Baby Skin Health

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Baby Skin HealthA baby’s skin is pure and incredibly soft to touch.

We have some simple baby skin care tips that can help to keep it that way!

Most babies will encounter some type of skin condition during their early months - despite mum and dad’s best efforts! It is perfectly normal and occurs more often than you might think.

Along with the resources available on the Huggies website, this eBook will take you through all you need to know about baby skin care and health, including ways to protect your newborn’s skin, how to identify symptoms of skin conditions, and how to treat them. We’ll also give you some important baby skin care facts.

This is the best way to find answers to some of your most frequently asked questions on baby skin care, including the best way to use products such as wipes, detergents, sunscreen, and lotions.

Remember, the information in this eBook should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have any concerns for your baby’s skin care health, please see a doctor or health care professional.

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Contents

1. Protecting newborn skin .......................................................................................... 5

Sun protection

Selecting washing detergents for clothes and blankets

Areas to pay attention to

2. Baby baths ............................................................................................................................. 9

When to bath

Bathing basics

3. Baby bath time checklist ..................................................................................... 11

4. Baby nails .............................................................................................................................. 13

Newborns

How to trim baby nails

5. Baby skin facts ............................................................................................................ 14

Sensitivity

Appearance

Baby skin care Do’s ........................................................................................................ 15

Baby skin care Don’ts ................................................................................................... 16

6. Skin conditions & treatments ......................................................................... 17

7. Frequently asked questions ............................................................................. 21

1. Protecting newborn skin

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Sun protection Preventing direct exposure to the sun’s harmful rays is the best way to protect your baby’s skin.

Protect bub in 5 different ways:

Babies under six months should not spend any time in the direct sun as their skin is still developing and can burn easily. If your little one shows signs of overheating or has sunburn, keep them cool, hydrated and indoors.

Slide: Protect bub’s eyes from the glare with wraparound.

Slap: Protect bub’s faceand ears with a brimmed hat.

Slip: Cover as much skin as possible with loose clothing.

Slop: Use broad spectrum baby sunscreen in between skin folds and on skin that can’t be covered.

Seek: Stay under cover and in the shade when possible.

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All of your baby’s clothes and anything your little one will come in contact with should be washed before use - this includes blankets, towels and your own clothes.

Unless your baby has very sensitive skin or allergies, using regular laundry detergents should not cause any problems.

How to select washing detergents:

Choose the mildest product possible

Avoid products that contain fragrances, perfumes and other additives

Avoid fabric softeners

Liquid detergents are preferred over laundry powder as they rinse better

Keep an eye on your baby’s skin. If signs of irritation occur, consider switching to a mild baby detergent.

Selecting washing detergents for clothes and blankets

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Areas to pay attention to

A baby’s skin goes through many changes and needs gentle, loving treatment.

Two of the most common skin problems that baby’s experience are dry skin and nappy rash. Luckily there are some simple ways to tackle them.

This is the best way to find answers to some of your most frequently asked questions on baby skin care, including the best way to use products such as wipes, detergents, sunscreen, and lotions.

Dry skin

• Moisturise using a good quality, hypoallergenic lotion to help soothe or prevent dry skin.

• Keep baths short and the water temperature slightly cooler than usual.

• Give baths every second day, unless needed.

• Keep your bub hydrated, by giving them enough to drink – breast milk or formula will suffice for newborns and water is good for older babies and toddlers.

• Use a humidifier if the air is dry.

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• Change your little one’s nappy as soon as you can, after it becomes dirty.

• Ensure the nappy area is wiped clean and dried completely before putting on a new nappy.

Nappy rash

• Use a barrier cream or protective ointment on your baby’s bottom at each change-time.

• Allow nappy-free time whenever you can.

• Don’t fasten nappies too tightly so that bub’s bottom has some room to breathe.

2. Baby baths

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• You can start bathing bub in a tub when the cord stump has fallen away and healed.

• 2-3 times a week is more than enough in the early months.• Avoid bathing right after a feed as bub may spit up from a full tummy.• A bath before bed time can help calm your baby for a restful night.

When to bath

Bathing basics

Soaps and cleansers:

• Plain water is fine for the first few weeks.

• If required, use a mild and pH neutral baby wash that is formulated for your little one’s age group.

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Umbilical cord:

• Clean the naval area with plain water and/or pH-neutral soap once a day.

• After bub’s bath or wash, gently pat the stump dry with a soft cloth or towel.

• Avoid using an antiseptic as it may result in the stump taking longer to detach.

Nappy area:

• In between dips in the tub, clean the nappy area with a disposable hypoallergenic wipe or give bub a sponge bath.

• Gently pat dry.

Eyes, ears and nose:

• Soak a cotton ball:• Wipe behind the ears and around the outside of them. Use a new cotton ball for

each ear.• Wipe gently around each nostril to remove mucus.• Wipe the corners of your baby’s eyes with a separate cotton ball. Wipe from the

inside corner to the outside.

• Avoid putting anything inside your baby’s delicate nostrils or ears.

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3. Baby bath time checklist

Giving your baby a bath can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and bub. Preparing ahead of time will ensure that you can focus on your little one, and you can both get the most out of this magical time.

Here is a checklist of things you may need:

Baby bathtub It’s easier and safer to bathe a wriggling baby in a small area. A baby bathtub is designed with an incline so that your baby can lay back at an angle. They are particularly useful if you have had a C-section as you can manoeuvre the tub to an easy to reach place.

Soft washcloths These are recommended over a soft sponge as small pieces may fall off the sponge and cause a potential choking hazard. If your baby bathtub does not have a soft or anti-slip lining, line it with a washcloth to make it softer and less slippery.

Baby bathtub

Soft washcloths

Baby soap and shampoo

Bath towels or hooded towels

Nail clippers

Baby lotion

Cotton balls

Baby brush

Bath toys

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Baby soap and shampoo It is fine to bathe your baby in nothing but water for the first few weeks. When you do start using cleaners, it is important to choose one that’s specifically made for a baby’s sensitive skin.

Bath towels or hooded towels It’s very useful to have at least two towels on hand at bath time - one for drying your baby and one for wrapping up after wards. Hooded make it even easier to wrap your baby up to keep them nice and warm.

Nail clippers Finger nails are softer after a bath which makes it an ideal time to trim your baby’s nails. Special baby nail clippers with a round safety guard will ensure that you don’t accidentally hurt your baby. You can also file your baby’s nails, if you have trouble with clippers at first.

Baby lotion Baby lotion helps to keep your baby’s skin hydrated and smooth. Using it also has the added benefit of being an excellent opportunity to gently massage your baby.

Cotton ballsDipped into warm water, cotton balls are an excellent material for gently cleaning small, delicate regions, such as around the eyes or folds in the skin. Use a new cotton ball for each area.

Baby brush If your baby is sprouting locks already, it’s a good idea to use a soft baby brush. The sensation is very pleasant for them and is a lovely way to help them calm down for sleep.

Bath toys Of course, these aren’t mandatory. However, if your little one is at the age where they are amused by bath toys, they do provide a happy distraction. This is especially handy if your baby is overtired and not in the mood for a bath.

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4. Baby nails

Frequent cutting isn’t necessary as bub’s nails will be quite soft. If their nails aren’t worn down by their clothing and daily activities, you can give them a gentle trim now and then.

Newborns

• Use a baby nail clipper or emery board - round off the nail so they’re smooth.• Have someone help to make the task easier - one person holds bub while the other

trims the nails.• Play a game or talk with bub to keep them calm and engaged.• Trim toe nails straight to prevent nails growing inwards.

Your baby is still learning to control their little arms and legs until they are about six weeks old - this is why they may sometimes scratch themselves. Keeping their nails nice and short can help to stop scratches on their faces and yours!

The best time to trim your baby’s nails is after a bath – they will be calm and drowsy,and their nails will be softer.

How to trim baby nails

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5. Baby skin facts

Sensitivity

Your newborn’s skin at birth:

Tufts of hair around the scalp, forehead, shoulders and back that disappear within the first few weeks of bub’s life.

Blue tinge to hands and feet.

Red and purple

It takes time for a baby’s skin to adapt to a new environment:• It may take up to 12 months for a newborn’s skin to mature. In the meantime, it will

be very sensitive – up to ten times more than adults!• Babies will develop bumps and rashes along the way. Most are harmless and will

go away on their own. Some, such as nappy rash, will cause more irritation than others.

Appearance

After a few days

• Skin lightens

• Skin may be come dry and flaky

• Skin easily turns red when bub cries

• Spots such as baby care and milia may appear

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Do gently cleanse your baby’s skin with a soft wash cloth and warm water when needed - especially around their sensitive areas.

Do use skin care products specifically designed for ba-bies, such as baby shampoo and moisturiser, if needed.

Do recognise that most skin conditions, such as baby acne, are temporary and generally heal up without treat-ment.

Do give your baby some nappy-free time.

Do test new skin care products on a small area of your baby’s skin before using.

Do moisturise regularly and follow a skin care routine to prevent dry skin.

Do use baby wipes that are paraben-free. Look for wipes that do not contain soap or alcohol. These additives can irritate the skin.

Baby skin care Do’s

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Don’t rub skin dry after a bath. Pat skin dry instead.

Don’t use adult skin care products as these can contain ingredients that are harmful to your baby’s sensitive skin.

Don’t try to scrub/pick at any irritated skin. This can aggravate the area and may worsen the condition.

Don’t use bleach or fabric softeners when washing your baby’s clothing and bedding. The harsh chemicals can inflame your baby’s skin.

Don’t dress your baby in tight clothing or too much clothing. This can lead to excessive sweating and painful chafing.

Don’t try ‘alternative’ products or treatments without consulting your baby’s doctor or dermatologist first.

Baby skin care Don’ts

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6. Skin conditions & treatments

Skin condition

Rash appears around:• Elbow creases• Behind the knees• Face• Neck• Hands• FeetIn between flare-ups, the skin may look thickened and dry.

Treatment

Infant Eczema

• Dry, sensitive skin• Tends to run in families• Itchy red rashes

Symptoms

Treat the symptoms:• Make note of anything that may

irritate your baby’s skin and avoid using them

• Moisturise to prevent dry skin• Trim bub’s nails and use cotton

mittens at night to prevent scratching• Keep your child cool by dressing

them in loose layers• Avoid soaps and other bath products• Soothe the itchy area by placing a

cool wet towel on it for 5–10 minutes the

• Bath your baby in slightly cooler bath temperature

Visit your doctor if:• Your baby is scratching more than

usual• Rash gets infected

• Mild redness on skin• Dehydration• Blistering• Peeling skin• Fever• Nausea, vomiting or

headache

Sunburn

• Skin damage from exposure to the sun

• Hydrate your baby with plenty of fluids –breast milk or formula is plenty if they are under 6 months old

• Keep your baby indoors• Bath in lukewarm water• Avoid using soap and other skin care

products on the affected areas

Seek medical advice immediately if:• Your baby develops blisters filled with

fluid• The sunburn is accompanied by

fever, pain, vomiting or if baby loses consciousness

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Skin condition

• Cold, white, hard skin• Pain• Itching• Swelling• Blistering

Treatment

Frostbite

• When tissue and cells in the skin freeze

• Occurs from prolonged exposure to the cold

Symptoms

• Take bub inside and reduce further exposure to the cold and wind

• Warm bub up in blankets• Do not rub affected area• Seek professional help immediately

• Caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes

• Small red spots• Small blisters filled with

clear fluid or pus• Yellow or brownish scabs

from open sores

Impetigo

• Starts off looking like a scratch or bruise

• Most common around• Face• Scalp• Chest• Upper back

• Grows quickly in size and stops

Strawberry Hemangioma

• Soft red blemishes or bumps made up of small blood vessels

• Develops during foetal development when immature veins and capillaries break away from circulatory system

• Most hemangiomas disappear on its own by early school years

• Compressing and massaging the area can help speed fading

• Consult your health care professional if the bump:

• Continues to grow• Bleeds• Becomes infected• Interferes with bub’s vision or

ability to breathe or eat

• Contagious skin infection

• Also called ‘school sores’

Take your child to the doctor immediately if you suspect impetigo• Use the prescribed antibiotic

ointment or oral antibiotic• Care for sores:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling sores

• Wash sore with warm water and soap to remove crusts

• Apply antibiotic ointment using cottonwool swab

• Cover sores with waterproof dressing during the day

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Skin condition

• Blotchy salmon co-loured patches or marks on the skin

• More noticeable when bub cries or during changes in temperature

Treatment

Stork bites/Angel kisses

• Common type of birthmark

• Caused by the stretching of blood vessels at the back of the neck

Symptoms

• Stork bites usually last until adulthood

• No treatment is required• The marks can be removed to

improve appearance if needed

• Blue or grey patches of skin

• Usually appears on the buttocks or lower back

• More common in darker skinned infants

Mongolian Spots

• Appears as blotchy red patches over most of the body within the first few days of birth

• Sometimes tiny yellow or white bumps filled with fluid appear

• Typically appears on the chest, arms and face

Erythema Toxicum

• Common and harmless rash

• Occurs in up to 50% of healthy newborns

• Cause is not known

• Your baby should feel no comfort• Does not require medical treatment• Follow your health care professional’s

skin care guideline

• Congenital flat birth-mark that is blue or brown in colour

• Caused by a dense collection of pigment making cells called melanocytes

• No treatment is required as the mark is merely superficial

• Though they may take the appearance of bruises, Mongolian spots are not related to any other medical conditions

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Skin condition

• Raised red rash found around the mouth

• The rash may extend to neck and chest

Treatment

Drool rash

• Rash that develops from the moisture of bub’s saliva

Symptoms

Prevention includes:• Frequently wiping your baby’s drool

with a soft clean cloth• Gently patting dry instead of rubbing

to prevent irritation• Being mindful to dry in between skin

folds where saliva may hide• Using a gentle hypoallergenic cream

that is safe to use on your baby’s face and around their mouth

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7. Frequently asked questions

1. What’s a good age to start using sunscreen?

2. Can I clean inside the ears?

3. Can I use regular detergent for clothes?

It is advised to keep bub out of the sun as much as possible before six months of age. For those trips outdoors with bub, it is better to use broad spectrum baby sunscreen in hard to cover areas than using nothing at all. Try to dress your child in protective clothing, such as brimmed hats and loose long shirts and pants.

The inside of bub’s ears are delicate and can puncture easily so avoid using items such as cotton buds to clean them. Your doctor or childhood nurse can recommend suitable ear drops that you can use at home. They will also have the proper tools to clean inside your baby’s ears.

Yes. Unless your child has very sensitive skin or allergies, regular detergent for sensitive skin should not cause any problems for your baby.

4. What should my baby smell like?

The best way to describe how bub smells like would be fresh, clean and sweet. Of course, there are moments when their smell takes a sour turn, especially if they spit up, are a little sweaty, or have a dirty nappy.There are some particular aromas from their body or urine may indicate that bub is not processing certain chemicals in their body properly.

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6. Should I use soap to clean during a nappy change?

7. Can I use my lotions on my baby?

8. When can I use regular soap to bathe my baby?

9. Are cloth nappies better for my baby’s skin?

pH-neutral soaps and warm water can be used to clean your baby’s bottom during a nappy change. Remember to pat dry before putting on a new nappy.

It is not recommended to use skin care products made for adults on your baby. Most contain fragrances, dyes or other ingredients that are irritating to a baby’s sensitive skin.

You can begin to bath your baby with regular soap and cleansers around twelve months. Before then, stick to baby washes or mild soap as the lathering quality of regular soap dries out their skin.

It depends. Your baby can benefit from cloth nappies if they are sensitive to disposable nappies. Cloth nappies can also cause problems for your baby’s skin if they are not washed or rinsed properly. The key to healthy baby skin care is to keep bub’s skin clean and dry.

5. Can wipes cause nappy rash?

If your baby has sensitive skin, yes. Some baby wipes can irritate their skin if they contain scented soaps, alcohol and other chemicals.

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We really hope you have enjoyed our Huggies®

Baby Skin Health. You can visit our eBook library at

www.huggies.com.au at anytime for many more free

pregnancy, baby and parenting eBooks.

The Huggies Team