Baby skin care

Your newborn’s skin is incredibly delicate, requiring gentle care to keep it healthy and irritation-free. In the early weeks, you may notice unique changes like peeling, rashes, or discoloration, all of which are typically normal as their skin adjusts to the world outside the womb.

Keep cleaning simple

Newborns don’t need daily bath, in fact, bathing 2–3 times a week is usually enough. You may want to wash their face, neck and bottom instead which is called ‘topping and tailing’. Overbathing can dry out their skin and for the first few weeks, sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free baby cleanser, and avoid scrubbing.

Avoid products

Less is more with newborn skin care, avoid applying lotions or ointments to your newborns skin. This can be confusing when there are so many products available for newborns. Early exposure (before 2-4 weeks) to products can cause sensitivity to the skin such as eczema.

Protect against nappy rash

Nappy rash is a common concern for new parents, but there are some simple preventable steps that you can take to minimize this irritation.

• Cleaning: Gently clean your baby’s nappy area with each change. Use warm water and a soft cloth or cotton wool for newborns, or opt for fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes. Ensure you clean all the folds and creases where moisture might linger

• Pat dry: After cleaning, pat your baby’s skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing, which can cause further irritation. Allow their skin to air-dry for a few moments before putting on a new nappy.

• Nappy free time: Let your baby spend some time without a nappy each day. This allows their skin to breathe and reduces the risk of irritation.

• Which nappies: Opt for super-absorbent disposable nappies or cloth nappies that take moisture away from the skin. If using cloth nappies, wash them with a gentle, baby-safe detergent and avoid fabric softeners.

• Applying barrier creams: Speak to the GP or pharmacist about creams that may be advised to help with irritation.

Overheating and overheating

Dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing to prevent heat rashes, which appear as small red bumps. Wash all baby clothes, blankets, and bedding in a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent before use to avoid irritation.

Be gentle with new born skin conditions. Many newborns experience harmless skin conditions, such as:

• Baby Acne: Small red or white pimples on the face caused by maternal hormones. Clears up naturally in a few weeks with gentle cleansing.

• Milia: Tiny white bumps on the nose and cheeks from trapped skin flakes. No treatment needed; they resolve on their own.

• Cradle Cap: Yellow or brown scaly patches on the scalp. Gently wash with baby shampoo and use a soft brush to remove flakes.

These conditions typically improve with minimal care, but consult a healthcare provider if concerned.

Protect from the sun

Newborn skin is highly sensitive to sunlight. Keep your baby out of direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use protective clothing and hats, as sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under six months.

When should you seek medical advice?

If your baby’s skin shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus) or you notice persistent rashes that don’t improve with basic care, consult your healthcare provider.

By focusing on gentle, simple routines, you can keep your baby’s skin healthy and protected as they grow and develop. Remember, less is often more when it comes to newborn skin care.