There’s a lot that comes with new parenthood. The sleepless nights, new routines, and navigating a whole world of worries. Protecting their new baby is at the forefront of a parent’s mind, but one thing they might forget is protecting their little one’s skin.
December 4, 2023
After all, it’s ‘soft as a baby’s bottom’, right? Babies are rumoured to have perfect skin, but the reality is it’s all brand new - it’s delicate and fragile, needing tender care. Babies' skin is 30-50% thinner than adults, so it absorbs more than adult skin and is more prone to react to irritants and allergens. Couple this with a baby’s developing immune system, and you’ll find it’s important to nurture this delicate skin and keep it soft and healthy.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose skincare products for your little one.
Don’t let a pretty package fool you! When shopping for baby skincare, there are a few things you’ll want to look for.
You’ll want products that have been dermatologically tested and certified organic to care for your infant’s sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic is also a plus, as babies are more prone to react to allergens. And beware; not all bottles that say ‘natural’ on the label are as they say, so official certifications can help you identify tested and proven product lines.
One of the best things to look for is products made specifically for babies. These types of products will be milder and prioritise maintaining healthy moisture balances of your baby’s skin. Infant-specific products with dermatologists’ and paediatricians’ tick of approval will be the safest bet.
This can be intimidating - we know! Ingredients lists can seem nonsensical, but there are a few nasties commonly in the bath and cosmetic products that can cause irritation or reactions. But don’t worry, we’ll give you a helping hand on what to look for on the back of the bottle.
In bath-time products, go for ones that are soap-free (they’ll often boast this on the front of the bottle, but check the back too), free from parabens and phthalates, dyes and perfumes (commonly ‘parfum’).
Parabens and phthalates are typically included as preservatives, but they’ve been connected to skin irritation (including eczema and contact dermatitis), and even cancer. They can strip skin of important oils and moisture, and they also have a negative impact environmentally.
Dyes and perfumes can similarly disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, and cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Be cautious of labels boasting ‘natural fragrance’ from plant extracts or essential oils as these can also cause irritation. Your new bub already smells heavenly, so fragrance-free is the best way to go.
We’ve talked a little about the importance of moisture balance already, but it’s an important one. It can also be tricky to choose a moisturiser for your young one! Once again, look for certified organic products with natural ingredients. Opt for natural soothing agents like aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil and chamomile.
Again, it’s best to go dye and fragrance-free for a moisturiser. It’s also best to avoid a thin lotion (these are often loaded with fragrance) in favour of a nice, thick moisturiser. It’s normal for a baby’s skin to become dry, so if you notice dryness don’t hesitate to grab the moisturiser. It can also be tempting to apply moisturiser to treat the cradle cap, however, Healthline recommends allowing it to resolve on its own, or contacting a doctor if it persists.
Bonus points if it contains SPF! Because of its delicate nature, infants’ skin is more prone to burn in the sun. Remember to slip-slop slap if you’re taking them out for the day.
So let’s review. The best way to choose skincare for your baby is to look for verified and dermatologically tested products, avoid the nasties, and make sure to grab a moisturiser.
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