Choosing the Best Products for Baby's Skin

Is your baby's skin feeling rough and flaky? Discover the tips and tricks to keep your little one's skin soft and healthy. In this episode of Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie, host Kerry breaks down why newborns and infants often struggle with dry skin and offers practical advice on managing it. We've got you covered, from the importance of using lukewarm water during baths to the benefits of applying fragrance-free moisturizers. Plus, learn how adjusting your home environment with tools like humidifiers can make a significant difference.

Carey also shares valuable insights on choosing suitable fabrics and laundry detergents to prevent skin irritation. Whether dealing with mild dryness, cradle cap, or more severe conditions like eczema, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to ease your concerns. Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge to keep your baby's skin comfortable and hydrated all year round. Don't miss these expert tips that promise to make a difference in your everyday parenting routine!

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Transcript

Carey Donohoe: 0:02

Hi everyone. Today's podcast is titled Managing Baby's Dry Skin. Welcome back to Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie. I'm your host Carey, and today we're talking about something many parents face at some point during their baby's first year managing the baby's dry skin.

Carey Donohoe: 0:22

Newborns and infants often have delicate, sensitive skin and it's not uncommon for their skin to become dry and flaky. In this episode, we'll cover why this happens, what you can do to prevent it and how to treat dry skin to keep your baby comfortable and happy. First, let's talk about why baby skin gets dry. Newborn skin is still developing and adjusting to life outside the womb, which makes it more prone to dryness and irritation. Babies are also constantly shedding the skin they were born with, and their natural oils may not be fully developed yet.

Carey Donohoe: 1:01

Environmental factors like cold weather, low humidity or even overly frequent baths can strip away the natural moisture in your baby's skin. One of the most common causes of dry skin in babies is bathing too frequently. While it may seem counterintuitive, bathing your baby daily can dry out its skin by washing away the protective oils that keep it hydrated. You only need to bathe your baby 2-3 times a week. You can clean their face, neck and nappy area between baths with a soft damp cloth to keep them fresh. When bathing your baby, use lukewarm water, as hot water can be too harsh on their delicate skin. Be sure to choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser designed for babies. Harsh soaps can irritate the skin and exacerbate dryness. After the bath, pat your baby's skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing it, which can further irritate the skin.

Carey Donohoe: 2:01

Now let's talk about moisturising the skin. Now let's talk about moisturizing. One of the best things you can do to help prevent dry skin in your baby is apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Apply the moisturizer immediately after a bath, and that can help lock the moisture in. Look for a cream or ointment rather than a lotion, as these tend to be more effective at sealing in moisture. Products that contain ingredients like lanolin, glycerin or sorbolene can be perfect for dry skin.

Carey Donohoe: 2:35

For babies with very dry skin conditions, like eczema, you might want to moisturise more frequently throughout the day, not just after baths. To moisturize more frequently throughout the day, not just after baths. If your baby skin seems particularly prone to dryness, consider applying a thin layer of ointment or cream in the morning and at night. Managing the environment can also make a big difference in preventing dry skin. If you live in an area with low humidity, especially during the colder months, using a humidifier in your baby's room can help add moisture to the air, preventing their skin from drying out. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature and avoid cranking up the heat too high, as this can dry out the air and, in turn, dry out your baby's skin.

Carey Donohoe: 3:25

When it comes to clothing and laundry, opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, which are gentle on your baby's skin. Avoid wool or other rough fabrics that can irritate the skin. It's also important to wash your baby's clothes, bedding and towels with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent for sensitive skin. Harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate your baby's skin, so steer clear of fabric softeners or dryer sheets that contain fragrances. If your baby's skin is already dry, you may notice flaky patches, rough spots or even redness. These areas might appear on your baby's face, arms, legs or scalp. For dry skin on the scalp, often called cradle cap, you can gently massage a small amount of baby oil or olive oil into the scalp to help loosen dry flakes. After letting it sit for a few minutes, gently brush the flakes away with a soft brush or wash them off during the bath time.

Carey Donohoe: 4:33

Frequent moisturizing is vital for general dry patches on your baby's body. If your baby's skin is susceptible, consider using an ointment designed for eczema, even if your baby doesn't have eczema. These products are often formulated to be extra gentle and moisturising. Let's talk about nappy area dryness. Let's talk about nappy area dryness. While it's not as common as nappy rash, some babies experience dry skin in the nappy area, especially if the nappies aren't changed frequently enough or they have sensitive skin. Be sure to keep the nappy area clean and dry and apply a nappy cream or ointment that creates a barrier to protect the skin from moisture. Look for products with zinc oxide to provide an extra layer of protection.

Carey Donohoe: 5:26

So when should you be concerned about your baby's dry skin? In most cases, dry skin is a minor issue that can be easily managed with moisturizing and proper care. However, if your baby's skin becomes cracked, bleeds or seems infected, it's time to call your healthcare provider. Also, if your baby's skin doesn't improve with regular moisturizing or appears to be worsening, they may have a condition like eczema or psoriasis, which requires specific treatment. And remember, if you're ever unsure about how to care for your baby's skin, it's always a good idea to reach out to a maternal child health nurse or pediatrician for advice. Every baby is different and your health care provider can you personalised recommendations based on your baby's skin type and any underlying conditions. To summarise, managing your baby's dry skin involves balancing, gentle cleansing, moisturising and environmental adjustments. By making small changes in your baby's routine and being proactive with their skincare, you can prevent dryness and keep their skin soft and healthy.

Carey Donohoe: 6:42

That wraps up today's episode on managing a baby's dry skin. As always, if you have any questions or need real-time support, parenting Genie is here for you. We offer Parenting Live Expert 24 24 7 advice, where you can connect instantly with a maternal child health nurse for personalized advice, whether it's skin care concerns, feeding questions or any other parenting challenge. We're just a click away for more tips and insights. Visit our website at parentinggeniecomau and don't forget about Genie Chat, which offers instant parenting answers from pregnancy to raising a five-year-old. Until next time, take care and happy parenting.