From baby acne to diaper rash, understanding what’s normal and how to care for your little one’s skin can help keep them healthy and happy.
A baby’s skin is incredibly soft, but also extremely sensitive. Because their skin barrier is still developing (it can take up to two years to fully develop), it is more sensitive. These factors lead to more surface water loss and make babies more prone to irritation or absorption of chemicals and ingredients through a thinner skin barrier. Luckily, understanding how to properly care for your baby’s skin can help ensure that they remain happy and healthy.
Common baby skin issues
- Baby Acne: Those tiny pink bumps on your baby’s cheeks and forehead? They’re not the same as teenage acne. Baby acne is a reaction to yeast on the skin and usually disappears on its own within a few weeks.
- Cradle Cap: This scaly, yellowish buildup on the scalp is harmless but can be managed with regular washing and a bit of baby-safe oil, like sunflower oil.
- Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum and Transient Pustular Melanosis: Even though these rashes have long and alarming names, both of these conditions are harmless! They tend to occur in the first hours or days after birth and show up as hive-like pink bumps or hyperpigmented spots with small pustules. These eruptions typically self-resolve and do not require treatment.
- Diaper Rash: Moisture and friction can cause irritation in the diaper area. Using a protective barrier cream, such as one with zinc oxide or petroleum jelly, and changing diapers frequently can help prevent it.
If you think your baby’s rash is lasting longer than it should, or if there is redness, blisters, oozing, or weeping, please see your doctor. In addition, any widespread or extensive rash that seems itchy or uncomfortable should be seen by your doctor.
What to look for in baby care products
When it comes to baby care products, keep things very simple. Parents should opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products. Avoid sulfates, parabens, essential oils, and alcohols, which can be harsh on delicate skin. When choosing a baby wash, avoid products with sodium lauryl sulfate or cocamidopropyl betaine, common foaming agents that may cause irritation.
The link between baby skin and allergies
Recent research suggests that a compromised skin barrier in infancy may contribute to food allergies. When a baby’s skin is dry or inflamed, allergens may penetrate and trigger sensitivities. Proper skin care, including frequent moisturizing, may help reduce this risk.
The best bathing routine for babies
- Bathe your baby daily or every other day for 5-10 minutes using lukewarm water.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser only when necessary.
- Moisturize immediately after bath time, while the skin is still damp, to lock in hydration.
Caring for a baby’s skin doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing gentle, simple products and following a consistent routine, parents can help protect their little one’s skin from irritation and keep it soft and healthy.
