One of the most important responsibilities of caring for a newborn is to protect their beautiful, tender skin. Surveys suggest that around 75% of newborns experience a rash within the first few months of their life. The reason is that the melanin production is particularly low in a baby’s body during the first ten to twelve weeks, making their skin vulnerable to external hazards. It is important to pay close attention to anything that your newborn baby comes into contact with.
It is wise to refrain from using any baby products for the first few months of your newborn’s life. This time is very important for the development of your baby’s immune system, and your newborn could potentially have an allergic reaction to a particular product that you may not expect.
It is a good idea to wash your baby’s clothes and blankets properly before using them. Some people say it is best to wash the items separately, as well. You should also be cautious of what products you use on your hands/clothes before handling your newborn.
During the first week of your newborn’s life you should wash your newborn with a sponge or a lukewarm, moistened washcloth. Once the umbilical cord naturally dries and falls off you can begin to give your newborn a bath in a tub. It is typically best to use a clean sink or small baby tub rather than a standard, large tub.
Although new parents may be inclined to wash their newborn frequently, this may not be best for the baby. There are oils naturally present in a baby’s body and washing it too frequently could alter the natural production of these oils which are vital for a newborn’s health. It is advised to bathe your newborn no more than once or twice a week in plain water.
Baby wipes should be avoided within the first month of your baby’s life. However, once wipes are introduced it is important to choose ones which are mild and free from alcohol or strong perfumes. Shampoo is not necessary for the first year of your baby’s life, and if you choose to introduce a moisturizer, choose a product that is emollient based which will not dry out your baby’s skin.
