Is there something more perfect than your baby's skin? You cannot resist touching and caressing her. Do not stop! Your baby loves it as much as you love it. The protection of delicate skin is another important task for a father or a mother. Next, we present what you need to know and do to care for the baby's skin.
Baby's skin
The skin of your baby is soft and smooth and, at the same time, resistant and elastic. The skin constitutes the most extensive organ of the human body; is a set of cells that clump together to form a thin, but the resistant barrier. The skin is constantly renewed in life, a process that begins even before birth.
However, many times at first the skin of a newborn is not perfect at all. Do not be alarmed if you find large areas with peeling, redness or scales in the first days after birth. The areas of the wrists, knees, and feet can bleed as they adapt to exposure to air.
All this is normal. Use a mild ointment to help lubricate and heal skin that is bleeding or cracked. Very soon your baby's skin will recover and become smoother.
Hydrating Creams
To keep the child's skin healthy, you need to preserve its natural softness and strength. Even if your baby's skin does not show peeling, do not doubt that it will benefit if you use moisturizers. You can buy products without perfume with ingredients such as mineral oil or petrolatum. The moisturizer that you apply daily to your baby should not contain substances such as alpha hydroxides or sun blockers.
In fact, it is an excellent idea to use the same moisturizer that you apply to the body because any way you and the baby are always in contact. Whatever your decision, keep it in such a way that your baby's skin does not have to adapt again to the different combinations of ingredients in different products.
Baby Skin Care
The sun and your baby
All babies should be kept out of direct sunlight. A baby can burn with the sun in a very short period, from 10 to 15 minutes, even on cloudy days.
The first defense barrier should be clothed. On hot days, dress your baby in thin cotton clothing that covers her arms and legs. Make sure you put a sun hat on each time you leave. Try to avoid exits when the sun's rays are stronger, that is, between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics changed its position regarding babies and sunscreens. A while ago, he recommended not using sunscreens in babies under 6 months. However, he now points out that there is no evidence that there are risks if you apply small amounts of sunscreen to a small baby. In any case, do not use sunscreen as a substitute for protective clothing. Use it to cover the exposed face, hands and feet of your baby.
Nail care
The child's nails are very thin, sharp and grow in a surprisingly fast way! You may have to cut them very often, up to twice a week. This is very important since newborns can scratch their faces with their own nails.
To cut them, use a soft file, a nail clipper or special nail clippers for babies. You may find it easier to do this task when your baby is sleeping. To not cut the skin off the fingertips while cutting the nail, hold the finger firmly and push the skin back. Do not be alarmed if a little blood comes out (this will happen to you at least once, despite all your efforts). To stop the blood, simply apply a little pressure.
The nails of the toes grow much slower and are usually softer. It is not necessary to keep them as short as those of the hand; just cut them once or twice a month. Although it may seem that the child has an ingrown toenail, this almost never happens. Call your pediatrician if the skin around the toenails becomes red, swollen, or hard.
Your baby's clothes
Dress your newborn baby with one more layer of clothing than the one you are wearing, to keep him comfortable and warm. For newborns, this means the t-shirt, diaper, pajamas and a blanket, except in the hottest months.
When the temperature exceeds 22-23 º C, you can reduce this to a single layer of clothing. Touch your baby's skin often to see if he is uncomfortable. If the skin is hot and sweaty, remove one.
If your baby is premature or has little body fat, it may not regulate your body temperature very well and you may need more layers of clothing to be warm. Newborns who have little hair may need a cap, especially at night.
Your baby's skin may be sensitive to the chemicals found in new clothes and the soap and detergent residue left behind after washing.
To avoid problems:
- Wash all new clothes and bedding before the child uses them.
- During the first months, wash your baby's clothes separately.
- Use a mild detergent and rinse twice.
The article was written by Dr. Anthony J. Mancini.
Resources:
What baby skin care is necessary for babies?
Resources:
What baby skin care is necessary for babies?
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