How to care for baby skin

Why do we need to take special care of baby skin?

Babies’ skin is delicate, sensitive, and more prone to irritation compared to adults. For this reason keeping their skin healthy, soft, and protected is a key part of their healthcare. Baby skin is thinner and less developed, making it more vulnerable to dryness, rashes, and infections. Dyes in clothing, detergents and some fragrances in baby products often irritate delicate baby skin. Choosing products which have been specially developed for baby skin, specifically hypo-allergenic products, is essential. Babies may also develop diaper rash, cradle cap, eczema or dry skin after birth. Doctors traditionally refer to any skin condition which causes inflammation as dermatitis and these conditions can occur at any age.

How to care for your baby’s skin

Gentle bathing

Wash your baby daily using a fragrance-free soap or specially developed baby product in warm water. Before placing your baby in the water, test the water carefully with your elbow. If the water feels hot to touch, add a little more cool water. Babies are very sensitive to heat and can burn easily in hot bathing water.

Moisturising

Moisturise your baby’s skin after bathing to lock in moisture. Use a hypo-allergenic non greasy baby lotion or cream. Consider trying My baby cream with Shea butter or My baby cream with sweet almond oil and vitamin E.

Skin Protection in Diaper area

Wipe away any dirt on your baby’s skin using unscented baby wipes or a soft wet cloth. After cleaning, allow the skin to dry thoroughly. Immediately afterwards apply a barrier cream containing zinc oxide to protect the skin. Since urine contains ammonia, which is very harmful to the skin, this is why the barrier cream is so vital. If your baby has broken skin or cuts in the diaper area, you should try to avoid using diapers for some time and allow the skin to breathe as much as possible. This will support natural healing.

Sun Protection

A baby has thinner skin than an adult and is more prone to burns or overheating. The skin cancer foundation recommends that you should keep babies under 6 months completely out of the sun. Babies lack the melanin levels needed in the skin to protect their skin from the sun. After 6 months of age skincare products with UV protection are generally considered safe for baby’s skin. Test the cream first on baby’s wrist and, if there is no irritation, in that case, you may continue to use it on baby’s skin. If irritation develops, then try another until you find one which suits your baby.

Massage

Research shows that a regular massage of your baby leads to many health-giving benefits. The Penn Medicine LancasterHealthhub offers good advice on how to massage your baby and why it matters. A gentle massage helps babies feel more relaxed and sleep for longer periods. Massaging also keeps their skin moisturised and protected from dryness while improving circulation. Baby oil is a very good way to add extra protection and elasticity to baby’s skin. If you’re looking for a high quality, safe option with added active ingredients for healthy skin, consider Dermakids body oil for kids.

Using Hairstyles to look after African hair

Baby wash/ shampoo – use a tear free formula for body and hair.
Cleansing lotio n – use a gel for your baby’s skin to keep it clean and fresh.

Baby lotion or crea m – choose a gentle, hypo allergenic formula for your baby

Diaper cream – a cream containing zinc oxide is necessary to prevent and heal from diaper rash
Baby Oi l – use this product regularly to massage and moisturise the skin

Baby wipes – use fragrance free wipes or a soft cloth to keep baby’s skin fresh and clean
– to protect the skin, it moisturises and acts as a barrier against the environment
Petroleum Jell y – Use lightly scented petroleum jelly products to keep your baby’s skin hydrated
Towels – use clean, soft towels to ensure baby’s skin is gently dried
Talcum powder – Use talcum powder to dry out the skin and prevent heat rashes caused by humidity in the folds of baby’s skin
Deodorising products such as baby cologneto keep your baby smelling fresh all day long.

Copaci Nigeria has several ranges of baby skincare which have been specially designed for baby’s sensitive skin.

Solving special baby skin problems

Cradle cap : Gently brush away skin flakes and gently massage the scalp with baby oil. Additionally, add a little petroleum jelly on the scalp for long lasting protection.

Eczema prone skin : Use a dermatologist approved emollient cream. Some babies fed on baby formula may be lactose intolerant. Switch to lacto free formula if you are not breast feeding and see if this helps. Avoid bathing your baby too often and keep the skin well moisturised.

Dry skin : Add a few drops of baby oil to the bath water and avoid harsh detergents for baby’s clothes. Moisturise your baby’s skin regularly. Regular massage should help to improve dry skin conditions.

For more advice on problem skin for babies the Cleveland clinic has good, well researched advice to offer on the reasons for different skin problems, if in doubt, as for any other health problem, you should always visit your medical practitioner to check things out.

Key Points to note

Keep to a fixed routine of skincare and bathing.

Prioritise simplicity and high-quality ingredients for your baby’s skincare products.

If persistent skin problems occur, afterwards consult a doctor or paediatrician.

Use high quality products which have been developed for baby’s delicate, soft skin.

If you would like to know more about which baby products to buy, why not check out our article ‘The top 10 baby skin care products’ for your baby in Nigeria.

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