La skin of a newborn it is very soft, delicate and vulnerable, very different from adult skin. That is why your care must be special for your skin. Many parents have doubts about how to care for the skin of a newborn. That is why today we are going to talk about how your skin is, its functions and care.
The skin
Skin is more than just largest organ of the human body. For babies it also makes barrier function, since it passes from a liquid medium to the outside. When we are born our skin is covered with a substance called vernix caseosa, whose function is to protect us when we are inside the mother's womb. This function continues a few hours after birth, until we are cleansed.
The baby's skin is wrinkled from being in liquid all the time and not having received direct light. The skin also has a temperature regulation function, and protects us of injuries, blows and infections that could harm us. It is our defense when we reach the world.
At birth, the baby's skin is born wet, so it must be dried so that it does not get cold. By putting it in contact with mother you'll have the best heat source you need, plus the power of skin-to-skin. Also regulate your heart and breathing, and favors the initiation of breastfeeding. When we are born, the first hygiene is done in the hospital once the baby's temperature stabilizes.
Some babies, seen more in premature babies, are born with the presence of lagoon, a soft and fine hair that covers your shoulders, back, cheeks, forehead and scalp. It usually disappears in the first weeks of life. Depending on the week in which he was born, his skin will be more or less thick.
That is why good care and hygiene of the newborn's skin is so important. Here we are going to give you some keys to be able to give the best care to our babies.
Newborn skin care
- Clean with neutral soaps. As we have already seen, baby's skin is extremely delicate and does not have the protections that our adult skin has. That is why we cannot use just any product but we have to use mild neutral soaps for babies. They dissolve quickly with water and make little foam. A normal soap will irritate and dry your skin.
- Hydrates your skin well. Baby's skin is already more hydrated than that of adults, so it is not necessary to hydrate it every day. But we can use specific moisturizers for babies.
- Clean the diaper area well. The diaper area must be cleaned properly since it is the area where more dirt accumulates, especially in the folds. It can be done with water or use special wipes for sensitive skin. With a protective cream we will avoid irritations.
- Massages. Massages are very beneficial for babies: it helps them relax, increases their self-esteem, stimulates their immune system, improves their nervous, respiratory, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems. It also improves your sleep and improves the emotional bond. Do not miss the article «How to give the best massage to your baby».
- Suburb. If you decide to add cologne, do not put it directly on his skin, if not on his clothes. Use specific colognes for babies that do not have alcohol.
- Attention to clothing. Clothes, both clothing and bedding, will be in direct contact with your skin. We must choose suitable garments of natural fabrics such as cotton. Avoid wool or synthetic fibers.
- Avoid direct sun. Babies do not have the protection of adults, so you should avoid direct sun exposure in their first weeks.
Because remember ... the baby's skin is its barrier to the world, what protects it. That is why we must take care of it so much.