Newborn Baby Skin Care

Immediately after a baby is born, his skin is soft and sensitive, and his coloring may alarm you. If he has a purple cast to his skin, this is likely to be from blood vessels that show through skin that is still thin. Other babies have a faint yellow cast to their skin, a sign of jaundice which is common in newborns. Your baby may also have tiny raised bumps that will eventually go away after a few weeks.

Bathing a Newborn

During the first couple of weeks of a baby’s life, you may choose to sponge bathe her with a damp cloth rather than submerge her in water—at least until her umbilical cord falls off on its own. You don’t need to use soap. Use plain water to gently wipe her off, starting with her face, her scalp, and the rest of her body. Take extra care around the sensitive genital area.

After her umbilical cord has fallen off, you’ll probably find that washing her in the kitchen sink is easier than bending over a bathtub. If you can afford one, purchase a plastic baby bathtub that will hold her in a semi-reclining position and make it easier to bathe her by holding her in place. Wet babies are slippery, so if you have to hold her up, get another adult to assist so you can keep both hands on the baby to prop her up. Choose a mild soap formulated for babies.

Washing a Newborn’s Hair

Unless your baby is born with thick hair, you don’t need to wash his head very often. If your baby has thin hair, wipe it with a wet cloth. Once more hair starts to grow, use a mild baby shampoo—preferably one that is fragrance free and doesn’t contain chemicals that can irritate his scalp.

Moisturizing Baby’s Skin

Some babies develop dry skin shortly after they are born, so you might want to use a mile moisturizer formulated for a baby. Select one that is fragrance free and has natural ingredients such as chamomile or arnica that can relieve dry, itchy skin.

If you choose to use oils or lotions, take advantage of the opportunity to give your baby a full body massage that is soothing and relaxing. Place her on her tummy on a towel or blanket. Rub a small amount of the product between your palms to warm it to body temperature then gently rub it into her skin, starting with her shoulders, arms and hands. Next rub her shoulders, back, legs and feet. Turn her over and do the same thing starting with her chest and tummy.

Using Baby Powder

The use of baby powder has become controversial because it may irritate the baby’s respiratory system if he inhales any of the tiny particles. If you choose to use it after your baby’s bath or to relieve rash in damp areas, avoid sprinkling it near his face. Instead, shake a little bit of powder onto your hand and gently rub it into the creases and folds of the baby’s skin. For the diaper area, aim the container away from the baby’s face and sprinkle it very lightly.

Umbilical Cord Care

Before your baby’s umbilical cord falls off, MayoClinic.com recommends keeping it clean and dry. Your baby’s pediatrician may suggest dabbing isopropyl alcohol on the cord periodically throughout the day. If the alcohol irritates your baby’s skin, use plain water to keep it clean. Keep the area around the umbilical cord dry and fasten the diaper below the cord to prevent irritation.

The umbilical cord needs to fall off naturally. Never pick or pull at it because this may cause irritation and infection. Most babies lose their umbilical cords naturally in a week or two. If you see any signs of discoloration, discharge, bleeding, foul odors or pain, take your baby to the doctor.