7 Easy Ways to Keep Your Baby's Skin Soft and Supple

Every baby is born with soft and supple skin but whether it remains that way through out its lifetime is a big question. Parents should see to it that the baby does not get skin rashes or diseases that will not only hamper the skin texture but also cause irritation to their baby. No matter how much we try to prevent them, skin problems in babies are very common. Being a new parent you need to know which conditions can be treated at home, which need medical attention and how to avoid such troublesome conditions. Here are a few easy ways to keep your baby's skin soft and supple.

1. Cradle cap or diaper rashes, babies are too young to tolerate the irritation. These two skin conditions show up in the initial months of the baby and can be prevented or treated to a great extent. Diapers cannot be avoided but their rashes can be. The reason for developing diaper rashes could be many - tight or wet diapers or the product itself. Keep the diaper area open whenever possible and try changing the diaper every 5 hours. Clean the area with a warm cloth and apply a cream that is specially meant for diaper rashes with zinc oxide.

Use special medicated soap, oil, shampoos that is meant for babies to get rid of the cradle cap. This skin condition is caused because of an oily skin and a pediatrician is the best person to prescribe you the right treatment to reduce the rashes that show up on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, nostrils, and even at the rear side of your baby's ears.

2. Prickly heat can be not only itchy but also cause a lot of bumps on the baby's tender skin. If you live in a humid area and you baby perspires day-in and day-out then make sure you bathe the baby thoroughly with warm water and powder all the sweaty parts, especially those under arms, neck, skin folds and diaper area. Babies develop this condition even when they are wrapped gently in tight clothing and also during winter when they are packed in thick layers of winter clothing.

3. Infants have acne problem too! It may sound funny but this is true, mainly in those babies that were exposed to their mother's changing hormones in its womb. However there isn't much to fret over it as these may vanish in a few weeks time and doesn't need special treatments.

4. One in every ten babies is born with a birthmark. These are slight colored marks on your baby's skin, which is generally not a matter of concern. These birthmarks don't need special attention or care, but one can apply a baby moisturizer if you feel that the area is too rough. If you have special concerns on the birthmark consult your child's doctor to know more about them.

5. Family history of asthma, allergies or skin diseases like atopic dermatitis can also cause skin rashes called eczema in infants. Use mild soaps to clean the baby, detergents to wash his cloths and baby moisturizers to keep away from any triggers that may cause eczema.

6. Sunburn is also common in babies and should be taken care of at the right time. Do not expose your baby to direct sunrays for the first few months after birth. Later you can start applying sunscreen lotion to guard you baby's skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun.

Shop for baby care products that are branded and also medicated that can keep the soft and sensitive baby skin healthy and supple. Baby massages can not only relax your baby but also help in nourishing his or her skin. Never hesitate to ask your babies doctor about skin care. Remember, a healthy skin is nature's protection for your little one.

Sources:

children.webmd.com/slideshow-baby-skin-care

www.ynhh.org/pediatrics/newborn/infant_skin_care.html