's used to describe someone who has a beautiful complexion.

Proper baby skin care can mean the difference between a happy baby and one that's constantly complaining.

Diaper and heat rash are two common skin issues with babies. They can also develop a condition called 'cradle cap', an oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby's scalp.

Baby skin dries easily and it can even sunburn because melanin production is low. And because of the surge in hormones at the time of birth, babies can break out in acne, although baby skin is far less oily than an adult's.

General guidelines and tips on baby skin care

Start life off right by protecting your baby from ultraviolet exposure. Keep infants out of direct sunlight during the first few months.

If you do go outside, be sure to cover the baby's skin with protective clothing, a hat and baby sunglasses. It's a great, healthy habit to instill in your young children and will help them retain healthy skin as they get older.

Sunscreen products shouldn't be applied until the baby is 6 months old, but after that, use them religiously. Remember that the sun shines into a vehicle when out driving and also into a stroller.

As for baby skin care, find products formulated especially for babies. Purchase these and use as directed.

Adult skin care products are not recommended for babies. They're far too harsh. You may have to switch laundry detergents if you find the one you're using is irritating your baby's skin.

Always change diapers as soon as possible. Urine and feces contain bacteria and must be washed away with warm water or baby wipes to minimize the risk of infection.

Make sure wipes don't contain alcohol which can dry out a baby's skin. Remember to clean the area thoroughly and dry this area gently. Diaper rash is very uncomfortable, so apply an ointment or cream formulated especially for this common baby skin problem.

Moisturizing regularly with lotions and creams formulated for infants helps retain moisture.

Excessive bathing isn't necessary and in fact can sap a baby's skin of moisture. Always use warm, not hot, water for bathing.

If your baby has cradle cap which resembles scaly dirty-looking skin, gently scrub top of head with a soft brush. If cradle cap doesn't go away, have the baby's physician take a look.

Wind and cold can also cause dry skin so protect your baby when outside. If the air in your home is dry, consider getting a humidifier to add moisture.

Because a baby's skin doesn't yet perspire properly, babies aren't efficient at controlling their body temperatures. Sometimes, heat rashes can develop.

Be sure to dress babies in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that's appropriate for the climate and temperature where you live, to avoid these rashes that resemble red patches or pinkish-red bumps.

Good habits begin early and it's never too soon to develop a proper baby skin care routine!

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