How to Take Care of Baby’s Skin: 6 Tips

Let’s face it. Babies are so irresistible! Aside from their wide, innocent eyes and toothless smiles, part of their cuteness is their soft, smooth skin. Why, we mummies even want to replicate that skin by buying what’s touted to be the latest, most effective, skin oils and lotions!

So you search website after website, trying to learn how to take care of baby’s skin. Look no further, because we’ve got you and your baby covered with these natural baby skin care tips.

6 Tips on How to Take Care of Baby’s Skin

How to take care of baby’s skin? Here are 6 Tips:

1. Let the natural processes be

A few days after your baby’s birth, you might notice that his skin seems to be peeling. Don’t worry, it’s a natural process. That peeling skin is called vernix, and experts say that it is a substance that protects and insulates a baby inside a mother’s womb. It also helps a baby’s passage through the birth canal.

2. Be careful about the products you use

Not all organic baby skin care products are created equal. There are genuine ones and there are fakes as well. Because of the increased awareness for green products, some manufacturers advertise their products as “for babies”, when in reality, these contain harmful substances that may damage your baby’s skin and threaten his health in the long run.

The key here is to read product labels carefully. Go for natural baby skin care items like natural goats milk soap that has lactic acid which help remove dead skin cells naturally. It also contains Vitamin A for healing damaged skin and fat molecules to help prevent dry skin.

As he grows older, you may use natural shampoo for his hair. This does not contain fragrances or harsh chemicals that may irritate his eyes and skin. Also, be mindful of using baby powder on baby skin. Just use a small amount for his back or bottom, never on the face.

3. Three baths a week is enough

Experts say that bathing your baby every single day actually removes some of the essential vitamins, fats and minerals in his skin. Babies don’t really get too dirty, anyway, especially during the infancy period. Just wipe off his drool, change his diapers as needed and keep him dry all day to keep him smelling fresh and clean.

4. His clothes matter

Like all other mums, I wanted my firstborn to have the cleanest and best-smelling clothes at all times. That’s why I used bleach to whiten his whites, rinsed his clothes well before I added the final touch – scented fabric conditioner.

Then, one day, I noticed that he had rashes on his neck, armpits and shoulders. I wouldn’t have wondered if he had rashes on his bottom, because babies usually do, right? So I took my baby to his pediatrician. The culprit? Yes, you’re right – the bleach and the fragrance from the fabric conditioner I used left residues on his clothes. I did more research and alarmingly, I found out that 95% of the chemicals in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum! No wonder my baby’s skin was irritated. From then on, I used baby laundry soap, even if it costs a bit more.

5. Give him a massage

Baby massage stimulates the blood vessels underneath, causing healthier blood circulation. It has also been found to help fight diseases,promote relaxation and regulate the production of hormones. But of course, the best part about giving him a massage is that he’ll reward you with a smile that can melt your heart.

6. Shield him from the sun

Yes, sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, but you need not expose your baby just to get its benefits. Your breast milk or the infant formula you are feeding him already contains sufficient amounts of Vitamin D for his daily need. The truth is, exposure to sunlight may cause skin chapping. If you really have to spend a day out in the sun, apply a small amount of sunscreen with the highest sun protection factor.

These are just some tips on how to take care of baby’s skin. Do you know of any others? Please share them with us by writing in the comments box below.