Did you know your newborn's skin care could affect your baby's long term health?
As a new mum, it can be scary with so much information and a plethora of products to sift through. We've simplified baby skin care; below you will find our top ten tips that will help you determine the best baby skin care routine and products for your baby.
1. Your Skincare is Baby Skin Care
When pregnant, be mindful that what you put on your skin can go into your bloodstream and be absorbed by the fetus. Make sure, especially while pregnant, but also while nursing to use clean products. We've done the searching for you and curated a collection of naturally derived skincare products that are safe to use while pregnant and breastfeeding. Be aware of skin products to avoid during pregnancy.
2. Wait to Wash your Newborn
The Vernix, white wax fluid covering the baby's skin upon birth, is full of immune-boosting protection against bacterial and fungal infections. Delaying washing your newborn for a few hours or day can protect the baby's skin and immune health.
3. Massage
Massaging your baby stimulates your newborn's lymphatic system thus boosting their immune, sleep, and skin health. Even five minutes of a gentle massage with natural baby oil will keep their skin glowing.
4. Engage with Nature
Protect their skin against UV rays with Zinc sunblock or apply sunscreen that is specifically designed for newborn babies. For the first 6-12 months avoid using any sunscreen, just keep them covered or in the shade. We recommend checking with your baby's doctor or midwife as to when to start using sunscreen. Moderate exposure to water, air, and the sun is actually good for your baby. And dress them up in a baby hat to keep them safe and stylish!
5. Suds Away
Washing your baby squeaky clean even after birth is not good. Baby skincare is about allowing their microbiome to do the work.
Intense bathing strips the skin of its protective microbiome and can lead to biome imbalances and potential skin problems for your newborn later in life. Instead of foaming soaps, try adding some baby bath milk to the water.
6. Keep Clean
Newborn babies don't need to be baths every day. Bathing your baby a few times a week is OK. But this doesn't mean letting your baby get dirty. Keep them clean, especially in their nappy / diaper area. Use fragrance free gentle baby wipes to keep bums fresh.
7. Choose Organic
You might be appalled that soaps should be avoided at bath time. Babies have delicate skin and organic or naturally derived products are made without harmful pesticides and chemicals. Make sure to steer clear of toxic parabens, phthalates, and known endocrine disruptors. If organic isn't an option, choose natural.
8. Moisturize
Newborn shed skin in the first few months and are prone to dryness. Frequently moisturizing their skin will protect them from uncomfortable itches. Try a natural moisturizer like Thankyou Baby Lotion.
9. Rash Strikes
Things will go south, when they do, get some air. If a nappy rash forms, one of the best thing you can do is give them nappy off time. Yes, nappy off time can be messy but nappy rash can be painful. We highly recommend having on hand a waterproof play mat / change mat and some Sudocrem.
10. Essential Oils
Organic, pure, unrefined essential oils are your friend. Make sure to always dilute them before use. Some baby-friendly oils are frankincense, lavender, and rose otto.
More Newborn Questions?
Follow these baby skin care tips and your baby may be less susceptible to common skin irritations like baby acne, cradle cap, heat rash and diaper rashes.
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