Choosing the Best Products for Baby's Skin

Is your baby's skin feeling rough and flaky? Discover the tips and tricks to keep your little one's skin soft and healthy. In this episode of Parenting Powerhouse by Parenting Genie, host Kerry breaks down why newborns and infants often struggle with dry skin and offers practical advice on managing it. We've got you covered, from the importance of using lukewarm water during baths to the benefits of applying fragrance-free moisturizers. Plus, learn how adjusting your home environment with tools like humidifiers can make a significant difference.

Carey also shares valuable insights on choosing suitable fabrics and laundry detergents to prevent skin irritation. Whether dealing with mild dryness, cradle cap, or more severe conditions like eczema, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to ease your concerns. Tune in and equip yourself with the knowledge to keep your baby's skin comfortable and hydrated all year round. Don't miss these expert tips that promise to make a difference in your everyday parenting routine!

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Episode Transcript

Carey Donohoe (00:02):
Hi everyone.
Today's podcast is titledManaging Baby's Dry Skin.
Welcome back to ParentingPowerhouse by Parenting Genie.
I'm your host Carey, and todaywe're talking about something
many parents face at some pointduring their baby's first year
managing the baby's dry skin.
Newborns and infants often havedelicate, sensitive skin and

(00:26):
it's not uncommon for their skinto become dry and flaky.
In this episode, we'll coverwhy this happens, what you can
do to prevent it and how totreat dry skin to keep your baby
comfortable and happy.
First, let's talk about whybaby skin gets dry.
Newborn skin is stilldeveloping and adjusting to life

(00:49):
outside the womb, which makesit more prone to dryness and
irritation.
Babies are also constantlyshedding the skin they were born
with, and their natural oilsmay not be fully developed yet.
Environmental factors like coldweather, low humidity or even
overly frequent baths can stripaway the natural moisture in

(01:09):
your baby's skin.
One of the most common causesof dry skin in babies is bathing
too frequently.
While it may seemcounterintuitive, bathing your
baby daily can dry out its skinby washing away the protective
oils that keep it hydrated.
You only need to bathe yourbaby 2-3 times a week.
You can clean their face, neckand nappy area between baths

(01:34):
with a soft damp cloth to keepthem fresh.
When bathing your baby, uselukewarm water, as hot water can
be too harsh on their delicateskin.
Be sure to choose a gentle,fragrance-free cleanser designed
for babies.
Harsh soaps can irritate theskin and exacerbate dryness.
After the bath, pat your baby'sskin dry with a soft towel

(01:57):
rather than rubbing it, whichcan further irritate the skin.
Now let's talk aboutmoisturising the skin.
Now let's talk aboutmoisturizing.
One of the best things you cando to help prevent dry skin in
your baby is apply a gentle,fragrance-free moisturizer.
Apply the moisturizerimmediately after a bath, and

(02:17):
that can help lock the moisturein.
Look for a cream or ointmentrather than a lotion, as these
tend to be more effective atsealing in moisture.
Products that containingredients like lanolin,
glycerin or sorbolene can beperfect for dry skin.
For babies with very dry skinconditions, like eczema, you

(02:39):
might want to moisturise morefrequently throughout the day,
not just after baths.
To moisturize more frequentlythroughout the day, not just
after baths.
If your baby skin seemsparticularly prone to dryness,
consider applying a thin layerof ointment or cream in the
morning and at night.
Managing the environment canalso make a big difference in
preventing dry skin.

(03:00):
If you live in an area with lowhumidity, especially during the
colder months, using ahumidifier in your baby's room
can help add moisture to the air, preventing their skin from
drying out.
Keep your home at a comfortabletemperature and avoid cranking
up the heat too high, as thiscan dry out the air and, in turn

(03:22):
, dry out your baby's skin.
When it comes to clothing andlaundry, opt for soft,
breathable fabrics like cotton,which are gentle on your baby's
skin.
Avoid wool or other roughfabrics that can irritate the
skin.
It's also important to washyour baby's clothes, bedding and
towels with a gentle,fragrance-free detergent for

(03:45):
sensitive skin.
Harsh chemicals and fragrancescan irritate your baby's skin,
so steer clear of fabricsofteners or dryer sheets that
contain fragrances.
If your baby's skin is alreadydry, you may notice flaky
patches, rough spots or evenredness.
These areas might appear onyour baby's face, arms, legs or

(04:10):
scalp.
For dry skin on the scalp,often called cradle cap, you can
gently massage a small amountof baby oil or olive oil into
the scalp to help loosen dryflakes.
After letting it sit for a fewminutes, gently brush the flakes
away with a soft brush or washthem off during the bath time.

(04:33):
Frequent moisturizing is vitalfor general dry patches on your
baby's body.
If your baby's skin issusceptible, consider using an
ointment designed for eczema,even if your baby doesn't have
eczema.
These products are oftenformulated to be extra gentle
and moisturising.
Let's talk about nappy areadryness.

(04:56):
Let's talk about nappy areadryness.
While it's not as common asnappy rash, some babies
experience dry skin in the nappyarea, especially if the nappies
aren't changed frequentlyenough or they have sensitive
skin.
Be sure to keep the nappy areaclean and dry and apply a nappy
cream or ointment that creates abarrier to protect the skin

(05:19):
from moisture.
Look for products with zincoxide to provide an extra layer
of protection.
So when should you be concernedabout your baby's dry skin?
In most cases, dry skin is aminor issue that can be easily
managed with moisturizing andproper care.
However, if your baby's skinbecomes cracked, bleeds or seems

(05:42):
infected, it's time to callyour healthcare provider.
Also, if your baby's skindoesn't improve with regular
moisturizing or appears to beworsening, they may have a
condition like eczema orpsoriasis, which requires
specific treatment.
And remember, if you're everunsure about how to care for

(06:03):
your baby's skin, it's always agood idea to reach out to a
maternal child health nurse orpediatrician for advice.
Every baby is different andyour health care provider can
you personalised recommendationsbased on your baby's skin type
and any underlying conditions.
To summarise, managing yourbaby's dry skin involves

(06:25):
balancing, gentle cleansing,moisturising and environmental
adjustments.
By making small changes in yourbaby's routine and being
proactive with their skincare,you can prevent dryness and keep
their skin soft and healthy.
That wraps up today's episode onmanaging a baby's dry skin.

(06:46):
As always, if you have anyquestions or need real-time
support, parenting Genie is herefor you.
We offer Parenting Live Expert24 24 7 advice, where you can
connect instantly with amaternal child health nurse for
personalized advice, whetherit's skin care concerns, feeding

(07:06):
questions or any otherparenting challenge.
We're just a click away formore tips and insights.
Visit our website atparentinggeniecomau and don't
forget about Genie Chat, whichoffers instant parenting answers
from pregnancy to raising afive-year-old.
Until next time, take care andhappy parenting.