Gentle Care for Newborn Skin!

Who isn't addicted to the sight, feel, and smell of a new baby's skin? Here's a guide on what to do to protect it — and how to handle any trouble spots.

Your new baby’s super soft skin is one of his countless precious features, and of course you want to keep it that way for as long as possible (or at least until teenage acne shows up on the scene). But since newborn skin is especially sensitive, you’ll need to know what to do (or not do) when it comes to baby skincare. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for protecting your baby’s silky skin, from his fuzzy little head down to his ten tiny toes and everything in between.

• Protect that sweet newborn skin from the sun: Babies should be kept out of direct sunlight until they’re 6 months old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). When you do go outside when it’s sunny, dress your infant in protective clothing — a cute little hat to protect that noggin and those kissable cheeks and long sleeves, pants (keep it lightweight so he doesn’t get too hot!) and socks. If there’s no shade around — either from the stroller, an umbrella or a tree — use sunscreen (yes, even on a baby under 6 months old). Put a small dab on any exposed skin, including his face and the tops of his little hands and feet (if they’re bare).
• Protect your baby from bug bites too: Insects are a part of the outdoors — but that doesn’t mean you want them biting your baby! The same type of clothing that protects newborn skin from the sun will protect it from bugs. It’s also safe to use DEET-based insect repellents on babies over 2 months old, according to the AAP. (For babies under that age, skip the DEET and attach a mosquito netting with an elastic edge around the stroller.) Spray it on your hands and then rub it onto exposed skin and clothing, avoiding the mouth and eyes. Be sure to wash it off when you get back inside.
• There’s no need to bathe your baby every day: Too much tub time could dry out his tender skin, but more importantly, babies don’t get dirty enough to need daily baths until they’re crawling around and eating solid (messy!) foods. Until then, a couple of baths a week with mild soap and shampoo is plenty. In between those rub-a-dub-dubs, practice daily spot checks with a warm, wet washcloth. Your newborn skincare routine should include sponge baths that focus on the mouth, the skin folds (where the gook tends to build up), and the diaper region. Sponge from the top down — and save the diaper area for last.
• Wash new outfits before your baby wears them: Make sure your little one’s new togs are clean before you slip them next to that sweet newborn skin (you don’t know where those clothes have been). But don’t feel pressured to buy “baby” detergents. Regular detergent doesn’t cause irritation in most babies, and it’s a whole lot easier to use the same detergent for all members of the family. Switch to special, sensitive soap, however, if your doc thinks it could help clear up a skin problem that your baby is experiencing.