When it comes to babies, we reach an extra mile in thinking of what we can give him and provide something which is sometimes of no use. We want our baby's skin to be soft and supple forever which is difficult or sometimes impossible. But we should try our best to provide adequate nourishment to their skin so that it remains hydrated. When we are handling a newborn's skin, tiniest amount of body wash and lotion is required. But when a baby starts to grow, his or her skin tends to lose moisture and appear drier and tend to develop rashes and other skin irritations.
Newborns require products which are free of colours and fragrance. If possible, products which are free of harmful chemicals should be used. I know, it is a task which is somehow beyond the bounds of possibility but there is nothing wrong with reading the labels before applying it to your baby's skin. Certain terms such as 'hypoallergenic' can be ambiguous. It means that the product is relatively unlikely to cause any reactions to the baby's skin but doesn't mean it will suit the baby's skin for sure.
Here are the skincare products required for our little angels:
- Baby Massage Oil: Massage helps to soothe the baby. It helps to relieve the baby from indigestion and regularises the sleeping pattern. Massage oils help to moisturise the baby's skin and create a slippery surface for easy hand movement. It is better to avoid such oils which are highly perfumed because it may irritate the baby's sense organs. Mineral oils are best to be avoided because the baby's skin becomes drier within an hour or two of application. Coconut oil and olive oil suits my baby's skin very well. Some mothers heat mustard oil with garlic and fenugreek seeds and apply it to the baby's chest while it's still warm to relieve him or her from cold and cough. With the passage of time, one will know what suits their baby. Always start using a little bit and check how it reacts to your baby's skin. Then continue using it if the results are positive.
- Baby Wash or Soap: Newborns don't require much soap as they don't get dirty that often. When they start crawling, they tend to get much dirtier and the saga continues. Body washes or cleansers are milder as compared to soaps. They are considered to be much hygienic in comparison. There are various reasons involved. The liquid cleansers are stored in a bottle so the product inside isn't touched by hands unless we use the mechanism to take out the product. The liquid cleansers are not left open which doesn't attract germs, unlike soaps. Also, now there are certain cleansers available in the market which is SLS free which isn't in the case of soaps. Choose the product you like using for your baby be it soap or body wash.
- Shampoo: Babies don't require hair wash that often. But if your baby has thick hair and accumulates sweat and dirt, once or twice a week is more than enough. Choose a tear-free formula so that their beautiful eyes don't hurt and try to use a milder product which is free of SLS and parabens. Nowadays hair and body washes are available in the market which fulfils both the tasks very well. Try the one which suits your baby.
- Body Lotion: Baby's skin tends to lose moisture rapidly. Dry skin causes rashes and itchiness. Use a good hydrating body lotion or cream for your baby which will allow locking in moisture and provide them with a healthy and supple skin.
- Diaper Rash Cream: Babies tend to get diaper rashes due to various factors. Their skin might react to urine and stool. Sometimes it can also be caused by reactions to the diaper itself. Diaper rash creams soothe the baby's skin and maintain a protective layer on the skin. Doctors also recommend using petroleum jelly instead. Choose the one recommended by the doctor.
- Baby Wipes: Baby wipes become handy when we are travelling with a baby. We didn't use baby wipes until the baby turned a month old as my doctor didn't recommend using them till then. Choose the variant which is free of alcohol and avoid any fragrance if your baby is sensitive to it.
When it comes to babies, always consider that less is more. There are certain products available in the market which are attractive but of no use. Some brands even sell baby perfumes which are unnecessary. Babies naturally smell divine. Using artificial scents actually ruins the matter. Don't be attracted to products because they look attractive and are new in the market. Buy only those which your baby actually needs. Also, read the labels carefully and ask a paediatrician before applying the products to your little one's skin.
