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A
newborn baby skin is soft and delicate, so you must handle the
baby with care. Generally, there is a popular belief that even
babies need a bath every day. Not so is the case. With all the
diaper changes and wiping of mouth and nose feedings, most babies
need to be bathed every alternate day. But even with this you
need to maintain hygiene, especially take care of their bottom.
The nappy
is an absolute essential item of baby equipment. But the nappy
can also lead to nappy rash. Since the nappy is always in contact
with the very soft skin, it creates a warm and moist environment,
which promotes growth of bacteria. Compounded with this is the
constant friction causing chafing. This results in an uncomfortable
and painful problem for the baby.
Baby skin
is very tender and needs a lot of care. The outer layer is not
completely developed with its elastic fibres. So that fragile
skin is susceptible to damage and is very sensitive to touch.
Also baby
skin is quite a thin layer. It can absorb anything that is applied
on its surface. So you must be careful that his skin is free of
any harmful or strong lotions. A baby cream application, especially
in winter, will be absorbed easily and keep the skin supple and
elastic.
Since the
production of melanin is low in babies, exposure to the sun should
be avoided, except probably a few minutes to absorb vitamin D
from the rays of the sun. Too much exposure to the sun will easily
burn the skin and lead to chafing.
Babies need
special care of their skin with frequent change of nappies, continuous
wiping and cleaning of the nappy area, and around the mouth and
nose. If these are not handled carefully chances of infection
and skin damage are high.
Avoid
using irritants like harsh soaps and detergents. Always use a
mild, gentle soap and shampoo for the baby during bath time. Baby
creams and lotions are available, and are safe to use.
When
your baby passes stools, be sure that you clean the area well
with warm water and gentle cleaning product.
Then pat the
area dry with a very soft cloth, and dust baby power on that area.
This helps to reduce friction between the skin and the clothing,
and guards against penetration of irritating or foreign substances
through the skin.
Keep the skin
of your baby dry, not moist. Apply talcum powder whenever you
feel the skin is moist, especially around the nappy area. You
can avoid excessive moisture less from the skin by using baby
cream and lotion.
Dress the
infant in loose fitting clothes. On warm nights cover the baby
with a thin sheet instead of using a flannel or think blanket.
See that the nappies and clothes that he or she wears are made
of fine cotton that is soft to the touch.
Loose clothes
allow air circulation, and keep the baby dry and comfortable,
away from the clammy heat of summer.
Once the baby
grows older, it is easier to manage the care of his or her skin.
He or she still needs creams in winter, but his resilience is
stronger than other babies.
A
lot depends on the diet that is followed. Too many sweet and fatty
foods will only lead to indigestion and freckles. If your child
is fond of sweets, give him or his ones made at home. You can
substitute honey for sugar, for not only is honey nutritious,
it is good for the skin.
Information
about the Author:
Louise
Forrest has created the ultimate FREE Health and Beauty guide.
Find out how you can gain access to FREE articles, tips and techniques
at www.NaturalElements.co.uk
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