First of all, congratulations on your new baby! This is an exciting and overwhelming time for new parents. In today’s blog, we will cover some basic tips you need to know about caring for your newborn. As you read through this, remember the rule of simplicity. The more we do for our little ones, the more we tend to complicate things, especially with a variety of fancy products like lotions, oils, powders, pastes, and whatever else people feel they must use. If there is anything you take away from this article, it is
Dead Skin
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Most new parents don’t know that newborns are born with a layer of dead skin that needs to peel off. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for babies to appear dry. This will naturally come off as you start giving your infant full-body baths, so no lotion or creams are needed to alleviate the skin peeling.
Lotion
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So, what happens when you use lotion or oils on your baby? Commonly, they can block sweat glands and lead to a heat rash or allergic reaction. Therefore, lotions and oils are not necessary for your newborn. Once your baby’s skin becomes keratinized (around 4 months of age), you can start using lotions if you wish. As a general rule, always avoid scented products or those that are alcohol-based, as your infant may not react well to these ingredients.
Powders
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There are times and places for powder. The main reason for using powders is to keep the diaper area dry. However, you can achieve this by loosening and opening the diaper to allow airflow, or you can use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help dry the area. Be cautious with powders—if used too liberally, your infant could inhale them, which could cause health issues.
Soaps
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The approach to soap is simple as well. Choose a mild soap and avoid those that smell good, as they may contain harsh ingredients. Once the umbilical cord is off and the belly button area is dry, you can start full-body baths. Ideally, bathe your baby every 3 days during the first year to prevent drying out their naturally soft skin.
Diaper Creams & Ointments
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The purpose of diaper cream is to act as a barrier for your baby’s bottom, protecting it from the acidity of frequent urination and bowel movements. It may be worth trying different creams to see which works best for you. Generally, thick creams with zinc oxide are effective. If the cream is difficult to remove from your fingers after applying, it will likely work the same way for your baby’s bottom.
Fingernail & Toenail Care
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Nails grow quickly, so try to trim them weekly. A good time to clip your infant’s nails is during feeding or while they’re sleeping.
Cord Care
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Typically, the umbilical cord will fall off on its own without requiring much intervention. Just keep the area dry until it falls off and heals. In the meantime, sponge bathe your baby and avoid getting the cord wet. Don’t panic if you notice a small amount of residual blood; however, if the cord is actively bleeding, smells foul, or if the surrounding area becomes very red, contact your pediatrician immediately.
This blog is an excerpt from Dr. Bakerink’s Just the Basics Baby.
Cover image from Freepik
