There is nothing more gentle and beautiful than baby skin, and similarly nothing more delicate. Baby skin is very vulnerable during the initial three years and tends to lose moisture as its functions are not completely developed.

It is three times thinner than the adult skin, therefore less resistant and highly susceptible to dryness, irritants and several skin problems. Hence, you must give special attention towards caring for their skin and keeping it healthy and soft.
Important tips on how to give that extra loving care for your baby

1. Oil massage and bathing tips

i. Use oil that has been boiled and then cooled, which can even be your cooking oil or some special baby oil, ensuring to apply on the creases of buttocks and thighs as well.

ii. Since the PH level of babies is much higher than that of adults, use special baby soaps that are mild and high in fatty content, and mild shampoos that do not make their scalp dry

iii. Dry the skin properly after bath.

2. Healthy eating habits. Following a healthy and natural diet will ensure that the skin of the baby grows well and remains healthy

3. Avoid use of talc. Avoid use of talc as its abrasive nature can cause skin irritations

4. Use appropriate clothes. Use cotton clothes that are light and soft

5. Be diligent about baby products. Make sure you check with your pediatrician before using any baby product. Also check to see if the baby develops allergies to a particular product by applying a small sample on the skin and looking for any reaction a few hours later.

6. Use of mild detergents. Use only mild detergents for washing baby clothes. To test if your baby is allergic to the product touch the skin of your baby with the product and see if any reaction occurs a few hours later.

7. Avoid overexposure to sun. The skin of the baby has very less melanin and therefore exposure to sun for a long period can result in sunburns.

8. Check and Change the nappy quite often. To prevent repeated exposure to wetness and irritants such as faeces that can damage the skin in the nappy area, make sure to check the nappy often and also change them as required

9. Use moisturizers and lotions appropriately. To keep the skin healthy it is necessary to keep it well hydrated. For this purpose, use mild baby lotions and creams that come highly recommended and meet the following fulfilled criteria

i. Safe, Gentle, Mild

ii. Tested for allergies and proven negative towards formation of allergies

iii. Alcohol free

iv. Soothing and comforting without any irritant qualities

10. Visiting the doctor. If you notice any allergy reactions, or skin problems in your baby, always consult your doctor for good, sound medical advice. Do not put it off as some reactions could be indicators of serious conditions.

A happy baby is a healthy baby, so give the best care you can for your little ones, tending to their skin care, food habits and emotional as well as physical upbringing.

By: Louise Forrest

A newborn baby skin is soft and delicate, so you must handle the baby with care. Generally, there is a popular belief that even babies need a bath every day. Not so is the case. With all the diaper changes and wiping of mouth and nose feedings, most babies need to be bathed every alternate day. But even with this you need to maintain hygiene, especially take care of their bottom.

The nappy is an absolute essential item of baby equipment. But the nappy can also lead to nappy rash. Since the nappy is always in contact with the very soft skin, it creates a warm and moist environment, which promotes growth of bacteria. Compounded with this is the constant friction causing chafing. This results in an uncomfortable and painful problem for the baby.

Baby skin is very tender and needs a lot of care. The outer layer is not completely developed with its elastic fibres. So that fragile skin is susceptible to damage and is very sensitive to touch.

Also baby skin is quite a thin layer. It can absorb anything that is applied on its surface. So you must be careful that his skin is free of any harmful or strong lotions. A baby cream application, especially in winter, will be absorbed easily and keep the skin supple and elastic.

Since the production of melanin is low in babies, exposure to the sun should be avoided, except probably a few minutes to absorb vitamin D from the rays of the sun. Too much exposure to the sun will easily burn the skin and lead to chafing.

Babies need special care of their skin with frequent change of nappies, continuous wiping and cleaning of the nappy area, and around the mouth and nose. If these are not handled carefully chances of infection and skin damage are high.

Avoid using irritants like harsh soaps and detergents. Always use a mild, gentle soap and shampoo for the baby during bath time. Baby creams and lotions are available, and are safe to use.
When your baby passes stools, be sure that you clean the area well with warm water and gentle cleaning product.

Then pat the area dry with a very soft cloth, and dust baby power on that area. This helps to reduce friction between the skin and the clothing, and guards against penetration of irritating or foreign substances through the skin.

Keep the skin of your baby dry, not moist. Apply talcum powder whenever you feel the skin is moist, especially around the nappy area. You can avoid excessive moisture less from the skin by using baby cream and lotion.

Dress the infant in loose fitting clothes. On warm nights cover the baby with a thin sheet instead of using a flannel or think blanket. See that the nappies and clothes that he or she wears are made of fine cotton that is soft to the touch.

Loose clothes allow air circulation, and keep the baby dry and comfortable, away from the clammy heat of summer.

Once the baby grows older, it is easier to manage the care of his or her skin. He or she still needs creams in winter, but his resilience is stronger than other babies.

A lot depends on the diet that is followed. Too many sweet and fatty foods will only lead to indigestion and freckles. If your child is fond of sweets, give him or his ones made at home. You can substitute honey for sugar, for not only is honey nutritious, it is good for the skin.

By: Louise Forrest