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.

Don't use baby products in the first month as the immune system is still developing. If you have a family history of skin problems, allergies, or asthma, it's especially important to protect your baby's immune system and skin from allergens.

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

Resist the urge to bathe your baby frequently. Frequent bathing removes the natural oils that protect baby's skin. Except for drool and diaper changes, newborns don't get very dirty, so for the first month or so, a sponge bath two or three times a week will keep your baby safely clean. In between, simply clean baby's mouth and diaper area with a little warm water and cleanser.

When baby has an allergic reaction, the result will usually be a rash. Rashes that appear under the diaper may be eczema and not a diaper rash. An allergy to dyes in the diapers themselves can be the simple of this reaction so changing to dye-free diapers may be all that's needed to prevent futher outbreaks. If it doesn't subside, reduce bathing to once a week, change your baby's skin products and make sure baby wears only soft clothing.

Most often, diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. The rash can also develop when baby's skin is not properly dried after a bath. 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. Diapers should be chnaged immediately they are wet or soiled.

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

4. Use a soft clean cloth, not baby wipes. The perfume or alcohol in many wipes can further irritate and dry baby's skin.

5. Pat baby dry and make sure the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a clean 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 soothing massage is important one-on-one time that conveys your love. Research has shown that a baby's very survival depends on being touched by others as touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Additionally, and befeficial to both parents and baby, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less.

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. - 15252

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