Did you know that your baby's skin is five times thinner at birth than yours? The natural protective barrier of the skin is not yet fully developed, and is vulnerable to external influences. Therefore, it is important to give your little one's skin the right care in the first period. But how do you care for your baby's sensitive skin in the first few weeks?
Natural baby care
At birth, the skin's natural barrier is not yet fully developed, which makes the skin very sensitive to bacteria, infections and irritations. That is why babies are born with a natural protective layer, this greasy whitish layer of sebum is called vernix caseosa and is being produced during pregnancy and ensures that the skin can develop optimally both before and after birth. It forms a water-repellent layer that keeps fragile skin hydrated and has antibacterial properties.
Skin care babies in the first weeks: less is more
Even after birth, the layer of vernix has a protective function, which is why it is better not to wash your baby too often in the first two weeks. The vernix will disappear on its own and if you would like to bathe your baby, only use lukewarm water and do not try to rub off the layer as this can irritate the delicate skin.
The first month: prevent dry baby skin
After the first few weeks, the skin barrier is further developed, but is still very vulnerable to bacteria and infections. Therefore, wash your baby no more than three times a week and do not use products with aggressive foaming agents (sulphates) or perfumes. These disrupt the natural barrier and can dry out the skin. Preferably use only water or products with a pH value adapted to the baby's skin and make sure the water is not too warm, as this only draws more water from the skin, which increases the risk of dry skin. If you notice that your little one's skin still feels dry after washing, you can apply a 100% natural baby oil to the skin after a bath.
From the second month: choose natural baby care
It's important to keep your little one's skin clean and hydrated to avoid problems like nappy rash or blemishes. You can start using baby care products after the first few weeks. Preferably use natural products without parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances or other nasties to reduce the risk of dry skin, rashes and other skin problems in your baby.
Prevent eczema and nappy rash
No matter how well you look after your baby's skin, many babies will develop nappy rash or some form of eczema. This is especially the case around the bum where a soggy nappy softens the skin and allows urine and faeces to soak into the skin. To prevent nappy rash and eczema, try to gentle clean the skin very well every time the nappy is changed, and make sure the skin is dry before you put on a new diaper. You can also protect the delicate bum of your baby with a nappy cream such as our Baby Bum Balm. This natural nappy cream is formulated with Shea butter, jojoba and coconut oil, and zinc oxide. This diaper balm creates a layer on the skin that forms a water-repellent barrier between the nappy and the skin, protecting the skin from moisture and friction from the nappy.
Choose the best skincare products for your baby
You cannot prevent all skin problems with your baby, but you can reduce the chance of them happening by choosing mild and natural skin care products specially developed for babies and which do not contain irritating or chemical ingredients.
Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
- Go for natural and PH-neutral products that do not disturb the natural barrier.
- Avoid products containing sulphates, silicones, preservatives (parabens), petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances.
- Test a product before use. Apply a small amount of a product to the skin and wait 24 hours. This way, you will know if your baby is sensitive to one or more of the ingredients.
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