Our skin is the largest organ in our body, it keeps the good stuff in and bad stuff out. Adults may have thicker skin (literally) but what about babies? Does baby skin follow the same rules as adult skin, or is it different? For centuries parents have developed their own ways of dealing with their baby’s skin needs. Not only when it comes to hygiene, but also when treating skin conditions like diaper rash. But which of these beliefs are rooted in myth, and which ones may have a grain of truth in them?
Today, we have Dr. Chin Wai Seong, who is also a father of 3, to share with us, what are the actual facts that we should know about baby skin and avoid believing those myths.
Myth 1: You Just Need Water for a Baby Bath
This is false. Water alone is not enough to remove all the dirt, irritants and chemicals that may be on your baby’s skin. So, it’s necessary to use a cleanser. I usually urge the parents to use a gentle cleanser to clean your baby’s skin during bath time. It’s important to note that baby skin is very delicate and sensitive, so choosing the right cleanser is important.
A good tip for finding a good, gentle cleanser is to look one that is free from harsh chemicals without paraben, colourants, and alcohol. It will be good if you can find one with natural ingredients that can help to protect the skin’s moisture to prevent the dryness of the skin that is more prone to getting rashes, irritation, itchiness, and so forth.
Myth 2: Milk Baths Are Good for Babies
I think this is quite a common question that I get especially from modern mums. Some women generally produce a surplus of breast milk. And they don’t want any of it to go to waste. It’s important to note that breast milk is very nutritious when consumed by the baby within the first 6 months. It contains a lot of health benefits. But putting breast milk directly on the skin can cause irritation. This is because human skin needs to maintain a pH balance that is more on the acidic side.
Breast milk is highly alkaline, which can disrupt the natural human skin pH level. This is especially true for babies. If their skin pH gets too alkaline, it will result in dryness. And dry skin is more sensitive to chemical irritants that may be present in the environment. Moreover, if you don’t rinse breast milk properly after bathing your baby in it, the smell may attract insects. And some insects like mosquitos do leave marks and bites.
PH is another important factor to consider when choosing a cleanser for your baby. You need to look for products that have a suitable pH for baby skin, and is hypoallergenic. A moisturiser is also a good addition.
Myth 3: Diaper Rash Is Minimised with Talcum Powder
This also another common myth about baby skin and I can see why many parents still believe it. Baby powder is white and smells good. But when you put it on a diaper rash, the powder will not treat the issue, it will just hide it. The next time you wipe or clean your baby, the rash will still be there. In fact, putting talcum will further irritate your baby’s skin as talcum is drying.
It is important to get your baby properly diagnosed by a doctor first to confirm if their condition is actually diaper rash. Use a topical treatment that the doctor prescribed. Sometimes a diaper rash may not be a diaper rash at all but a fungal infection that will require an anti-fungal medication. Putting talcum will just make the skin worse and cause the infection to spread.
Some parents also use talcum powder to reduce friction over the rash. But this is not recommended because the talcum may mix with the baby’s sweat hence the moisture will make it rough, like flour or dough. This will further irritate your baby’s skin. Moreover, talcum is very fine and it can easily enter your baby’s nose and lungs. This can irritate their airways and cause sneezing, coughing and other respiratory conditions.
Myth 4: Baby’s Skin is Already Moisturised
This is easy to believe, but it’s not true. But I can see why many parents believe this myth. After all, babies are born with smooth, soft, delicate skin. This is due to the protection given by the mother’s womb. But once the baby leaves this safe, sterile environment they will be exposed to the same irritants, pollutants and chemicals that adults are exposed to every day. Hence, baby’s skin is actually more prone to dryness and irritation and would require twice as much care and protection.
Another important point to note is baby skin is thinner than an adult’s. Their skin is still developing even after they leave their mother’s womb. So given the period of time, parents must make an extra effort to get a suitable gentle cleanser, lotion or cream for their baby.
Applying skincare on your baby is a good parent-child bonding experience. Skin-on-skin contact, massage and other acts of physical touch can stimulate your baby’s blood circulation, create a sense of security, enhance motor skills and even improve muscle growth.
Myth 5: How Frequently Should a Baby Take a Bath?
It depends. Physical activity and brain development all play a part. If your baby is a little older, they may need to take a bath twice a day. A newborn baby, I would recommend only once a day. I understand that this may not be seem enough but parents should pay attention to the duration of baths, as prolonging for more than half an hour, for example, might strip the natural oils away from the baby’s skin.
Baby skin is very thin, so it is easier for them to experience water loss if they do not have this layer of natural oil to prevent water from evaporating out of their pores. Moreover, their skin barrier is still developing at this stage, which means their skin may not be able to hold onto water quite as efficiently. Baby’s skin can actually dry out very fast. The longer you leave your baby in bath, the more natural oil you strip away from your baby’s skin. So usually, 15 minutes is enough.
You should also take care to monitor the water temperature of your baby’s bath water. Not too hot, not too cold. Room temperature is ideal.
Healthy, Happy, Blemish-Free Baby Skin
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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