Caring for the skin of a newborn baby is a very important task.

Caring for the skin of a newborn baby is a very important task. When your baby is born they immediately become vulnerable to everything around them. Everything that they come in to contact with can affect them in a very serious way.   

The clothes we dress them in and the products we choose to use on their skin can have a positive or negative effect on their overall health and well being.  

For this reason, it is important that you have good quality information and the facts about caring for the skin of a baby.  

Here are 10 myths and corresponding truths about caring for a baby’s skin

1. It is important to use a fragranced bath product to properly clean your baby  

This is completely false. In fact, many babies respond negatively to any kind of lotion or potion that includes a fragrance. While these bath-time products smell beautiful they are unnecessary for a baby. Simply using warm water or a natural cream such as silcocks base is more than enough to properly clean your baby’s skin

2. We shouldn’t obsess over bath temperature  

Obsess is a strong word but water temperature is extremely important when it comes to bathing your baby. If the water is too hot or too cold it can impact their body temperature or burn their skin. A water temperature of 37’C-38’C is considered safe and appropriate for a baby.

3. Skin conditions like eczema are not caused or affected by diet  

A child may experience skin irritation or eczema for a number of reasons but their diet (or the diet of their breastfeeding mother) can impact it greatly. Many breastfeeding mums find that when they eat certain foods (a lot of dairy for example) their baby’s skin has a flare-up.

4. You don’t have to wash your newborn baby’s brand new clothing  

False. Your maternity hospital will more than likely specify this in their hospital bag advice or guidelines. It is important to wash all new baby clothes due to the bacteria and dirt they may be exposed to due to the production and packaging processes they have been exposed to.

5. Non-bio detergent is not essential  

Your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive. Using a non-bio detergent is recommended for good reason so why take the chance?  

6. You should bathe your baby daily  

Many people like to bathe their baby daily as part of their bed-time routine but in terms of hygiene this is not necessary. In fact, it may actually be harmful to some babies. Daily cleansing with a clean sponge and bathing them every couple of days is more than enough.

7. You should use sun-cream from day one to protect your baby’s skin

Small babies should never be in direct sunlight and for this reason, sun cream is not necessary for a newborn. Sun cream is too harsh for a baby’s delicate skin. For this reason, it is important to ensure your baby is always kept in the shade on a sunny day.  

8. Cradle cap is a sign of infection  

Cradle cap is completely normal and a very normal way for your baby’s skin to behave. It is not a sign of poor hygiene or infection.

9. You should always worry if your baby develops spots  

While anything resembling a rash should always be investigated there is a very strong chance that your baby’s spots are completely natural and normal. Baby acne (small spots/bumps on the skin) is extremely common during a baby’s first few weeks of life.

10. Skin to skin is only effective when it is between mother and baby  

This is not true. Many hospitals will encourage skin to skin with the father or birthing partner as well as the mother.