Baby Skincare

Everyone knows that a babies skin is ultra sensitive and as a mother or carer you have to be mindful of the products that are being used. Personally I use the minimum where oinments or products on my son's delicate skin are concerned. If I notice his skin is dry for whatever reason I simply use the good old olive oil. There are no chemical components to be found within it and it makes his skin smooth and supple.

On odd occassions you may find that your baby has a skin upset or rash which has nothing to do with the product being used at times. Lets take for instance a skin rash. Most babies develop a skin rash in the first year of their life. Often times they disappear without having to treat it. If it is continuous you have to determine what the possible cause could be for this happening. You have to take into consideration the soap, body wash, lotion, washing powder or tablet or the fabric softener being used. For the latter products, you need to test if that could be the possible cause and think about trying a new product to see what the result is.

Another famous skin condition that a lot of babies seem to suffer from is eczema. The sight of this skin irritation can be quite upsetting for the mom and uncomfortable for the baby. In such cases the best advice I could give is to see your doctor or midwife for them to prescribe the suitable product to protect and soothe the skin.

In the early days of your child's life you may have observed that your son or daughter had or still has what appears to be dandruff or a dry scalp. Its quite flaky and looks yellowish and crusty lieing underneath the hair of the babies skin. I got to discover its what is referred to as 'cradle cap'. Not alot of babies get it but the majority do. Its nothing to worry or panic about and do not be tempted to peel or remove it on your own as you could infect your child with dirty hands or fingernails and make it worse. No treatment is needed as it will disappear on its own with time. Just continue to wash the hair as you would normally do and dry the scalp properly. You could also for piece of mind rub not more than a teaspoon of olive oil on to the scalp, leaving it in for a while and rinsing if you so desire. If the cradle cap worsens seek your doctor for instructions on how to treat it.

I could not discuss skincare without including the all time famous nappy rash. One of the best ways to avoid your child getting nappy rash is changing the diaper or nappy at regular intervals. Wash the skin properly with water and dry him thoroughly afterward paying special attention to the creases and corners where water can be trapped easily. You can also allow your child to lie abit on the bed, changing mat or changing table without a nappy once a day or every other day allowing air to get to his bottom. As you would imagine it can get quite wet and uncomfortable after a while. There are times when you cannot escape the skin appearing red and sore. You can treat this by using castor oil cream each time the nappy is changed. Another observation you may make are tiny white spots on the your baby's nose. They are harmful and really are just enlarged oil glands. With time they disappear. If your baby becoomes too hot you may see red spots with blisters appear. These too will disappear but if they become infected see your doctor.

Finally breastfed babies tend to get what is often termed as a 'milk rash'. These have the appearance of a normal rash; tiny or fine bumps on the cheeks and maybe on the forehead. It needn't be treated as it will go on its own. Sometimes it is simply a reaction to what the mother had to eat or a change in her diet which your baby has not fully been able to adjust to. All in all it is extremely important to remember that a babies skin is very sensitive and as such should be treated with the utmost care.