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When you bring your baby home for the first time, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. I, for one, had no clue what a Wubanub or a Comotomo were, and months later wondered how I could parent without them. (They are a pacifier and bottle brand, for the uninitiated.)
You need to figure out feeding, diapering, sleeping and healing. You need to organize visits and handle grandparents. Your baby’s skincare is not on the top priority list.
However, as the months progress, you may notice rashes or dryness on your sweet little one's skin. The products that promote themselves as “baby friendly” and “all natural” may be anything but, and you don’t exactly have tons of time to spend reading labels. Extra time should be you time (or lie-face-down-on-the-couch time, if you wonder how I am spending any extra moments of my day).
A baby’s skin is delicate – this certainly isn’t a myth. Chemicals, fragrances, dyes and fragrances can easily irritate those adorable folds and wrinkles. (1) Even an all natural baby cream was found to contain a highly potent prescription steroid, which can be terrifying for any loving parent. (2)
What the heck are we to do besides raise our children in bubbles? (Note to my husband: this is still not an option.)
A lot, and the good news is, much of it is pretty simple.
Ease Up On The Baths.
Baths are calming and soothing and are often added to bedtime routines. However, too many (more than three per week in the first year) can leave your baby’s skin patchy and dry. Sponge baths in between are fine (1). This may become a habit as your kid gets older - even the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that children aged 6-11 only need to bathe once or twice a week (or you know, when they play in the mud). Our obsession with cleanliness may be adding more to our daily lists than necessary. Permission to have a diry kid? Granted. (5)
Wash Clothes and Bedding Separately.
As moms, it is so much easier to consolidate tasks. I get it. However, scented products can really irritate your baby’s skin. Most laundry detergents are scented. So either put all laundry in baby detergent or separate it.
Simple might be best.
After a bath, a little lotion may help to seal in moisture and prevent future dryness. Coconut oil is a wonderful option. It has one ingredient, it absorbs quickly and it will make your baby smell like the tropical vacation that you probably aren’t getting right now. (4)
Keep them out of the sun.
After being cooped up inside with a baby, warm summer days seem like a godsend. Make sure to get all mama bear with your baby’s skin – hat, sun shade and maybe some baby sunscreen if your little one is over six months old. Babies are susceptible to heat rash with underdeveloped sweat glands. (4) Look for a safe sunscreen that is tear free, water resistant, fragrance free and sulfate free. (5)
Massage is not just for rich babies.
I was blessed with a very squirmy, curious baby. This meant that I thought massage was not for us. He was distracted. It was certainly true that he needed to "grow into it." However, studies show that massaged babies are calmer, sleep better and cry less. Don’t go for firm pressure – this is a baby after all. But when it comes to your baby’s skin, this is probably one of the healthiest things you can do. (1)