Your baby’s skin is thin and very sensitive, so caring for it requires a very delicate approach.
And that approach is simplicity.
Your main goal in those first weeks and months is two-fold; not to irritate your precious baby’s skin, and to preserve and protect its natural oils.
Of course, your doctor is the only person qualified to give you specific skincare advice; so, if you have concerns, you should seek medical advice.
But here are 5 general tips on how to care for your baby’s skin.
- Keep it simple: Most experts recommend you use plain water only when washing your baby for the first 4-6 weeks. No soaps, bath gels or shampoos are needed. And this principle also extends to laundry detergents. Shop for non-biological varieties as they are enzyme-free, reducing the risk of irritating a baby's skin.
- Less is more: You should only bath your baby two or three times a week in the first 6 weeks or so as too regular bathing can dry out their skin. Just make sure you thoroughly clean their diaper area after every change, and you can use a washcloth or damp cotton pads to clean your baby’s tiny face and hands. When you do bath your little one, make sure it is just warm water (see above) for the first 4-6 weeks. And even after that, you must only use a very mild or gentle soap so as not to cause irritation. Our top tip is to use hypoallergenic products that are dye-free and fragrance-free.
- Use an emollient: Babies are prone to dry, flaky skin, so once they are about 4 weeks old, you can use an emollient (moisturiser ingredient) cream on any dry patches. An effective yet gentle option to try is Vaseline® Jelly, which seals in moisture deep down to help heal dry skin. The good news for parents is that it’s made from triple-purified petroleum jelly and it's hypoallergenic – so it’s suitable for sensitive skin – and it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores either.
- Barrier for bums: Although there’s no way of preventing diaper rash completely, you can help manage the risk by changing your baby’s diaper often and making sure the diaper fits properly. It’s also important to let your baby have some time out of their diaper each day to let the air circulate. (Just make sure you put a towel under them to catch any accidents!) Try not to use baby wipes to clean your little one’s bum until they are about 4 weeks old and use a petroleum-based cream to protect against diaper rash. Applying a layer of Vaseline® Jelly Baby is a great option as it creates a protective barrier to help shield your baby’s sensitive skin. It also locks in moisture to help soothe and calm skin. But make sure you speak to your doctor about diaper rash if you are concerned.
- Cradle cap: Some babies have a yellow, crusty appearance on their scalp due to the build-up of dry skin and natural oils. This is known as 'cradle cap' and it’s completely harmless and normal. You can use a soft brush when your baby’s hair is wet to try to remove it, but don’t use shampoo until your little one is approximately 6 weeks old. Once you do start using shampoo, make sure it is a mild one made especially for babies, and that it’s tear-free.