An infant’s skin differs from adult skin in structure, composition and function. A baby is born with a functional skin that has developed a protective barrier but it still needs to develop in the first year even when it is born full term. A baby’s skin is very sensitive and it requires extra care with products to be used on it. They are at risk of dehydration or water loss and they can suffer skin dryness because of the oil-producing glands that are not yet properly developed.

Here are the best routines to follow for their skincare

BATHS

 Babies do not need to bath every day otherwise you run a risk of irritating and drying out their skin. Give them a bath every second day and other days you will do the top and tail. Top and tail is the washing of the face area, neck and not forgetting the folded hands and armpits to avoid rashes while the tail would be the nappy area wiping the genitals according to gender. Do the umbilical cord care procedure daily.

PRODUCTS

Do not just purchase any baby creams because it is advertised for babies because many of them have fragrances and other bad ingredients. I know we want them smelling good but reality is that the smell causes more harm. Look out for fragrance-free moisturizers, creams or ointments that are completely without parabens and formaldehydes. Formaldehydes may cause issues like skin irritation, watery eyes, or burning sensations to eyes, nose and throat. Zinc oxide nappy creams work best in protecting their nappy area and please use alcohol free wipes only.

DRESSING UP

Fine soft wool (cashmere) can also irritate a baby’s delicate skin, it looks and feels soft but not soft enough for your baby. Other fabrics can be scratchy as well. Only the cotton fabrics for the first few months are the gentle choice against their skin. You will get a chance to dress them up in anything sooner that you think.

SUN PROTECTION

Keep them away from the sun for at least the first 6 months. When they are older and need to go outside in the sun use the correct sunscreen and keep them in the shade. Let them wear protective clothing like sun hats and long sleeves.

KEEP NAPPY CLEAN

To avoid nappy rashes you need to do frequent nappy changes. A poo is very quick to burn the skin so you need to frequently check more especially on their first months because you may never smell it. Using the zinc oxide protective barrier with every single change.

CLEAN THE DROOL

Keeping babies clean is an all day work. After feeding they can easily take out everything they put in their mouth. They can drool a lot and spit after spitting after spit. Use a face cloth to gently wipe away the drools or the alcohol-free wipe. The drool normally gets hidden on their necks and if left unattended it’s an invite for more rashes. Always use the moisturizer after every wipe to avoid dry skin.

Here is the list of some of the ingredients to avoid in your baby skin care products

*Formaldehydes– cause burning sensations in the nose when inhaled, watery eyes, wheezing and skin irritation among others.
*Parabens-can be ethylparaben, methylparaben, benzylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben or any others ending with paraben. An inconclusive study found parabens in tissue samples of breast cancer tumors
*Phthalates– have some effects on hormones
*Phenoxyethanol– claimed to be a safe alternative to parabens but beware skin irritation and the possibility of vomiting & diarrhea with high concentrations
*Polyethylene glycol (PEG)– used to keep products stable & cause irritation to the skin
*Mineral oils– paraffinum liquidum (liquid paraffin) or petrolatum are extremely cheap petroleum by-products that block pores and damage the nervous system. Check these ingredients on nappy creams, wipes, oils and moisturizers. It is found in most products.

*Parfum/fragrance– chemicals in them pose a risk of allergies or irritation. It clear to many mothers that with these fragranced baby products the skins of the little ones always react badly.

Take care of that special little thing inside out so they can grow in a comfortable space. While you give them healthy meals for healthy organs inside of them ensure you gently take care of the organ on the outside as well for a complete healthy bundle of joy. Remember some of these products are in it for the money so it is up to you to choose what is right for your baby. Be very vigilant!!

**LET THEIR SKIN FREELY BREATHE**