Adorable as it is, a newborn’s skin is around 30% thinner than ours.
This means that it can react much more sensitively to products, not forgetting that their little bodies are still getting used to the outside world.
At a glance
- Keep your home dust free
- Milk Spots are perfectly normal
- Invest in a hypoallergenic detergent
As a result you may find that your little one develops some very common skincare conditions including nappy rash, milk spots, eczema and cradle cap, as well as dry skin. While many of these will pass on their own (always speak to a doctor if you’re concerned) there are a few ways to help make it better – or at least bearable – for your newborn.
Caring for their skin
Every parent knows that newborns can dirty their little clothes very quickly and you’ll probably find yourself washing those little muslins, baby grows and their bedding at least one, or more, times a day.
However, harsh laundry detergents are more likely to irritate your little one’s skin so it’s best to use gentle skin detergents for newborns.
Non-bio detergent
When you’re washing those cute baby clothes look for a detergent that will clean without irritating skin. A non-bio detergent, which doesn’t contain enzymes, cleans at low temperatures – and gets rid of those messy baby stains – is a good option.
Hypoallergenic properties
Of course, it’s not just about clean, it’s about softness too. Choose a fabric conditioner that has hypoallergenic properties, which helps reduce the risk of irritation in your baby’s skin.
Common skin conditions:
Sensitive skin and eczema
• Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that can dry out baby’s skin, making it more prone to eczema.
• If your baby has eczema, remember to apply an appropriate emollient (moisturiser) at bath time.
• Keep your home dust free and well ventilated.
Cradle cap
Has your little one got yellowish crusty or greasy, scaly patches on their scalp? Cradle cap is a common skin condition caused by a build-up of sebum, an oily substance, which makes cells clump together.
One natural way to remove cradle cap is to soften it by massaging the area with a small amount of olive oil, leaving for an hour and then washing or use a specially formulated shampoo.
Milk spots
Milk spots are pearly white spots around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead. They are perfectly normal and will disappear on their own.
Top tips for newborn skincare
- Bathe your baby regularly to keep their skin clean. For the first month use just water or, a product designed especially for newborn skin.
- Choose clothes that are made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen, which let skin breathe. Although cute knitted cardigans and jumpers can look super cute, it’s important to remember that wool can irritate already sensitive skin. Either avoid this, or place a cotton vest underneath.
- To avoid nappy rash and irritation, never leave a wet or dirty nappy on for longer than necessary and always use a barrier cream.
- If you decide to use baby wipes then keep an eye on whether they seem to irritate your baby’s skin and stop using them if they do.