A baby’s skin is incredibly sensitive—especially during early infancy. It requires a great deal of care and attention to stay healthy. Once you know this and you start to really search out skin care products for your baby, it is easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many different products to choose from! How do you know which ones are best for your baby? How can you be sure that you are giving your baby the best skin care?
First: Don’t Panic
Babies get rashes all of the time. It’s because their skin is still adjusting to life and all of the different elements that can affect them outside of the womb. Some babies are even born with rashes (cradle cap is a common one). Don’t rush for the lotion or antibiotic wipes every time you see a bump. You could wind up doing more harm than good! Instead, learn the signs of a rash that needs attention and a rash that is just your baby’s skin’s way of saying “what the heck just touched me?!?” before it calms down.
Second: Let Your Baby “Air Out”
Diaper rash is the most common skin problem babies experience. It turns up when diapers are too tight or when a wet diaper is left on for too long (or, if you use cloth diapers, because the detergent you’re using irritates your baby’s skin). Keep it at bay by allowing your baby’s “diaper area” to spend time in the open air. When a diaper does need to be changed, move quickly to get the soiled diaper off of your baby. Then wash down the area with a wet, warm and soft cloth. Applying zinc oxide cream can also help.
Bonus: letting your baby “air dry” after a bath is a great way to give your baby some much needed “naked time” and keep moisture from building up and causing rashes.
Third: Loose and Dry is the Way to Go
As cute as your baby may be all bundled up, whenever possible, keep your baby in loose, dry and soft clothes. This allows your baby’s skin to breathe which keeps issues like prickly heat (which can happen even in winter) at bay.
Fourth: It All Comes Out in the Wash
Make sure you’re using a gentle and hypoallergenic laundry detergent on your baby’s clothing (and diapers if you use cloth). Babies generate a lot of laundry but luckily there are a wide variety of promo codes out there that you can use to help keep your detergent (and other product) costs down.
Finally: Take Care of Yourself
Don’t forget that your own skin is going to play a role in the health of your baby’s skin. The products that you use on yourself can easily be transferred to your baby and cause irritation. Make sure your own skin care products are top of the line and don’t contain a bunch of artificial or harmful stuff. This is a time when it’s worth it to spend more on “the good stuff” (this where those BH Cosmetics promo codes you found will come in handy).
Your baby’s skin is going to be sensitive. As long as you are careful and vigilant, however, you should be able to keep it perfectly healthy.