Newborn babies are just the most precious little beings ever, they have the softest skin. It’s like someone reached into a magical bag and pulled out the most sweet-natured, cutest, and a softest bundle of joy you could imagine. They’re super cuddly and literally oh so kissable, their cheeks are so soft too! How can you ever stop kissing those cute chunky cheeks?! Now how do you preserve their skin and keep it soft?!
Your baby’s skin is very delicate and sensitive. It should be taken care of with all the love and care it deserves. There are a few things that you have to keep in mind while caring for your newborn’s skin so that you do not harm them as they are still new to this environment. It is best to be cautious. So what are the best ways to care for your baby’s soft skin?
Here are some simple skin care tips for newborns that will keep their skin healthy and glowing.
Don't overexpose your baby to the sun, especially unprotected
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants and babies younger than six months of age are advised to stay out of direct sunlight for prolonged hours. This is because their delicate skin can be damaged by ultraviolet rays and make them uncomfortable.
Now this does not mean keep your baby indoors. It is best to have a healthy balance of both. When you do take your baby outside, staying in the shade is the best way to protect them from the sun. It is especially important to keep babies out of direct sun during the harshest rays, and as always keep a good eye on them to make sure they are comfortable and do not overheat.
The use of sunscreen before sun exposure
According to the AAP, infants under 6 months old should not be exposed to sunscreen, but older children should wear sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15. Make sure when applying sunscreen to avoid direct contact with the eyes and the most important thing to remember when using sunscreen is that you should always apply it BEFORE sun exposure. It is important to make sure the sunscreen is applied evenly and generously. And as always choose a sunscreen that is gentle, chemical free, and also safe for our environment.
Ventilation and cool temperatures
Always make sure any room where you have a child is well ventilated so that it doesn't get too stuffy and hot. When possible, open a window to get some fresh air. You may also use a humidifier to add moisture to your baby’s environment. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, between 65 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Use your own comfort when choosing how to clothe your baby and what to do to adjust and control the room's temperature and environment. Always avoid overheating! Overheating or wearing too much clothes can dry out their skin and lead to rashes and other irritations. Trust us this is no fun! And before you jump to more creams to expose them to think about how they were dressed and try removing a layer. Baby rolls need extra attention too, make sure to always wash your baby in between their fat rolls and always pat dry the rolls to keep them from chaffing too!
Avoiding Diaper Rash, we’ve got you!
Unfortunately, diaper rash is a common problem that can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from yeast infections to allergy reactions, clothing, introduction of new products and or diapers that are not breathable. The best way to keep your baby's skin free of irritation is to prevent it. Always start with upgrading things they use daily, like diapers. Natural Diapers by Parasol is the first and only diaper that is equipped with RashShield™ protection that locks away moisture, protecting your most sensitive skin against irritation. The soft microfibers of our unique, 3D Embossed inner cover wrap around your baby's skin to naturally wick moisture and humidity away from delicate areas. Giving your little one's a good sleep without leaving any red marks on their skin and maximum airflow!
Moisturize whenever necessary
One of the most important parts of taking care of your newborn baby is keeping their skin moisturized. Moisturizing lotions will help keep your child's skin healthy and reduce excess dryness that will lead to your newborn's skin to thrive. How do you make sure you provide your baby with the best results? Choosing the right products is key, always. Don't skip over reading the label and knowing what is in all your baby products.
Always be mindful to look for a lotion that has no perfumes and dyes content as it will cause irritation in your baby's skin. We highly suggest Parasol’s Soft+Natural™ Baby Lotion for Newborns Body & Face as it is made without any harmful substances like; parabens, synthetic fragrances, perfumes, petroleum, sulfates, or artificial colors. All ingredients are carefully sourced with a plant-based formula that is extra gentle for sensitive skin of all ages. It is also awarded 5-star certification by Dermatest® research institute and dermatologist recommended- we take skin protection very seriously!
Avoid frequent and long bathing of your baby
Baby bathing should follow best practices. You should give your baby regular baths, but you don't need to do so every single day. Make sure you bath or shower for no longer than 15 minutes, and keep the water warm, aim for bath water around 100 F (38C). After bathing, pat your baby completely dry, apply their lotion, then put them in clothing and natural diapers, or diaper pants.
During the first year of life, more than three baths per week may remove the natural oils that protect a baby's skin. This could leave the baby's skin vulnerable and dry, or aggravate eczema.
Use natural body wash & shampoo
It is best to pick a baby shampoo and wash that does not contain harsh chemicals and ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, colors, and dyes. These harsh ingredients can penetrate the skin, get absorbed by our bodies, and can enter the bloodstream.
Parasol’s Natural™ Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a great choice to use as your little one’s bathing essential because it is made with natural ingredients and contains no harmful chemicals. Parasol Natural's products are made using natural ingredients like PEG-40 Castor Oil, Organic Lavender Oil, and Chamomile Flower Oil, to keep your child's skin soft and healthy. The shampoo and body wash will not only make your child smell great but will leave their skin feeling clean and smooth.
Never exfoliate
Use only soft and gentle cleansing agents on a newborn's skin. We know - it is tempting to try to scrub some of the brownish-yellow or white stuff off their skin, but don't. Babies don't have dirt on them, minor skin peeling is normal, they are adjusting to this world. Scrubbing can cause further irritation. Never be too harsh on your baby's skin, gentle on everything is best.
Use hypoallergenic natural baby wipes
If you're using a cleaning agent on your baby, make sure it is hypoallergenic and natural. You don't want to cause irritation that can lead to further problems or severe reactions. Unlike regular wipes; Natural baby wipes heal and protect sensitive skin while eliminating baby rash. Medical-grade, Spunlace fabrics with 99% reverse-osmosis H20 are thicker than average to absorb more without ripping or tearing, which means fewer wipes per diaper change. They also restore skin’s natural pH balance, they earned the Dermatest® Excellent Seal, gluten free, no harmful chemicals. Our diaper wipes have zero chlorine, alcohol, parabens, fragrance, dyes or phthalates. Did we mention you can get them for free?!
Our VIP diaper subscription box includes 4 packs of natural baby wipes, so you won’t need to worry about buying any.
Holiday gifts for rash-free babies
As the holiday season approaches, most of us start to look for gift ideas for our friends and family members. We believe in purposefully gifting. A lot of parents are seeking products that will keep their baby’s skin healthy, and sometimes they forget to reach for products that are curated to make their babies thrive and they do not have to stick with brands that offer anything less than safe and promising for their babies future. Seek no further as here at ParasolCo you can surprise your friends, relatives, or kids by sending them a diaper subscription gift. For a cleaner, happier and softer skin for your beloved little ones you may surprise them with a 2-piece set of Natural Lotion plus Body wash & shampoo. ParasolCo parents are loving the rash-free products that keep their little one’s skin soft and protected. You will be gifting them with more than baby essentials, you are gifting comfortable and safe products to wave goodbye to diaper rash and skin irritations.
We hope that you enjoyed this read! We hope you share it with your friends and family who have little ones, especially those struggling with skin issues. Introduce them to keep their families skin healthy. Healthy and happy skin can help in preventing diseases too, so be sure to take note of all we mentioned. We are advocates for children, bringing them comfort in daily essentials never before brought to you this pure and gentle.
-Parasol Co