Baby Skin Care 101

Silky smooth, mega soft, sweet smelling—that’s how we usually imagine newborn skin. But did you know it’s not always like that? Babies, especially newborns, are prone to many rashes and skin issues. Obviously, the transition from the womb to the big wide world is a huge adjustment, and a baby’s delicate skin needs time to acclimate. “A misconception I had was that baby skin was smooth and soft and perfect. I had no idea how many different little skin bumps, rashes, dry spots, etc., could pop up on a baby!” shares Jessica, an Overland Park mom of one. Let’s take a look at some common baby skincare issues and what can be done to help.

Baby acne

The tiny pimples are most frequently found on the face but can appear on the upper body too. Although causes are unknown, according to WhatToExpect.com, hormones from Mom that are still circulating through the baby can cause the innocent breakouts. The pimples will clear up on their own in a matter of time. Some moms swear by a dab of breastmilk on the acne to clear it more quickly.

Dry, flaky skin

Since baby skin needs time to adjust to its new environment, extreme dryness, flaking and peeling can happen. This is a common occurrence in babies born after 40 weeks. Although this will clear up quite quickly on its own, be sure you aren’t bathing Baby too frequently or using a ton of products, as these can dry out the skin even more.

Cradle cap

Anne, a Lenexa mom of three, says, “With my first child, I was not expecting her scalp to flake. My mom taught me to use baby oil on my daughter’s head after her bath to avoid a flaky scalp. Now my third baby’s scalp is smooth under his fuzz of 3-month-old hair growth!”

The flaky scalp Anne refers to is commonly known as cradle cap. These are oily or crusty patches on your baby’s scalp. While not easy to remove, they are harmless and not painful to your baby. To help get rid of it, you may need to wash your baby’s hair more often, but be sure not to use any products formulated for dandruff. These are not meant for babies. You can also use a soft brush after washing to help the patches loosen and fall off. If the cradle cap is severe, you can visit with your pediatrician for suggestions.

Diaper rash

Diaper rash in babies is a red rash around the diaper area and can be caused by a variety of things. Leaving wet diapers on for too long, fastening diapers too tight or using a certain brand of diaper that doesn’t agree with your baby’s sensitive skin are all reasons diaper rash can occur. Sometimes, it is simply enzymes in your baby’s poop which irritates the skin. Whatever the reason, you can usually take care of it without a doctor. Air out the diaper area for as long as possible, change diapers right away, use warm cloths for changing instead of wipes (which can sometimes exacerbate the issue) and load up the area with a good diaper rash cream, such as Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.

Eczema

Another type of issue you may notice is eczema, which is dry, scaly, sometimes red patches on your baby’s skin. Eczema can be hereditary, environmental or a combination of the two. Babies whose parents have eczema are more likely to develop it themselves. Although it can show up anywhere, eczema typically is found on the face, knees or elbows, and can be behind the ears too. Your doctor will most likely recommend environmental strategies to control the eczema, such as bathing with mild or no soap, laundering with mild detergents, avoiding fragrance in products, and dressing your baby in soft, breathable clothing.

Lynn, an Independence mom of one, adds, “If eczema does not go away with OTC treatments, then to speak to a pediatrician as this could be indicative of an allergy. My son had a dairy allergy and there was a spot on his forehead that was there for months. It only went away after dairy was removed.”

Winter months can be especially difficult for eczema sufferers because of the dryness, and baby drool adds to it even more. Be aware and try to have a product like Vanicream or Aquaphor on hand to quickly treat areas before they get too serious.

So ... who knew these little tiny creatures could have this many issues? And that’s just with their skin! Bear in mind most of the concerns here will resolve on their own but occasionally can take a turn for the worse. Your pediatrician’s office is there for you, so don’t hesitate to call and never feel bad or silly for doing so. After all, you are just trying to do the best you can to take care of a tiny human who cannot speak up for himself!

Baby bathing tips:

• NEVER leave a baby unattended, even for a quick second.
• Keep the water shallow and use a smaller bathtub in your regular bathtub or sink to keep your baby secure.
• Check the water temperature against the inside of your wrist, like you would a bottle.
• Have all supplies, towels, fresh clothes, and diapers within reach.
• Use mild products and try to steer clear of dyes, fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. As Ashley, doula and owner of Home Holistic .says, “Don’t use anything you wouldn’t eat!”
• Cover your baby with a cloth or towel to keep them warm while you bathe them.
• Pat your baby dry instead of rubbing since their skin is so sensitive.
• If your baby isn’t a fan of baths, spot clean the areas that need it most...and forget the rest!

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park. Her children, ages 10, 8, 6 and 3, don’t have many of these skin issues anymore but still love taking baths!

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.