Baby Talk - 1/18/18

Here are a few tips for protecting baby’s skin.

• Limit bathing – No need to bathe baby more than three times a week during the first year. Lukewarm water and a mild cleanser protect baby’s skin from dryness and irritation. In between baths, spot clean baby’s mouth and diaper area.

• Avoid scented products – Baby’s skin can be irritated by the scent found in soap, shampoo, lotion, and baby wipes. As a baby this was a big issue for me and my sisters. To this day, we all have to watch the products we use and make sure they are unscented. 

• Prewash clothing – Store bought clothes may contain irritants, so best to wash them before debuting them on baby. Use a mild detergent, preferably with no fragrance or dye, and wash baby’s clothing and bedding separately from the rest of the family’s clothes. We used Dreft, which has a plant-based formula and is hypoallergenic and dye-free. Even today, I use a hypoallergenic detergent.

• Humidify the air – Your home heating system removes moisture from the air, which can dry baby’s skin and cause irritation. Using a cool-mist humidifier puts water back into the air, keeping baby’s skin hydrated. Just one word of caution – it is so important to change the water frequently and clean the machine regularly to avoid mold and bacteria.

• Keep out of the sun – Babies produce less melatonin, which makes their skin very sensitive to the sun. The best practice is to avoid exposing baby to the sun for at least the first six months. Long pants, long sleeve tops, and a hat with a brim are appropriate if baby must be exposed to the sun.

What other ideas do you have for protecting baby’s skin? Please, share.