Monday, October 13, 2008

Baby Skin Care For Newborns - How To Protect Your Newborn

By Samantha E. Ford

A Newborn baby's skin is very delicate, and so is the forming immune system. Chemicals, fragrances, clothing dyes, detergents can cause skin irritation, dryness and rashes. This might sound like a worry, but there many things you can do to protect your baby from skin problems.

In the first month, as the immune system is still developing, don't use baby products. Anyone with a family history of allergies or asthma should pay close attention to protecting babys new immune system and skin.

Always wash your baby's new clothing before it's worn. Use baby only laundry detergents that are completely fragrance and dye-free. Wash clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the regular family laundry and always give everything an extra rinse.

Resist the urge to bathe your baby to much. Too regular bathing removes the natural oils that protect your baby's skin. Except for drool and diaper changes, newborns just don't get very dirty, so for the first month or so, a sponge bath 2 or 3 times weekly will keep your baby clean. In between, simply wash baby's mouth and diaper area with a little warm water and cleanser.

When you see a rash, this may be allegic recation. Rashes under the diaper may in fact be eczema and not a diaper rash at all. An allergy to dyes in the diapers themselves can be the cause this reaction so change to dye-free diapers future outbreaks will probably stop. If it doesn't, reduce bathing to once a week, change your baby skin products and make sure baby wears only soft clothing.

More than often baby's diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. Rashes can also appear when baby's skin is not crefully dried after a bath. And sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash, especially for babies who are taking antibiotics.

Usually diaper rash doesn't require medical care. To treat diaper rash and prevent further newborn skin problems:

1. Check diapers many times a day.

2. Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.

3. Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or plain water. If the rash is severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.

4. Use a soft clean cloth instead of baby wipes. The perfume in wipes may irritate and dry baby's skin.

5. Pat baby dry. Don't rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.

6. Apply a layer of as Vaseline or other protective ointment like Desitin or A&D.

7. Avoid the use of baby powder. Corn starch-based powders allow yeast growth and talcum powder can cause lung problems if breathed-in.

Giving your newborn a massage is important one-on-one time that conveys your love to your newborn. Research shows that a baby's very survival depends on being touched by others -- as touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Also, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less which is another big benefit.

There's no special technique to massaging a baby. Find a carpeted floor in a warm room. Simply lay baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hand. Then gently massage baby's chest and tummy -- using a gentle yet firm touch. Try to make eye contact and talk to your baby. Sing softly.

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