Opinion

All you need to know about newborn skincare essentials

I've noticed a lot of pregnnt ladies walking around Macau lately, so I think is the perfect time to talk about newborn skincare. The question is, hwat does a newborn erally need? Shampoo, cream, lotion, baby oil, baby butter,  balm, baby wash, soap, baby cologne, wipes, essential oils, bubble bath liquid? Does a tiny human really need all of these? 

You may think that when a baby finally arrives, his or her skin will be ‘oh so smooth’ and perfect, but actually, when babies leave their safe and secure intrauterine life, their skin still has a long way to go before it will be fully ready for life outside in the real world.

A baby’s skin continues to develop until up to 12 months after birth, and therefore, babies are much more susceptible to anything that comes in contact with their skin than adults. So using any products that are not made specially for babies is a big no-no.

Another implication of an underdeveloped skin barrier is the fact that little ones will most likely develop some sort of skin issue in their first few months. Although worrisome, most of these issues are just normal, transitional steps in the development of a baby’s skin. Babies will usually outgrow them once their skin barrier matures, but of course, it is always best to be safe and talk to a pediatrician if you have concerns.

Regarding bathing practices, newborns don’t work eight hours a day, nor do they hit the gym every morning. Except for drooling and dirty diapers, they don’t get too dirty and don’t need full baths very often. Actually, until the umbilical cord stump sheds off, it’s not a bad idea to just ‘top and tail’ the newborn, and even after that period, bathing 1 – 3 times a week is enough.

Also, ditching bubble baths until your baby is three years old is a good idea. I know, we all have adorable photos of baths full of toys and bubbles. Newborns, however, don’t control body temperature well, and their bathing time should be as quick as possible (maximum 10 minutes), and if we add bubbles we will likely prolong the bath just for fun. Also, bubble baths are linked to urinary tract infections that a newborn isn’t able to communicate to you effectively… so instead of having fun, your little one could be suffering without you even realizing it.

Lastly, going all-in with sponges isn’t the best of practices, as they are a perfect surface for microorganisms to grow on if not cleaned and dried out properly (especially with Macau’s humidity). Washing your baby with your hands is really sufficient.

As for baby toiletry tips, different people and associations have different opinions about what is considered safe and what is not. I believe the well- being of babies isn’t something that should be taken lightly, and of course in case of any doubts, the best choice is to follow your pediatrician’s advice.

Nevertheless, here are some tips that I believe are a good starting point for any parent:

– Pat the baby dry after bathing and apply an emollient immediately after, while the skin is still damp

– Avoid scented products

– Don’t go crazy with wipes – using them on- the-go is a convenient choice, but when at home it’s just more prudent to opt for pure water. Even gentle, alcohol free wipes are preserved and since a baby’s skin is super permeable, it’s best to minimize use

– Don’t use essential oils on babies below three months of age, and even after then, proceed with caution. Personally, I wouldn’t use any essential oil on my baby, but if you decide to do so, make sure to check if the oil is properly diluted, perform a patch test and make sure the oil you want to use is classified as safe for babies

– Comb your baby’s scalp even if they have very little hair. Studies show that 10.4% of boys and 9.5% of girls will get cradle cap (scale-like patches on the scalp) within the first three months of life. By using an emollient on your baby’s head and by gently combing the scalp, you will help remove it

– If you decide to use a shampoo, although I believe it’s not necessary, introduce it only when your little one is around two months old

– Keep the diaper area dry at all times and air it as often as possible. Use an occlusive balm to keep the bottom protected or, if the baby already has a rash, opt for a diaper cream with zinc oxide

– Ditch baby cologne and baby powder – babies don’t produce funky odors like teenagers or adults do. They smell heavenly, and there is really no point in using any perfume on them

– You can wash your baby with plain water, however, if you opt for a baby wash, keep in mind that a few drops are more than enough. Even if it doesn’t foam much, the liquid is still able to clean your baby

– To lower the possibility of an allergic reaction, stick to products with as few ingredients as possible and try to opt for products from the same range

As you can see, babies don’t need many toiletries. Plain water, an emollient and a diaper cream are more than enough. Shampoos, essential oils, body washes, bubble bath liquids and wipes are out there for those who want them, but they are really not essential for a baby’s well-being.

 

 

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