When Can You Put Lotion on a Newborn [+ Other Skincare Questions]
Have you ever enjoyed that newborn smell? Or the term “softer than a baby's butt?” This saying doesn’t come from nowhere! Babies are usually soft and supple and fun to snuggle! This is because their stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) is thinner than adult’s and has natural moisturizing. It’s no wonder so many adults would kill to have baby-soft skin!
Even though babies usually have soft skin, there are times when it can become irritated or dry, making plenty of parents want to soften it up. This begs the question, “Can I put lotion on my baby?” Keep reading to learn more about how to take care of your baby’s skin.
How Often Should I Bathe My Newborn?
While it may be tempting to bathe your newborn as often as you wash yourself, they truly do not need to be bathed every day or even every other day. They can have a full bath two or three times a week! If they are bathed any more often than this, especially during winter months, their skin can easily dry out.
Something important to note is that you will need to keep their umbilical cord from being submerged in the water, as this can lead to infection. If a little water gets on it, though, don’t stress it!
Can I Use Essential Oils On My Newborn?
Although they smell great, essential oils shouldn’t be used on babies. This is because these oils have been shown to break down the lipid barrier on babies’ skin, causing irritation and rashes. If you have a lotion that has a small concentration of essential oils and is not bothering your baby, you can continue to use it.
Can I Use Lotions and Ointments On My Newborn?
Babies are well known for having soft and silky skin, and you frequently hear people talking about wanting “baby-soft skin.” Their skin is soft because it is naturally moisturizing, and the skin lipid production is reduced in comparison to adults. For the most part, babies shouldn’t need lotion as their skin is usually already well-hydrated.
This isn’t to say that your baby will never need lotion, though! If your baby has dry or cracked skin, it’s a good idea to use baby lotion or moisturizing cream twice a day to improve the integrity of their skin. The lotion you use should be unscented and free of dyes. Lotions or moisturizers can be used on newborn babies if they need them. Use your best judgment!
Why Is My Baby’s Head Crusty?
Before I had my first baby, I had never heard of cradle cap. Cradle cap is crusty or oily patches on a baby’s head, but it usually bothers the parent far more than it does the baby! Cradle cap is caused by the hormones from the mother transferring from mom to baby through the placenta before birth. There is nothing to fear, though, as it is just overactive oil glands on the head!
Thankfully, cradle cap can usually be resolved without medical intervention. Here are some tips that have been effective in getting rid of cradle cap:
Gently rub a soft washcloth or soft-bristled brush over the scales.
Wash your baby’s hair once a day with baby shampoo and then rub it with a soft washcloth or soft-bristled brush to loosen the scales.
If the scales persist, use baby oil or petroleum jelly on their scalp. This can be left on for a couple of hours before brushing and washing it out.
If cradle cap continues after repeating these methods, they may need to be prescribed medication to clear up the flaky scalp.
Can I Start Using Moisturizer On My Newborn If They Might Have Eczema?
If you have a history of sensitive skin or eczema, it might be a good idea to start immediately putting moisturizer on your baby to help decrease the chance of them developing it. If they begin to develop skin issues that are not fixed by using moisturizer, they may need to be prescribed topical creams to help improve the condition. There are also baby-grade steroids available that are safe for your baby to use – just consult with your pediatrician first.
How Do I Treat Diaper Rash?
Every baby experiences diaper rash at one point or another. This can be caused by wearing a diaper too long, whether the irritation comes from their pee or poop or from the diaper itself rubbing against their body. Diaper rash can be painful for babies as they continue to have their diapers rub against their sore spots.
If you notice that your baby has a diaper rash, the area should be cleaned after each soiled diaper. You should also apply diaper cream or ointment so that it can act as a barrier between your baby and the diaper. This will help decrease chafing and give your baby’s skin time to heal. Using diaper cream or baby powder is a good preventative measure to keep your baby from developing a diaper rash.
Monitor Your Baby’s Skin with Baby Connect
There are times when your baby may experience dry skin or some other skin condition. Especially when they are young, it’s important to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t worsen! Rashes can mean a plethora of things, from simple skin irritation to allergies.
Keeping track of their skin is as important as monitoring any other health markers, such as sleeping schedule, feeding schedule, and bowel movements. With Baby Connect, you can take pictures of their rash and document them to ensure that they do not worsen over time. Even better, you will have the skin rash documented in case you need to show their pediatrician!
