Baby Skin Care Advice

It may take as long as a month for the newborn's umbilical knot to fall off naturally. Until that time, it's best to avoid a tub bath. You could bathe them by just filling the tub to below navel level. But splashing and the baby's tilting slightly could make that tricky. Best to stick with sponge bathing for the first few weeks.

Giving a sponge bath a couple of times per week is actually very easy. In fact, just plain tap water warmed up to about body temperature is perfect. Make sure the room is a little on the warm side, too. Babies chill easily. Use a soft cotton towel and wipe gently everywhere, avoiding the circle around the navel to minimize the possibility of infection. A little bit of clean water that drips down, however, won't hurt anything.

Once you graduate to a full bath, two to three times per week is plenty for the first few months of your newborn's life. But keeping the face, anus and genitals clean at all times is important. Do that as often as needed which will seem like every hour on some days.

An excessively hot bath or (more commonly) being wrapped up a little too warmly can give a newborn a heat rash. It may also happen simply when the weather is hot. This is normal and no cause for alarm. The baby's pores are 'learning' to adapt to the outside world to regulate its body temperature correctly.

This heat rash or prickly heat may appear as small red bumps, often on the chest or around the neck. Adjust the baby's clothing or bedding to allow a little better airflow. If it persists for more than a day, a cool wet cloth can be applied locally on the patches to cool the skin. Don't overdo it. You don't want to overcompensate and give the baby a chill.

A large percentage of newborns will develop some kind of acne in the first few months. Don't worry! Infant pimples or neonatal acne, as it's called, is perfectly normal. Hormones cause the oil glands to be more active at this time, which can lead to mild acne.

Cleaning the face as normal is all that's required. The pimples will disappear all on their own. There's no need to treat them with acne cream and you should never squeeze them. For severe cases or any that persist for months, speak to your pediatrician.

Many newborns develop a patch of darkened skin on the scalp called cradle cap. It resembles a dirty area. Some studies suggest it is a mild form of eczema. In most cases it will disappear spontaneously.

Cleansing the area will help keep pores free of excess oil. A mild brushing can help keep oil moving from the follicles to the skin surface. Avoid harsh shampoos or vigorous cleaning, though. That tends to make skin conditions worse since it dries and roughens the skin. Let the body do its job with only a little bit of assistance from you.

Taking care of your newborn's skin requires only a regular habit of gentle practices. Babies are very robust and with proper care will do just fine. The newborn's immune system, while still developing for the first few months, is already an amazing thing. With proper diet and skin care it will keep your baby in optimal health.

How to Conquer Diaper Rash

Most babies will get some degree of diaper rash during the first year or two. Newborns are particularly prone to acquiring this red, inflamed area on the buttocks, thighs or genitals. Also, the skin itself may be warmer than normal. Fortunately, treating it at home is often simplicity itself.

Anything which irritates the skin can cause diaper rash. A baby's skin is very sensitive. Still, there are a few common causes.

Long exposure to urine and feces is one example. Pure urine is not infectious. But it mixes readily with organisms, providing them with a growing medium. Bacteria are often found in feces, as a normal part of the body's disposal of potentially harmful 'invaders'.

One organism in particular accounts for a large number of diaper rash cases: yeast. This common fungus grows well in moist, warm environments, such as soiled diapers. Even when waste isn't present, excessive humidity in the air encourages moisture under the diaper. That condition is especially likely in skin folds that trap moisture.

Other causes are possible, as well.

A change in diet can increase stool production, which increases the time the baby's skin is exposed to it. Ironically, even a new cleansing product can cause diaper rash. Though rarely the cause, thanks to considerable testing, some babies are sensitive to certain products. A new detergent or fabric softener, or even a new disposable wipe, can irritate the skin.

And, not least, some babies are simply more sensitive than others to potential irritants. Tight diapers that are perfect for one will chafe another.

Home treatment is all that's required in the overwhelming majority of cases of diaper rash.

In most cases, simply cleaning your baby gently but thoroughly will provide the right environment for time to do the rest. Changing diapers promptly and often will help prevent any instance or recurrence. Rinsing with warm water during a change to remove all trace of urine and feces is a good idea.

There's rarely a need for swabbing with alcohol and it can often be counterproductive. It tends to dry the skin excessively. Patting with a soft towel followed by air drying is best. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before fitting the baby with a new diaper.

For babies that tend to develop diaper rash, avoid diapers or outer pants that have elastic bands that tighten against the legs. This blocks air flow that helps to keep the area dry. They may also chafe.

For more serious cases, an anti-fungal cream may be called for. There are over the counter ointments and prescription strength creams. Which is needed depends of course on individual factors that should be discussed with your physician.

With proper care almost all cases of diaper rash can be conquered within a few days. For those that persist or grow, see your doctor. Any time the rash is accompanied by pus or boils you should seek professional treatment for your baby at once.