Baby Skincare Routine for First-Time Parents
It’s true: Babies don’t come with manuals. In the first 2 years after birth, their skin is easily irritated and baby skincare is highly important during the newborn period. So, if you have a newborn on your hands and are wondering where to start when it comes to taking care of their grooming needs, you’re certainly not alone.
We will give you the low-down on how to create the best baby skincare routine and choose the right baby skincare products.
1. Don’t go too crazy with baths
You may want your little one to be squeaky clean but bathing your baby 3-4 times a week is adequate. Excessive bathing is known to rob the baby’s skin of its natural oils and result in dryness and flaking. All that matters is ensuring that their face, neck and diaper area are clean especially in between bath days. A daily rinse with lukewarm water is great but during bath time use a mild wash to gently cleanse and clean your baby’s hair and skin.
Johnson’s® Baby Top-to-toe® wash is a great pick for morning and night wash. The hypoallergenic formula gently cleanses delicate baby skin while hydrating it to keep skin soft after a wash. If it’s your first time washing your baby, here is a great article to help you.
2. Lock in Moisture!
Newborns are prone to dry skin and moisturising is one of the best ways to help your baby keep dry spots and rashes at bay especially after washing up. Apply lotion to your child regularly and especially after bathtime to lock in moisture and leave their skin smooth.
If your child’s skin is on the dry side or you’re in harsh weather conditions, you may opt for a cream or jelly whenever your child’s skin needs hydration. The Johnson’s® Baby Fragrance Free Jelly fits the bill in providing 24hrs of moisturising care and prevents causes of diaper rash. It’s also nice to the touch, absorbing quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
3. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Whether it’s just a walk in your backyard or a trip to your pediatrician, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Since your baby is young, the sun’s UV rays can inflict sunburn on their skin hence, applying some type of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on your little one 15 to 30 minutes before stepping out into the sun is absolutely crucial.
To ensure maximum protection for babies 6 months or younger, the best form of sun protection is clothing and shade.
4. A Gentle Massage
You’re not the only one who craves a soothing body rub every now and then. Body massage helps babies stay relaxed, soothes them and helps them sleep better through the night. It’s also a good way to bond with your baby. Stroking away from the heart (from shoulder to wrist, for example) is relaxing, and therefore better suited for pre-nap or pre-bedtime massages.
Let your little one enjoy their sleep after a lovely skincare session with the Johnson’s® Baby Oil . It contains 10x more moisture* and can also be used as an alternative to moisturising your little one’s skin.
As a parent, giving the best to your child is always the top priority. We always want to make them feel special, safe, and loved throughout their time as a baby and even when they become adults. Baby’s skin loses moisture up to 5x faster(1) than adult skin. That is why when choosing a skincare routine and products for your baby you need multitasking skincare that is gentle and effective.
What does your baby skincare routine for your young one look like?
Bibliography
1) J et al, Nikolovski. 2009. J Invest Dermatol.
Disclaimer:
*On wet skin, than many lotions on dry skin
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