Teething occurs when an infant’s teeth start to grow in sequentially. For some babies, teething starts as early as three months and for others, as late as twelve months. It often takes several years for all the 20 deciduous (or ‘baby’) teeth to emerge. The infants teeth literally cut through their soft, fleshy gums, which is why this is often referred to as “cutting teeth”.

You’ll know your child is teething when she starts to get irritable, have a loss of appetite, starts chewing and gnawing on objects, or her gums become swollen or bruised. Other signs include excessive salivation, a raised temperature, and sometimes a child will get an earache and diaper rash. These teething symptoms usually start to show up about six months into your baby’s development.

As this process continues, you’ll soon notice that your baby loves to chew on almost anything she/he can get their hands on! This is therefore a time to be alert because a baby who is allowed to chew on objects small enough to be swallowed or anything that could break when chewed, is in danger of choking. Teething rings and other toys are a good solution to avoid this risk since they’re often designed with textures that massage a baby’s tender gums and satisfies their need to chew on something.

In situations where an infant is obviously in pain, there are doctors who recommend using an anti-inflammatory or child-safe pain-relief treatment that contains benzocaine, such as Baby Orajel. Some infants find relief by chewing on cold objects, such as a cool washcloth or a teething ring specially designed for being frozen.

In addition, you can also try to massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger. This may prove to be uncomfortable for your baby at first, but he/she will likely find it comforting after a few gentle rubs.

Some Pediatric dentists recommend brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to come in and not to wait until they’re all coming in before introducing a regular oral hygiene routine. However, using toothpaste during this process is generally not recommended.

By: Glenn Cutforth

A newborn’s skin is soft and delicate. Proper skin care and bathing can help maintain the health and texture of the baby’s skin. It is important to understand that to take care of Baby’s skin the most natural way is often best. Newborn baby may have some skin conditions that seem unusual to you. Most are fairly common such as Baby acne is a red, pimply rash on the face. Generally, it disappears over time. Cutis marmorata is a condition where the skin looks like pinkish-blue marble when exposed to cold temperatures. Erythema toxicum is a common, splotchy red rash that can affect newborns. Some have firm yellow or white bumps surrounded by a flare of red. The rash tends to come and go on different parts of the body. Vernix is a greasy white substance that coats and protects baby’s skin in the mother’s uterus. Some babies are born with lots of vernix still on their skin.

Milia are tiny whiteheads on your baby’s face. It is harmless and can be washed or wiped off. Crusty patches on scalp. Overactive glands in your baby’s scalp can cause cradle cap. If so, use a mild soap containing olive, coconut, or palm oil and possibly herbal extracts such as calendula. Contrary to popular thought, most babies may only need to be bathed two or three times a week or every other day. Baths can be given any time of day. Bathing before a feeding often works well. Sponge baths are required at first. Bathing in a tub of water should wait until the baby’s umbilical cord falls off, and a baby boy’s circumcision heals, to prevent infection. Contact dermatitis can develop after your baby’s skin comes into contact with something irritating or that she’s allergic to. Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer within three minutes to retain the moisture in the skin. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Avoid using soap if possible and do not scrub skin with washcloth. If soap is needed, use mild, moisturizing, unscented soap. Heat rash also problem baby skin and causes little bumps on the skin that can show up when your baby overheats. Keep your baby comfortably cool by dressing him in loose-fitting, light cotton clothing, especially in warm, humid weather. Massaging lotions and oils into your baby’s skin can relieve irritation. But anything you use should be free of petrochemicals , which are themselves irritants. Premature babies skin is even more delicate, so it is important to withhold all products until their approximate due date, as their skin takes longer to mature. If your baby is overdue, his/her skin may well be dry and cracked. Don’t be tempted to use any creams or lotions. If night-time itching is a problem, use a cold, damp washcloth to soothe the child’s skin.

Baby Skin Care Tips

1. Babies’ skin needs cleaning and cares for a healthy function during their growth.

2. Humidity causes macerations. Don’t use talc. It is abrasive and irritates the skin.

3. Protect baby skin from sunburn as well as associated problems such as freckles and premature wrinkles.

4. Avoid frequent baths for eczema.

5. Keep baby’s skin from becoming dry and itchy by adding non-allergenic oil to the bathwater.

6. If your baby has seborrheic dermatitis, a mild hydrocortisone cream (0.5%) is safe and usually effective.

7. Apply unscented petroleum jelly or a cream with zinc oxide to the skin of the diaper area to protect and lubricate for diaper rash.

8. Avoid using baby powder or talc.

By: Juliet Cohen

A Primer for New Mothers
One of the most often asked questions asked by new mothers is “what is the best way to care for my baby’s skin?” Newborn skin can be very delicate and is prone to all kinds of different issues and reactions. The guide below will provide general advice about how to properly care for your newborn baby’s skin.

Cord Care
How you care for your baby’s umbilical cord will ultimately impact how his or her belly button will look later in life. It is important to care for this area carefully in order to avoid infection. Swab the base of the umbilical cord with alcohol twice a day. Make sure you fold diapers down at the waist so the cord can be exposed to air. This helps it dry up and fall off faster.

Bath Time
Until your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, stick to sponge baths only. When it falls off completely, you can move on to baby baths. In the first couple of months, babies only need to be bathed two or three times a week. Bathing more frequently at this early stage can dry out your baby’s skin. Keep your newborn clean on days he or she won’t be getting a bath by using a warm, damp washcloth on his or her face, hands, diaper area and neck.

When bathing your baby, use warm tap water, testing the temperature on the inside of your wrist. Make sure you use only water or water along with non-drying baby soap.

Baby Lotion, Baby Oil, Baby Powder
Unless your baby has unusually dry skin, lotions and ointments won’t be necessary. Avoid putting baby oil or any type of greasy compound on your baby’s skin, as this can lead to clogged sweat glands and rashes. If you notice that your newborn’s skin is dry and scaly, you may consider using a moisturizing baby lotion. The best moisturizing technique is to apply the baby lotion right after the bath. In terms of baby powder, opt for powders made from cornstarch rather than talcum. Cornstarch is all natural, and talcum contains chemicals that can cause a severe form of pneumonia if inhaled.  

Diapers & Wipes
Every time you change a diaper, use a baby wipe to clean the entire diaper area. If your baby had a bowel movement, you may require more than one baby wipe. If you have a girl, be careful not to wipe any feces into the genital opening by wiping front to back. If you have a boy, make sure you wipe carefully under the scrotum as stool can hide there.

A Final Word
Bringing home a new baby is without a doubt a very special and exciting occasion. It can also be very daunting for first-time parents who aren’t exactly sure how to care for their new bundle of joy. With these tips on caring for your newborn’s skin, you’ll be well on your way to learning the ropes of parenthood.

By: Amy Nutt