Did you know that a newborn baby’s skin is still developing, so it is very sensitive to damage and infection? The newborn period is an important time for babies to get used to the world around them. Therefore, mothers need to pay attention to creating an environment that protects the baby’s comfort and absolute safety like when in the womb so that the baby can enjoy it more easily. Mothers need to save the following points to take care and protect the baby’s skin properly!
Clean newborn’s skin properly
- Some very first hours after the baby is born: the newborn’s skin has a substance that causes the ivory-white coating, which is the Vernix caseosa. This layer is responsible for protecting and nourishing the baby’s skin; It helps the baby’s body lose heat and has immune effect, so it’s not advisable to wash it right away, but to wait 24 to 48 hours to wipe it off. During this stage, it is only necessary to clean the blood and secretions from the baby’s body. Before touching your baby, you should also pay attention to washing your hands clean.
- You should also note that bathing too often can dry out your baby’s skin. During baths, to keep your baby’s face and hands clean, you should wipe them with a soft towel or cotton pad soaked in warm water. The water is warm at 35 – 37 degree Celsius and the room temperature is higher than 25 Degree Celsius you should find a location without wind (especially in the North). When bathing, avoid getting water into the baby’s ears and navel. And when washing the baby’s genitals, they should be washed from front to back to avoid smearing secretions into the urinary opening. Especially the products that come into contact with the baby’s skin for the first time such as shirts, pants, hats, diapers or pads need to be carefully prepared to ensure safety for the baby.
- Protect baby skin with safe products
- Use clothes made of good materials such as cotton to help absorb sweat and breathe to avoid heat rash, skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi, etc.
- With a newborn baby, the first contact with the world is mother’s arms and then baby skin care products, moms should choose products with soft, smooth surfaces from bath towels, towels and special products. especially newborn diapers to create comfort for babies while ensuring absolute safety for immature skin.
- For newborn diapers, this is a product that needs to be carefully selected because the diaper is in direct contact with the baby’s skin almost all day to protect the baby from liquids. When choosing a diaper, don’t just rely on the tips of acquaintances because only the mother understands the baby’s skin the most. If you are still confused by the different types of diapers and styles and quality, you can choose based on the following criteria:
- Diapers must be very soft and gentle for baby’s skin because newborn baby’s skin is very sensitive and immature with 30% more sensitive than adult skin.
- It should absorb well, protect baby’s skin from daily waste, gives baby a pleasant, comfortable feeling.
- Medically certified to help prevent diaper rash
- Soft material does not cause scratches, safe for baby’s very sensitive skin.
- The design allows air to circulate easily, creating a dry feeling.
- Mothers should also pay attention to avoid trauma and strong touches to the baby’s skin because it will cause damage and abrasions, making the baby more susceptible to skin diseases.
- Baby’s skin is thin and not fully developed, so mothers need to consider not to overused skin care products. It’s best to avoid products that contain dyes and fragrances, and harsh cleaning agents that can cause allergic reactions. Especially for products that are in contact with the baby for a long time such as diapers or pads, mothers should choose products that are medically certified.
- Breastfeeding your baby because breast milk is a soothing product for babies, in addition to avoiding the risk of cow’s milk allergy, breast milk also helps babies develop a good immune system.