When parents have children, they often think that the best way to care for their child’s new skin is to give a lot of baths. This is not necessarily true, but letting your child “ripen” probably isn’t a good plan either.

In caring for a newborn, there are five general products use for skin care and bath time.

Baby Powder

Avoid baby powders containing talc (talcum) and those with skin irritants like fragrances. In fact, powders made of pure corn starch (or just finely ground corn starch, for that matter) or bentonite clay are best. These are widely available and are some of the most traditional of baby care products. Using powders to treat diaper rash is common, but not helpful. Use natural creams made of chamomile and zinc oxide instead.

Bubble Baths

These are popular amongst parents because, let’s face it, having the soap right in the water sure does make the whole process easier. Right? The problem is with what’s in many of those bubble baths. Many of them contain detergents, which are bad for your skin and especially bad for baby’s skin. In fact, bubble baths have been linked to urinary tract infections and vaginitis in infants.

Lotions

Lotions (and sometimes oils) are almost a necessity with most newborns. Use natural products made of coconut, chamomile, aloe, etc. In short, if you would use it for natural care of your own skin, you can probably use it on baby’s.

Shampoos

Most babies have thin or no hair and don’t grow a lot of thick or oily hair on their heads until several months after birth. So washing baby’s hair should only be done when needed, if at all. Use a mild shampoo and never use the shampoos you use as an adult, especially those meant for dandruff with harsh chemicals. Avoid anything with synthetic fragrances, allergenics, and parabens. Instead, use shampoos with natural ingredients and that are not harsh. Until your child is older, he or she will not be taking mud baths in the back yard or smearing strange substances from who-knows-where into his or her hair. So heavy cleaning is not really required.

Soap

Be careful with soap. Most soaps contain detergents, which remove healthy bacteria and destroy the protective mantle on our skin. This is especially true of baby’s skin. In fact, many pediatricians recommend that babies be washed in warm water only, without soap, for most of their bathing. Antibacterial soaps are especially to be avoided.

Hopefully these recommendations will help you with your newborn baby’s skin care needs. Have a favorite? Let us know by commenting!