How to Moisturize Newborn Skin
Newborn skin is delicate, making it more prone to dryness, flaking and peeling, especially during the first week after birth. These symptoms are natural and will go away on their own, but moisturizers may also be used to alleviate them. Moisturizing newborn skin is safe, as long as precautions are taken to prevent irritation, including only using products designed for use on infant skin or approved by the child's doctor.
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Instructions
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Bathe newborn for 3 to 5 minutes in warm water with a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free cleanser designed for infant skin. Bathing strips natural oils from the skin, so shorter baths can protect infants from dryness. Consider only bathing your newborn two to three times per week to further protect against dryness.
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Apply a thick cream or lotion to the newborn's skin while it is still wet. The moisture from the bath will help to lock in the moisture from the lotion. Pat newborn dry gently with a towel.
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Apply lotion twice daily if the newborn's skin is excessively dry. For example, apply lotion again during the day if you bathe the newborn at night.
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Use a cool-mist humidifier in the infant's room if the air in your home is dry. Humidifiers replace lost moisture in the air, preventing skin dryness.
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Cover newborn's skin with protective clothing or sunscreen to protect against chapping or dryness that may result from exposure to cold, dry air or sunburn.
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Talk to your child's doctor if dryness does not improve or worsens with time and moisturizer. The doctor will examine your newborn's skin to rule out skin conditions, such as eczema, and recommend treatment options.
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References
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