Many of us are vigilant with our multi-step skincare routines to maintain a clear and youthful appearance. Luckily for babies, they have the youth the rest of us are trying to recapture. They don’t need the same level or frequency of skincare, but their brand-new skin still needs some attention.
The skin is the largest organ in the body, even on tiny newborns, and your baby’s skin is being exposed to the outside world for the very first time. During the first days, weeks, and months of life, it’s not uncommon to see all manner of weird rashes, bumps, and other unexpected skin maladies. Everything from diaper rash to cradle cap (a common form of neonatal dandruff) will likely rear their heads. Most of the time, these skin conditions disappear as quickly as they appear, without any lasting effects or treatments needed. If you’re concerned about a particular rash or blemish, contact your child’s pediatrician for treatment and reassurance.
In the meantime, following these simple newborn skincare guidelines will help to reduce the risk of dermatological mishaps and keep your baby’s skin happy and healthy.
Bathing Your Newborn
Bathing is likely to be your baby’s first and most frequent form of skincare. Let’s be honest; babies come into this world as a perfect mess. They are wrinkly, misshapen, and covered in blood and vernix, a waxy substance naturally produced in the womb. You might think that if ever there was a moment for a bath, this is it, but there’s no rush.
In some cases, bathing too early has been associated with a drop in body temperature and/or blood sugar. The World Health Organization recommends waiting a day for the first bath to prioritize other activities (bonding, feeding, skin-to-skin contact, etc.) unless there is a cultural or health reason not to. For instance, babies at risk of infectious disease may be bathed sooner to reduce the risk of transmission.
How long should I sponge-bathe my newborn?
For the first few weeks, your baby should only get sponge baths.. Sponge baths should only take five or ten minutes. Use a cloth or sponge moistened with lukewarm water to wipe your baby clean without submerging their body in water. Be aware of your baby’s body temperature, as they can get cold quickly. Keep them wrapped in a towel as much as possible while cleaning one area at a time. Once the umbilical cord stump, circumcision, or any other open wound is fully healed, then you can transition to conventional baths.
How often should I bathe my newborn?
Babies aren’t particularly active, so they don’t need to be bathed all that often. After the first bath, babies only need to be bathed 2 to 3 times per week as long as they are getting frequent diaper changes and wiped clean after feedings and other messy activities. Keep these baby bathing basics in mind:
- Never leave your baby unattended in the bath. Even a small amount of water poses a drowning threat.
- Always test the bath water temperature to ensure it won’t be too hot or cold for your baby. Bath water should be 98.6 ºF.
- Use a soft cloth and neutral soaps free of scents and other additives.
- Keep your baby cozy in the bath with a warm washcloth laid over them like a blanket to keep them from getting cold too quickly.
- Never let your baby shiver, as their body temperature can drop quickly. Have a blanket or towel ready to wrap them up right when you take them out of the bath.
Skincare for Newborns
Baby skin is not the same as more mature skin; it’s more sensitive and absorbent. In the same way, your baby is soaking up information and experiences; their skin is ready to soak up anything you apply to it. As a result, even typically mild adult skincare products are often too strong for baby skin.
Fortunately, babies usually don’t need the same skincare as adults. Aquaphor or Vaseline are perfect for your baby’s dry hands and feet.
How can I keep my newborn’s skin happy and healthy?
- Keep baby blankets, clothes, and stuffies clean.
- Use soaps and detergents intended for sensitive baby skin.
- Give baby clothes an extra rinse to remove excess detergent.
- Change messy diapers quickly to prevent diaper rash and treat diaper rash with zinc oxide ointment.
What can I do for baby acne?
Newborn acne, or neonatal acne, is a common skin condition for newborns and typically comes within the first few weeks after birth. It often resembles tiny red or white bumps on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. As tempting as it might be to pinch or pick it, the best thing you can do is wash with lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing it. While it can be concerning to see, newborn acne is harmless and typically clears up on its own without needing treatment.
How can I protect my newborn’s skin in the sun?
- Avoid Sun Exposure – Keep your newborn out of the sun. Seek shade or create it yourself whenever possible. Use a combination of breathable long-sleeved shirts, hats, umbrellas, stroller hoods, blankets, etc., to create shade when you can’t find it.
- Sunscreen for Newborns – Avoid topical sunscreens until your baby is at least six months old. Using sunscreen on newborns isn’t necessarily good or bad, but there isn’t reliable research data on the effects. If sun exposure is unavoidable, look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate skin.
