Babies’ skin is softer than ours. So naturally, they need more care. Baby’s skin is sensitive and extremely gentle, which is why regular products cannot be used on them1. Some studies2 say that baby care products formulated with gentle, and natural handpicked ingredients may cater to the needs of babies. Keeping your baby well-groomed not only adds to their charm but is also an essential part of their health and hygiene.
Here are some ways to keep your baby’s skin soft, supple, gentle and moisturized all day long:
A gentle massage daily or every alternate day can have great benefits for your baby. Be it with baby oil or baby lotion, massaging the products ensures that it penetrates deep within the layers of the skin, keeping it hydrated and moisturized from within3. It is a great way to gain mobility faster by strengthening the muscles and bones4. Besides moisturizing the skin and strengthening muscles, regular massaging of the baby will also improve circulation and comfort the baby4.
Bathing the baby daily will ensure complete hygiene. You can start your baby’s day by giving him a nice bubble bath and cleaning him off the pee and poop gently. Generally, baby products are tear-free, and non-toxic and leave the baby’s skin soft and smooth. Using mild baby bathing products will gently cleanse, moisturise and nourish their delicate skin without stripping their natural body oils2. A gentle baby shampoo helps get rid of dirt and grime from your baby’s body as well as hair.
Keeping the baby directly in contact with a parents’ bare body provides warmth to the baby and also helps regulate baby’s heart rate and breathing. Feeling, hearing, and smelling your presence provides your baby with a sense of calm and security5,6.
Your baby’s face is super sensitive and needs extra care7. While investing in a good facial moisturiser for the baby, make sure it is free from parabens, sulphates, formaldehyde and fragrances, as these might harm your baby8,10. Only gentle, skin-protecting, and hydrating face cream should be put on your baby’s face after clearing their face.
Babies can often make a mess when it comes to feeding them. Always keep baby wipes in handy to clean them off and use zero alcohol wipes. These can keep your baby clean without making the skin too dry. This come super handy while changing a diaper as well11,12.
It is important to educate parents that after birth 1st stools should be passed within 48 hours and baby should pass 1st urine within 24 hours. If any delay should be brought to notice of Paediatrician.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Baby’s skin is super delicate and prone to get infections and rashes easily1. Before massaging, moisturising or oiling your baby, always make it a point to wash your hands thoroughly and cut your nails properly to avoid risk of injury or infections8,12.
Do not sneeze or cough near the baby, use face mask around them14. Visitors should be avoided for first 6 weeks. Kissing the baby’s face should be done. Babies have a weak immune system yet to build up, so make sure to keep them away from infections13.
Breast Milk is the only essential nutrition your baby will need for the first 6 months. Solids and semi-solids can be introduced after 6 months while breastfeeding can continue for up to 2 years15. Do not start any top feed without talking to your doctor. For mothers who cannot breastfeed, doctors will recommend a suitable dose and type of formula feed to keep up with the nutritional requirements of the baby. Do not forget to help them burp after enough feed16.
Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential, it helps to stay healthy and imbibing good eating habits right from childhood.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Talk to your baby’s doctor and set reminders about all the mandatory vaccinations that your baby requires. Maintain the immunization card (usually provided by hospitals) to keep a record of all vaccines that your baby has received.
Newborns require extra care and need to be held with adequate support on the neck and head. Till your child learns neck holding- be careful about neck support while holding the baby. Never shake the baby vigorously or lift up in the air at this stage17.
Even though you may feel anxious about handling a newborn, in a few short weeks you’ll develop a routine and be parenting like a pro. If you have questions or concerns, seek your doctor’s help regarding the resources that can help you and your baby grow together. By keeping these points in mind, you will be able to take care of your baby better.
To care for a baby’s skin, use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers, keep the skin dry and clean, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals. Regularly change diapers to prevent rashes and dress the baby in soft, breathable fabrics to maintain healthy skin.
While parents can kiss a newborn baby, they should be cautious to avoid spreading infections. It’s important for anyone kissing the baby to ensure they are healthy and practice good hygiene, such as washing hands and avoiding kissing near the baby’s mouth or face if they have a cold sore or other contagious illness.
A baby can sleep on a parent’s chest while the parent is awake and alert to ensure the baby’s safety. However, it is not recommended for a baby to sleep on a parent’s chest if the parent might fall asleep, as this increases the risk of accidental suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For safe sleep, it is best to place the baby on their back in a crib or bassinet.
No, it is not recommended for a baby to sleep on their side. The safest sleep position for a baby is on their back, as side-sleeping increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Always place babies on their backs to sleep in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no loose bedding.
Yes, babies can eat egg yolk but it should be cooked properly to avoid the risk of salmonella, typically starting around 8 months of age. Always introduce new foods one at a time and monitor for any signs of allergies.
Yes, parental stress can affect a baby. Maternal stress during pregnancy is linked to potential impacts on foetal development, including preterm birth and low birth weight. After birth, parental stress can influence a baby’s emotional and behavioural development, highlighting the importance of managing stress for the well-being of both the parent and the baby.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
