Sensitive Baby Skin Care: Conditions and Treatment

Sensitive baby skin is prone to diaper rash, cradle cap, dry skin, and body rashes. But don't worry. The right sensitive baby skin care products and knowledge will prepare you and your baby for any sensitive baby skin reaction.

First, stock your nursery with sensitive baby skin care products well before you bring your newborn home. Many sensitive baby skin conditions can be treated at home while others will require a visit to the doctor. Some of the things you will need are:

- Diaper rash ointment. A diaper rash cream or ointment creates a barrier between sensitive baby skin and wet diapers or anything that comes into contact with it. I have used Desitin and A&D Ointment both and swear by them. They go on nicely and give babies relief in just a short time. Plus they just smell like new babies to me. But virtually any baby skin care product that is specifically designed for diaper rashes or sensitive baby skin should be fine. Use diaper rash ointment after every diaper change. Petroleum jelly is OK, but it was not designed as a baby skin care product nor specifically designed for diaper rash, so I usually steer clear of it.

- Baby lotion. Speaking of smelling like new babies, Johnson's Baby Lotion smells just like that. But virtually any sensitive baby skin care lotion is fine, and definitely another must-have baby skin care product in your baby's nursery. Baby lotion gently moisturizes your baby's skin and should be hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested.

- Baby Oil. Don't use baby oil as a moisturizer, as it will make your baby's skin too greasy, and in any case, an infant's skin has a hard time absorbing it. Instead, use this baby skin care product to bond with your baby, as a kind of massage oil or in the case of cradle cap (see below).

- Baby Soaps, Shampoos, and Cleansers. Use any of these baby skin care products sparingly, as they can cause dryness and reduce the natural oils found in your baby's skin.

- Baby Detergent. You probably have a bunch of new baby clothes. Be sure to wash all your baby clothes, sheets, and blankets before they come in contact with your baby's sensitive skin. Some detergents that are good for sensitive baby skin care are Ivory Snow, Tide Free, or Dreft.

- Cortisone Creams for Eczema. Basically, this sensitive baby skin care product decreases inflammation and redness in this rash that shows up primarily on the scalp, face, elbows, or behind the knees. For the first couple of months you shouldn't have a problem with eczema, but it serves to be prepared and stock this baby skin care product in your baby's nursery. Eczema is often caused by an allergy to a certain food, so be aware of what your baby is eating - or what you are eating if you are breastfeeding - if you have this problem.

One note on using baby powder. Baby powder can get into your baby's lungs and cause problems. Corn starch is a slightly safer baby skin care product, but corn starch has yeast in it, which can lead to diaper rash. Both are drying, so in general it is best to avoid any kind of powder on newborn skin, as powders do not make a good sensitive baby skin care products.

Don't use any baby skin care products when your newborn first comes home unless they have a definite rash or skin condition, and even then, use baby skin care products sparingly. In the early months, a baby's immune system is still developing and will be extra sensitive to anything introduced to that soft baby skin. Wait a few months or until your doctor recommends, and then begin slowly introducing baby skin care products. Watch their reaction on your baby's skin, particularly if there is a history of sensitive skin problems or allergies in your family.

Baby Skin Care: Diaper Rash

Diaper rash shows up like a red, irritated sensitive skin condition that may have little dots or be warm to the touch. You can minimize the occurrence of diaper rash by simply checking your baby's diapers often and changing them as soon as they are soiled.

If your baby does get a diaper rash, the first thing you should do is wipe your baby's bottom with water and a mild soap, using a soft cloth, not a baby wipe. Using baby wipes as a baby skin care product can cause further irritation. Let the area air dry before putting on a layer of Desitin or A&D. Air drying will actually help to dry out the diaper rash. White zinc oxide as another baby skin care product is drying and can be used for babies who are particularly prone to diaper rash.

Baby Skin Care: Eczema

If you find itchy, scaly patches, or tiny bumps that ooze if scratched on your baby's skin, chances are it's eczema. It can be caused by genetics, allergies, or allergens in your baby's food or even in your own food if you are breastfeeding. If your baby shows signs of eczema, take him or her to your pediatrician right away. One baby skin care product you can get from your pediatrician that helps this condition is prescription strength hydrocortisone cream.

To treat eczema, first prevent your baby's skin from becoming dry. Good baby skin care tells us that we should limit the baby's bathes to 2 - 3 times a week or less, because bathing draws natural oils out of the body. In your baby skin care products you should have some mild soap you can use, such as Aveeno or Dove. I know from experience that Aveeno soap provides some relief from itching just by itself. Immediately after the bath, use a mild moisturizer. Pat your baby dry with a towel or better yet, let your baby air dry.

Many doctors advise mothers to moisturize their babies with eczema three or four times a day. If your baby is scratching at the rash, put mittens on him or her. In your baby skin care products you should have a good cortisone cream, either prescription or not, which you can use on eczema.

Baby Skin Care: Cradle Cap

If your baby has what seems like dandruff or has thick, oily, crusty patches on the scalp, it is probably cradle cap. Cradle cap is believed to be caused by the hormones the mother has at the end of the pregnancy, which over stimulate the baby's oily glands.

To treat cradle cap, try rubbing a few drops of baby oil, one of the ingredients in your baby skin care products, on your baby's scalp. After a few minutes, gently brush out the flakes with a soft brush. End by washing your baby's scalp with baby shampoo, another ingredient in your baby skin care products.

Baby skin is so sensitive that it is common for babies to get some sort of rash; so when it happens, don't panic. If you are prepared with good baby skin care products and know how to use them on sensitive baby skin, you should be fine. Always consult with your pediatrician when your baby has a rash or skin condition of any kind.

For further information online about sensitive baby skin care and baby skin conditions, check a reliable source such as WebMd. For pictures of various sensitive baby skin conditions and their care, check Medicine Net.

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