Baby Skin Care

From LoveToKnow Baby

Baby skin care is a bit different from that of older children and grown ups. You've heard the term "skin like a baby". This phrase is generally used when referring to someone's beautifully smooth skin. However, when you actually look at the truth of the matter, a baby's skin isn't always beautifully smooth, especially newborn babies.

Baby Skin Care Problems

If you are the first time parent of a newborn, you may be surprised at how splotchy and broken out your baby's skin looks. You might have expected the smooth, blemish-free skin that is typically featured on babies in magazines and on television. While your baby's skin may eventually look like that, he probably wasn't born with it!

Acne

Newborn babies can suffer from acne. That's right, acne. Most of the time, this skin condition can clear up on its own, but if it continues to be a problem, your pediatrician can prescribe a topical baby skin care ointment to help clear it up.

Dry Skin

Because your baby is going through hormonal changes, just like you are, these changes can affect his skin. You may notice that your infant's skin is flaky and dry, especially on his hands and feet. Again, this is a normal condition. You can help to moisten his skin by applying a baby skin care lotion. You should not use baby powder on your child's skin, however.

Eczema

Eczema typically doesn't appear until baby is a little older, at least two or three months. It usually affects certain areas on the body, specifically neck creases, backs of ears, and behind the knees, and the face. This condition is more than just dry skin. It can become very uncomfortable, and if the area is scratched, it can also become infected. If your baby has this condition, your doctor can help you treat him.

Cradle Cap

This is a mild form of eczema that affects the top of a baby's head. You can usually get rid of this dry, flaky skin by washing your baby's head, then gently brushing the area. Finally, you should rub a small amount of baby oil or coconut oil into the dry area to lubricate the skin. Eventually, your baby's natural oils in her skin will take over. You can also ask about medicated shampoos to treat this dandruff-like condition.

Heat Rash

There may be times when areas of your baby's body is covered with tiny red bumps, and this probably means she has a heat rash. Sometimes simply removing her from the heat and cooling her down by removing some of her clothing can make the rash disappear within a few hours.

When to Call the Doctor

If you notice some type of skin problem on your baby, and it does not want to disappear, by all means contact your doctor. Once you begin feeding your baby solids, hopefully you have introduced one new food at a time to watch for food allergies. A rash may be an indication of an allergy, in which case you'll definitely need to contact your doctor.

Protection from the Sun

Don't forget that your little one's skin is very sensitive. He can sunburn easily. In the past, The American Academy of Pediatrics did not recommend using any sunscreen on babies younger than six months. While it is still recommended that parents keep infants out of the sun as much as possible, most pediatricians now agree that it is acceptable to apply a little sunscreen to a baby's face, hands and feet. You should still keep your baby covered with light-weight clothing, and don't forget to use a hat that shades his face, ears, and the back of his neck.

Beautiful Baby Skin

Your baby may not be born with gorgeous skin, but you can help her have beautiful skin as she grows. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about baby skin care, contact your doctor.

Learn More

Slideshows and Quizzes

Top 5 Baby Articles

Related Articles

Comments

Today's the world is returning towards natural way of curing due to the harmful effects of today's chemical & synthetic medicines. People are deeply worried on this issue and also insisting to use natural way of curing to get health & security.

Our psoriasis cure process is 100% Natural / herbal. supercareproducts

Thanks,

-- Contributed by: dreeman

Maria, Thanks for your comments!-Susie

-- Contributed by: Susie1506

Hello everyone,

Baby health is so important - we all want to avoid chemicals in our food, milk and our household while being pregnant. It is very important. There are alot of chemicals in skincare today, and pregnant women should only use chemical free or Organic face creams.

Your skin is an organ - that you are sharing with your unborn child. Any chemicals applied to your skin will feed the growth of your child. And please do your research on the internet regarding chemicals in skin care products.

My personal recommendation, is the Made from Earth product line. They are completely chemical free and organic, and their products have a shelf life of 6 months, because they are not presevred with chemicals, but they do use quality ingredients. I used their 3 Berry Face Serum while I was pregnant, and its a great face cream I highly recommend.

Best of luck to everyone!

-- Contributed by: maria mills

> See All Comments on this article