A newborn baby’s skin is much more fragile than the skin of older children and adults. Newborn skin is thinner and more easily damaged by strong and irritating skin products. It also contains fewer and less developed sweat glands, predisposing to overheating.
Skin Cleansing
Newborn babies can enjoy a gentle bath or cleansing of the skin for 5 to 10 minutes, once a day. Use slightly warm tap water (ideal temperature between 36oC to 40oC) and a gentle soap-free cleanser. The use of harsh soaps is not recommended for newborn or infant skin.
After bathing, pat the baby’s skin dry with a soft towel before dressing. In our warm climate, one layer of light cotton clothing including mittens and booties, is sufficient.
Use of Moisturisers
Moisturisers help to protect your baby’s skin and enhance its maturation and repair. In newborns with a family history of allergic conditions such as eczema, asthma or allergic rhinitis, the application of moisturisers can prevent atopic dermatitis (eczema).
You should apply moisturisers after bath for the best effect, on all your baby’s skin surfaces including the face. Choose moisturisers that do not contain fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Moisturisers that mimic the natural skin oils, especially those containing ceramides have been shown to help form a healthy skin barrier in babies.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions when applying medicated creams or ointments.
Care of the Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord usually separates from the baby 7 to 10 days after birth. Before that, it is important to keep the area clean by gently cleansing with cool, boiled water or a soap-free cleanser. Antiseptic solutions are not required and may lead to irritation of the skin if used excessively or when the skin is sensitive.
The cord clamp can be left in place until the cord separates. Bring your baby to the doctor or paediatrician if there are signs of infection like redness, offensive smell, and/or yellow discharge.
Care of the Nappy Area
Diapers should be changed frequently, usually every 3 to 4 hours, or when soiled. Disposable diapers are recommended.
As excessive use of wet wipes may cause irritation to the diaper area, you can use water or soap-free cleansers with cotton wool instead. A thick barrier cream should be applied at each diaper change. The use of talcum powder at the diaper area is not recommended as this can dry the skin and cause irritation.
Nappy rash is a very common problem. If you have practised the above measures but the rash is persistent, especially if there is worsening redness or flaking, do bring your baby to see a doctor.
Reference: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Penjagaan Kulit Bayi
Kulit bayi sangat halus dan kadangkala sangat sensitif pada produk-produk kulit yang tidak sesuai. Berhati-hatilah apabila menjaga kulit bayi. Penggunaan pelembap kulit penting kerana ia menjadi lapisan perlindungan untuk kulit bayi anda. Ia juga dapat mengelakkan ruam ekzema dalam kalangan bayi yang mempunyai kulit sensitif. Sapukan pelembap kulit ke atas semua bahagian tubuh bayi anda selepas mandi. Gunakan pelembap yang tidak mengandungi bahan pewangi, pewarna atau pengawet.
Tali pusat bayi selalunya tanggal antara 7 hingga 10 hari selepas lahir. Sebelum itu, bersihkan tali pusat dengan menggunakan kapas dan air suam. Anda tidak perlu menggunakan antiseptik. Jika terdapat tanda-tanda jangkitan di tali pusat seperti kemerahan, nanah atau mempunyai bau yang kurang menyenangkan, sila bawa bayi anda untuk berjumpa doktor.
Pastikan anda menjaga kulit di bahagian punggung bayi anda. Untuk mengelakkan daripada ruam di bahagian punggung, tukar lampin bayi setiap 3-4 jam, atau setiap kali kotor/penuh dengan najis/air kencing. Lampin pakai buang disyorkan berbanding lampin kain. Anda juga boleh gunakan krim pelindung yang sesuai.
