Six Ways to Protect your Newborn’s Skin

We all wish to have that beautiful, smooth baby skin. Super smooth, soft and heavenly smelling too! But with all the loveliness of newborn skin there are downsides too. Baby skin is sensitive, real sensitive. It’s thin, fragile and needs a minute to adjust to the new environment it’s in. The first few months can be trying for parents with rashes and allergies popping up. It’s so important to practice proper skincare and use natural products. We’re going to breakdown the best way to care for your newborns’ skin which helps protect them from external irritants.

1. Don't Overdo Bath Time

To prevent dry skin, do not bathe your newborn too often. You only need to bathe them two to three times a week in lukewarm water. Also, anywhere from 5 - 10 minutes is plenty to ensure you don't remove important nutrients from the skin, leaving it dry and dull. Best practice is to use a washcloth, dip it in water and use it to gently to wash your baby. Once your baby is out the bath, dry using an organic towel to protect their skin and then slather on lotion to seal in moisture. No dry skin here!

2. Use Clean Products

We cannot emphasize enough how vital it is to be ingredient wary when it comes to your little one. Look out for fragrance and chemical free products. Avoid using soap on newborn skin as it can be very dehydrating. It’s perfectly fine to just use warm water because your baby does not require heavy duty cleansing at this stage. When you do start introducing products to use on your baby, lookout for any reactions and always use organic products especially made for babies. Some products are very drying and can wreak havoc on your little one’s skin.

3. Be Weather Wary 

Babies cannot be exposed to direct sunlight until they are six months old due to their skin being so delicate. If you do venture out, apply SPF factor 30 at least half an hour before leaving the house. Babies sweat glands are underdeveloped and this can lead to heat rashes. The key is to prevent and protect so dress your baby in loose, lightweight clothing, preferably long sleeve. It’s also a good idea to stay in shady areas when you are outside. Make sure they keep hydrated by giving them plenty of water to drink. Now that’s summer sorted but there’s also winter too! The colder months can be drying for your baby’s skin. Aside from creams to protect their delicate skin, a good idea is to place a cool mist humidifier in your nursery to keep the air moist and clean it regularly to avoid mold.

4. Use Natural Fibers

It’s so important to use the best and safest materials for your baby. It can make a huge difference and prevent your baby’s skin feeling irritated and itchy. The best clothing for a baby is not too tight and breathable, ideally made from materials like cotton and bamboo. This should extend to your baby’s bedding and accessories too. All of our products at Wee Bean are made with these materials as they prevent overheating and allow the skin to breath. Checkout our bibs, swaddlesand blankets. The absolute best materials for the absolute best skin care. 

5.Dutiful Diaper Duty

You have to be vigilant on diaper watch as to avoid the dreaded nappy rash. Rashes are usually caused by a wet bum bum so do check your baby’s diaper regularly A great idea is to give them some nappy free time daily to let their skin breathe. Don’t worry if your baby does get nappy rash, sometimes it cannot be avoided not matter how hard you try as some babies are more sensitive than others. You just need to invest in some good ointment and if the rash becomes particularly nasty, go see your doctor.

6.Wash New Clothes

Newborn skin is super sensitive, we repeat for the hundredth time. But it really is and things that doesn’t affect our adult skin does affect their new baby skin. Brand new clothes can cause rashes or reactions due to manufacturers using chemicals to enhance colors and textures in their products. That’s why it’s important to wash any new clothes you receive/purchase in baby detergent.

Well there you have it - our six best tips for keeping your newborns’ skin safe! It’s always a potentially stressful time whenever any new rashes pop up so we hope these tips will help keep them at bay!