Newborn Baby Skincare Routine - Tips & Products to Use (2024)

FAQs

Newborn Baby Skincare Routine - Tips & Products to Use? ›

For the first few weeks after birth or until the umbilical cord falls off, pediatricians recommend gentle sponge baths. After that, you can start giving your baby one to three baths a week using lukewarm water and gentle, sulfate-free cleansers like Pipette Baby Shampoo + Wash that won't dry out delicate skin.

Moisturising your baby

Apply a thick, non-fragranced moisturiser all over daily at the first sign of dryness. Thicker creams are more effective than lotions. Apply moisturiser more often if the skin always seems dry. Avoid moisturisers containing botanicals, food and fragrance as these may disrupt the skin barrier.

Skin care for your newborn

Products for adults may be too harsh for a baby and may contain irritants or allergens. Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby's healthcare provider.

Especially avoid putting any oil, ointment, or greasy substance on your baby's skin because this will almost always block the small sweat glands and lead to pimples or a heat rash. If the skin starts to become dry and cracked, use a baby lotion, hand lotion, or moisturizing cream twice a day.

While most institutions used to bathe babies within an hour or two of birth, many are changing their policies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying baby's first bath until 24 hours after birth—or waiting at least 6 hours if a full day isn't possible for cultural reasons.

Using soaps and shampoos

Only use plain water for newborn babies. You can start using unperfumed baby bath from about 4 to 6 weeks, but be careful to only use a little so you don't damage your baby's skin. Babies with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair, lathered and rinsed off.

Once they hit six months, you can start bathing them three to four times a week; you can also bathe them daily if your doctor gives you the go-ahead. And once they become a toddler, you should be bathing (or showering) them daily or every other day. It's best to use warm water for a baby bath or shower.

One such indicator for newborn health is "the proportion of newborns who received all four elements of essential care". The four elements are immediate and thorough drying, skin to skin contact, delayed cord clamping, and early initiation of breastfeeding.

Do and don'ts for newborn baby? ›

Cradle the head when carrying your baby. And support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down. Never shake your baby, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and sometimes death.

If the answer is “NO” to any of these, the newborn should be brought to the radiant warmer for the initial steps of newborn care. ➌ The 5 initial steps include the following: provide warmth, dry, stimulate, position the head and neck to open the airway, clear secretions from the airway if needed.

Your baby's skin is still developing and is sensitive to everything it touches. If you choose oil, it is important to use an edible vegetable or food-based oil. Some examples of these oils include sunflower, almond, grapeseed, coconut, olive, and safflower oil. Do not use “baby oil” or mineral oil.

The first step is to put some saline drops in 1 of your baby's nostrils. Then squeeze the bulb. Keep squeezing the bulb and put the tip into your baby's nostril. Remember that babies' nostrils are small, so don't put it in too deeply.

You can use a clean, damp cloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your baby's tongue. Gently rub the cloth or brush over the tongue in a circular motion. Be sure to rinse your baby's mouth with water afterward. You should clean newborn tongue at least once a day and more often if needed.

Choosing newborn clothes: soft, comfortable and easy care

Clothes made from cotton are a good choice. Cotton clothes will keep your baby cooler in hot weather than clothes made from synthetic fibres. Cotton also washes well and is gentle against your baby's sensitive skin.

Only use plain water for newborn babies. You can start using unperfumed baby bath from about 4 to 6 weeks, but be careful to only use a little so you don't damage your baby's skin. Babies with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair, lathered and rinsed off.

Your little one is going to get a little grubby from time to time, so having the necessary baby washing items is key: Baby soap and shampoo. Your little one's soft, squishy skin is much more delicate than an adult's, so you need soaps tailored to their needs. At least two soft towels.