Expert Tips: Dos and Don’ts of Baby Skincare Products for First-Time Parents

Until the age of 2, the skin of your child is immature and quite sensitive. It cannot defend itself from harsh chemicals, can easily be irritated, and thus prone to redness. This is why taking good care of your child’s skin as well as selecting the right baby skin care products is important. 

In this article, our kids care experts at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital will give you tips to take care of your baby’s soft and supple skin. 

What Are the Common Baby Skin Care Conditions? 

Before moving on to the best baby products for the skin, it is first important to know the conditions you need to protect your baby from. Babies are generally prone to: 

• Dry Skin. 

• Dandruff. 

• Cradle Cap (yellow or red patches on your baby’s scalp). 

• Heat Rash. 

• Diaper Rash. 

• Baby Eczema. 

• Acne. 

Which Product is Best for Baby Skin? 

When it comes to your baby’s skincare, it is important to choose the right baby skin care products. Since your baby’s skin is sensitive, you need products that are tested under the supervision of paediatricians and dermatologists and are hypoallergenic. 

Here are some useful tips that can help you in choosing the best baby skin care products: 

• Bathing Products: 

Instead of choosing harsh soaps, select cleansers or gentle cleansing gels. Make sure that you rinse these cleansers gently and thoroughly to prevent dryness and irritation on your child’s skin. 

Talking about shampoos, go for foam shampoo for newborns or gentle shampoos. These will help in gently washing your baby’s scalp and hair without damaging their delicate skin. 

• Creams and Lotions: 

Just like adult skin, baby’s skin also requires ample moisturization. Make sure that you keep your baby’s skin hydrated with gentle moisturizing lotions and creams. If your child is suffering from cradle cap, use a cradle cap cream that is safe. These creams will gently get rid of your baby’s dryness on scalp irritation. 

• Baby Wipes: 

While you may not always rely on baby wipes, these play a crucial role in taking good care of your baby’s skin. Make sure to select the right wipes that are specifically used in kids’ care.   

• Baby Oil: 

If you are worried about providing adequate moisturization to your baby, baby oil can go a long way. You can start by putting a few drops of baby oil in your baby’s bath water or even apply a few drops of baby oil to your kid’s body and scalp to keep their skin supple and hydrated. 

• Sunscreen: 

To your surprise, your baby also needs sunscreen similar to you. The sun’s UV rays can severely damage your baby’s delicate skin and cause baby sunburn. Hence, make sure that you apply a mineral sunscreen to your child whenever stepping outside.  

Before applying sunscreen, make sure that is suitable for the baby’s skin and is hypoallergenic.  

Simple Baby Skincare Tips 

Apart from baby skin care products, you also need to practice a skincare routine to let your baby’s skin stay fresh and hydrated for long. This includes: 

• Bathing Your Baby 

Bathtime may be one of your favourite times with your little one and perhaps you might even bond during this time. Bathing more than once a day, using the wrong products, and hot water, however, can do more harm than good.  

Make sure that you only use lukewarm water to bathe your child and use products approved by your paediatrician. 

• Changing Your Baby’s Diapers 

It may look like your baby’s diaper is always dirty. It is, however, important to change it as soon as it becomes soiled. Leaving your baby in a dirty diaper can cause baby rashes and infections. While it can be tiresome, it is important to keep your baby in a clean diaper. 

It is always normal to let your baby spend some time without a diaper and allow their skin to breathe and excess moisture to evaporate. 

• Moisturizing Your Baby’s Skin 

Similar to your skincare routine, moisturizing is also an important part of your baby’s skincare. Carefully moisturize your baby’s entire body and face with a mild moisturizer or lotion at least once daily.  

• Massaging Your Baby 

During your moisturization session, make sure to also massage your baby. Gently massage your baby until the moisturizer has completely penetrated their skin. You can also use a massage oil that is specially formulated for babies. 

Not only the massage will help in relaxing your baby or putting them to sleep, but it will also allow you to bond with them. 

• Protecting Your Baby’s Skin 

Since your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive, it is important to keep it covered to protect it from harsh elements. If you step out with your baby, make sure to cover their sensitive areas completely with a hat, scarf, or mittens. 

• Dressing Your Baby 

As your little one can be easily affected by hot or chilly weather, it is always ideal to cover them up in layers. 

If you feel that your baby is warm, peel off one layer. If the baby seems uncomfortable or their feet are cold, add a layer to keep them warm. This is an effective way to keep them comfortable and is also an important part of their skincare routine. 

• Choosing the Right Clothes 

One of the main reasons behind your baby’s dry skin can also be the clothing. Ideally, all your baby’s clothes should be natural, soft, and breathable. Make sure that you avoid synthetic clothing as these are neither breathable nor absorb moisture. A synthetic fabric can also cause sweating and lead to eczema.  

• Paying Attention to Product Labels 

When selecting baby skin care products, make sure that you first check the label. Surprisingly, some products claiming to be baby products might not be the ideal choice for your baby. 

Whichever product you choose, make sure that it is natural and safe for your baby. For the best products, you can check with your paediatrician.