All babies have delicate skin but the skin of the newborn is the most delicate. No harsh soap or other cleanser is needed for bathing, but water only. However, most mothers use some brand of baby wipes for cleansing the nappy area. This has been formulated especially for babies and doesn’t seem to hurt them at all. And it is certainly more convenient than using a dish of water with a washer.
When baby is being bathed and dried it is important to tend to the areas of skin that are hidden due to folds. Fluff from clothing can get into these areas and cause irritation. The skin here also needs to be gently patted until it is thoroughly dry or skin problems can develop. A light sprinkling of baby talc can be used in these areas if liked, but it is not necessary. However it does make baby smell delightful – and cover the odour of burped up milk.
Baby should be changed regularly so that nappy rash does not develop. If there is any redness or chafing in the nappy area it should be attended to promptly or baby will suffer a lot of discomfort. There are many nappy rash creams on the market. Their aim is to soothe and heal the rash and also to make the area waterproof so that urine will not sting. The cream should be reapplied at each nappy change.
Babies sometimes get cradle cap on their scalp. This looks like scaly or flaky skin rather similar to dandruff. It can be whitish, cream or more yellowish. While this will not hurt baby, it doesn’t look very nice and can be easily removed. Simply apply a cream such as Vaseline or baby oil and this will soften the cradle cap.
It can then be removed gently by scraping it off with your fingernail, or rubbing it rather firmly with the washer during bath time. Take care when scraping to go very gently over the fontanel – the area where the skull has not yet closed. Cradle cap can be reduced by brushing baby’s head with a soft baby brush and shampooing the head at bath time.
Occasionally cradle cap can spread to other areas of the body. This needs to be examined by a doctor and every effort made to clear it up. Some babies develop eczema that makes their lives unpleasant due to the itch and irritation.
Using moisturiser, lukewarm water rather than warm or hot in the bath, and dressing baby in clothes made from natural products such as cotton and soy will all help to prevent eczema. Wool and polyester clothing and bedding should be avoided. If it does develop you will need to take baby to a doctor for treatment.
Babies also sometimes get heat rash from being kept too warm. This looks like little red bumps on the skin and it usually develops first in areas where the skin folds such as under the arms, in the groin and around the neck. Heat rash is usually itchy but not painful. Keeping baby cool in hot weather is important.