Taking care of newborn involves a lot of things. You have to take care of the baby’s massage, look after the flaky skin and also take care of the healing of the belly button area. Well, most often it seems very difficult because the baby’s skin is tender and very delicate as well.

Proper skin care for newborn is very important to maintain the health and texture of the baby’s skin. There are many things that you will have to do daily and some even two to three times a day. However, some babies can be given bath alternate day or three days a week.

Principles of Skin Care for Newborns 

Here are some basics principles of skin care for newborns.

• Gentle cleansing
• Adequate hydration
• Moisturise  
• Protection from irritants
• Shielding from bright sun
• Preventing maceration and friction in body folds
• Preventing from drying and damage

Newborn’s Skin Care Tips 

Have a quick look at the tips for taking care of newborn’s skin.

Bathing – Bathing is an ideal and best way of cleansing the daily dirt and dust accumulated on the baby’s body. Lukewarm water baths are preferred and advised. If the child is premature or born with low weight, bathing should be avoided till the cord comes off. 

Make use of soft towel and get your baby a bath fixing the time as per your convenience. Since babies chill very easily and quickly, you should make sure that the room where you are giving your baby a bath is warm from inside.

Massage – Massaging your infant two to three times daily will help him feel relaxed. The child does not get irritated and also cries less if frequent and proper massage is given to him regularly. The oil helps moisturise the entire body and this helps maintain the soft and tender skin of the baby for long.

Moisturise – Babies need getting moisturised throughout their body. It is not just facial skin but the skin of the entire body has to be taken care of. Make sure you choose and use a product that is specially designed for the babies and suits your baby’s skin too.

Care of the Diaper Area – The diaper area faces lot of moisture and humidity. Hence, this area is prone to maceration and hit by microorganisms. It is important you use diapers made of superabsorbant material and mothers should check and change the diaper as soon as it needs a change. Wipe the bottoms and the front area on every change. If needed dry with the help of baby powder. In case of nappy rash, apply petroleum jelly or any certified lubricant for your newborn.

Care of the Scalp – Baby shampoos are available in the market that helps clean the scalp. Just make sure that they are for minimum period of time on the scalp so that there is no skin irritation.

Baby Powders – It is advised that you should avoid use of baby powders as far as possible. Only when you need to prevent your child from maceration or in hot and humid weather, you should make use of baby powders. 

Remember, the skin of an infant needs special care because it is susceptible and sensitive. Read the instructions and cautious judgments before using any product on the skin. Pay attention to other areas like legs and feet and keep them clean too. Do not forget to be cautious about oral hygiene and cleanliness of clothes that your baby wears as well.