a baby’s skin is pure and incredibly soft to...

A baby’s skin is pure and incredibly soft to touch.

We have some simple baby skin care tips that can help to keep it that way!

Most babies will encounter some type of skin condition during their early months - despite mum and dad’s best efforts! It is perfectly normal and occurs more often than you might think.

Along with the resources available on the Huggies website, this eBook will take you through all you need to know about baby skin care and health, including ways to protect your newborn’s skin, how to identify symptoms of skin conditions, and how to treat them. We’ll also give you some important baby skin care facts.

This is the best way to find answers to some of your most frequently asked questions on baby skin care, including the best way to use products such as wipes, detergents, sunscreen, and lotions.

Remember, the information in this eBook should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have any concerns for your baby’s skin care health, please see a doctor or health care professional.

http://www.huggies.co.nz/

http://www.huggies.co.nz/baby-care/skin-care

http://www.huggies.co.nz/nappies/wipes/

Content1. Protecting newborn skin................................................................... Sun protection Selecting washing detergents for clothes and blankets Areas to pay attention to2. Baby Baths........................................................................................... When to bath Bathing Basics3. Baby nails............................................................................................. Newborns How to trim baby nails4. Baby Skin Facts................................................................................... Sensitivity Appearance5. Skin Conditions and Treatments Picture Guide..............................6. Frequently asked questions............................................................... 1.What’s a good age to start using sunscreen? 2.Can I clean inside ears? 3.Can I use regular detergent for clothes? 4.What should my baby smell like? 5.Should I use soap to clean during a nappy change? 6.Can I use my lotions on my baby? 7.When can I use regular soap to bathe my baby? 8.Are cloth nappies better for my baby’s skin?7. Huggies Baby Wipes Reviews...........................................................

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1. Protecting newborn skin Sun protectionPreventing direct exposure to the sun’s harmful rays is the best way to protect your baby’s skin.

Protect bub in 5 different ways:

Babies under six months should not spend any time in the direct sun as their skin is still developing and can burn easily. If your little one shows signs of overheating, such as sweating, damp hair, rapid breathing, or sunburn, keep them cool, hydrated and indoors.

Selecting washing detergents for clothes and blanketsAll of your baby’s clothes and anything your little one will come in contact with should be washed before use - this includes blankets, towels and your own clothes.

Unless your baby has very sensitive skin or allergies, using regular laundry detergents should not cause any problems.

How to select washing detergents:• Choose the mildest product possible• Avoid products that contain fragrances, perfumes and other additives• Avoid fabric softeners• Liquid detergents are preferred over laundry powder as they rinse better

Keep an eye on your baby’s skin. If signs of irritation occur, consider switching to a mild baby detergent.

Areas to pay attention toA baby’s skin goes through many changes and needs gentle, loving treatment.

Two of the most common skin problems that baby’s experience are dry skin and nappy rash. Luckily there are some simple ways to tackle them.

Dry Skin • Moisturise using a good quality, hypoallergenic lotion to help soothe or prevent dry

skin.• Keep baths short and the water temperature slightly cooler than usual.• Give baths every second day, unless needed.• Keep your bub hydrated, by giving them enough to drink – breast milk or formula will

suffice for newborns and water is good for older babies and toddlers.• Use a humidifier if the air is dry.

Nappy Rash• Change your little one’s nappy as soon as you can, after it becomes dirty.• Ensure the nappy area is wiped clean and dried completely before putting on a

new nappy.• Use a barrier cream or protective ointment on your baby’s bottom at each change

time.• Allow nappy-free time whenever you can.• Don’t fasten nappies too tightly so that bub’s bottom has some room to breathe.

2. Baby BathsWhen to bath• You can start bathing bub in a tub when the

cord stump has fallen away and healed.• 2-3 times a week is more than enough in the

early months.• Avoid bathing right after a feed as bub may spit

up from a full tummy.• A bath before bed time can help calm your

baby for a restful night.

Bathing BasicsSoaps and cleansers:• Plain water is fine for the first few weeks.• If required, use a mild and pH neutral baby wash that is formulated for your little

one’s age group.

Umbilical cord:• Clean the naval area with plain water and/or pH-neutral soap once a day.• After bub’s bath or wash, gently pat the stump dry with a soft cloth or towel.• Avoid using an antiseptic as it may result in the stump taking longer to detach.

Nappy area:• In between dips in the tub, clean the nappy area with a disposable hypoallergenic

wipe or give bub a sponge bath.• Gently pat dry.

Eyes, ears and nose:• Soak a cotton ball: * Wipe behind the ears and around the outside of them. Use a new cotton ball for each ear. * Wipe gently around each nostril to remove mucus. * Wipe the corners of your baby’s eyes with a separate cotton ball. Wipe from the inside corner to the outside.• Avoid putting anything inside your baby’s delicate nostrils or ears.

3. Baby nailsYour baby is still learning to control their little arms and legs until they are about six weeks old - this is why they may sometimes scratch themselves. Keeping their nails nice and short can help to stop scratches on their faces and yours!

NewbornsFrequent cutting isn’t necessary as bub’s nails will be quite soft. If their nails aren’t worn down by their clothing and daily activities, you can give them a gentle trim now and then.

How to trim baby nails The best time to trim your baby’s nails is after a bath – they will be calm and drowsy, and their nails will be softer.• Use a baby nail clipper or emery board - round off the nail so they’re smooth.• Have someone help to make the task easier - one person holds bub while the other

trims the nails.• Play a game or talk with bub to keep them calm and engaged.• Trim toe nails straight to prevent nails growing inwards.

4. Baby Skin FactsSensitivityIt takes time for a baby’s skin to adapt to a new environment:• It may take up to 12 months for a newborn’s skin to mature. In the meantime, it will

be very sensitive – up to ten times more than adults!• Babies will develop bumps and rashes along the way. Most are harmless and will go

away on their own. Some, such as nappy rash, will cause more irritation than others.

AppearanceYour newborn’s skin at birth:

After a few days:• Skin lightens• Skin may become dry and flaky• Skin easily turns red when bub cries• Spots such as baby acne and milia may appear

5. Skin Conditions and Treatments Picture Guide

Skin Condition Symptoms Treatment

Infant eczema• Dry, sensitive skin

• Tends to run in families

• Itchy red rashes

Rash appears around:

• Elbow creases

• Behind the knees

• Face

• Neck

• Hands

• Feet

In between flare-ups, the skin may look thickened and dry

Treat the symptoms:

• Make note of anything that may irritate your baby’s skin and avoid using them

• Moisturise to prevent dry skin

• Trim bub’s nails and use cotton mittens at night to prevent scratching

• Keep your child cool by dressing them in loose layers

• Avoid soaps and other bath products

• Soothe the itchy area by placing a cool wet towel on it for 5–10 minutes

• Bath your baby in slightly cooler bath temperature

Visit your doctor if:

• Your baby is scratching more than usual

• Rash gets infected

Sunburn• Skin damage from exposure to

the sun

• Mild redness on skin

• Dehydration

• Blistering

• Peeling skin

• Fever

• Nausea, vomiting or headache

• Hydrate your baby with plenty of fluids –breast milk or formula is plenty if they are under 6 months old

• Keep your baby indoors

• Bath in lukewarm water

• Avoid using soap and other skin care products on the affected areas

Seek medical advice immediately if:

• Your baby develops blisters filled with fluid

• The sunburn is accompanied by fever, pain, vomiting or if baby loses consciousness


Frostbite• When tissue and cells in the skin

freeze

• Occurs from prolonged exposure to the cold

• Cold, white, hard skin

• Pain

• Itching

• Swelling

• Blistering

• Take bub inside and reduce further exposure to the cold and wind

• Warm bub up in blankets

• Do not rub affected area

• Seek professional help immediately

Impetigo• Contagious skin infection

• Also called ‘school sores’

• Caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes

• Small red spots

• Small blisters filled with clear fluid or pus

• Yellow or brownish scabs from open sores

Take your child to the doctor immediately if you suspect impetigo

• Use the prescribed antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotic

• Care for sores:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling sores

• Wash sore with warm water and soap to remove crusts

• Apply antibiotic ointment using cottonwool swab

• Cover sores with waterproof dressing during the day


Strawberry Hemangioma• Soft red blemishes or bumps

made up of small blood vessels

• Develops during foetal development when immature veins and capillaries break away from circulatory system

• Starts off looking like a scratch or bruise

• Most common around

* Face

* Scalp

* Chest

* Upper back

• Grows quickly in size and stops

• Most hemangiomas disappear on its own by early school years

• Compressing and massaging the area can help speed fading

Consult your health care professional if the bump:

• Continues to grow

• Bleeds

• Becomes infected

• Interferes with bub’s vision or ability to breathe or eat

Stork bites/Angel kisses• Common type of birthmark

• Caused by the stretching of blood vessels at the back of the neck

• Blotchy salmon coloured patches or marks on the skin

• More noticeable when bub cries or during changes in temperature

• Stork bites usually last until adulthood

• No treatment is required

• The marks can be removed to improve appearance if needed


Mongolian spots• Congenital flat birthmark that is

blue or brown in colour

• Caused by a dense collection of pigment making cells called melanocytes

• Blue or grey patches of skin

• Usually appears on the buttocks or lower back

• More common in darker skinned infants

• No treatment is required as the mark is merely superficial

• Though they may take the appearance of bruises, Mongolian spots are not related to any other medical conditions

Erythema Toxicum• Common and harmless rash

• Occurs in up to 50% of healthy newborns

• Cause is not known

• Appears as blotchy red patches over most of the body within the first few days of birth

• Sometimes tiny yellow or white bumps filled with fluid appear

• Typically appears on the chest, arms and face

• Your baby should feel no discomfort

• Does not require medical treatment

• Follow your health care professional’s skin care guideline

Drool rashRash that develops from the moisture of bub’s saliva

• Raised red rash found around the mouth

• The rash may extend to neck and chest

Prevention includes:

• Frequently wiping your baby’s drool with a soft clean cloth

• Gently patting dry instead of rubbing to prevent irritation

• Being mindful to dry in between skin folds where saliva may hide

• Using a gentle hypoallergenic cream that is safe to use on your baby’s face and around their mouth

6. Frequently asked questions1. What’s a good age to start using sunscreen?It is advised to keep bub out of the sun as much as possible before six months of age. For those trips outdoors with bub, it is better to use broad spectrum baby sunscreen in hard to cover areas than using nothing at all. Try to dress your child in protective clothing, such as brimmed hats and loose long shirts and pants.

2. Can I clean inside ears?The inside of bub’s ears are delicate and can puncture easily – avoid using items such as cotton buds to clean them. Your doctor or childhood nurse can recommend suitable ear drops that you can use at home. They will also have the proper tools to clean inside your baby’s ears.

3. Can I use regular detergent for clothes?Yes. Unless your child has very sensitive skin or allergies, regular detergent for sensitive skin should not cause any problems for your baby.

4. What should my baby smell like?The best way to describe how bub smells like would be fresh, clean and sweet. Of course, there are moments when their smell takes a sour turn, especially if they spit up, are a little sweaty, or have a dirty nappy.

5. Should I use soap to clean during a nappy change?pH-neutral soaps and warm water can be used to clean your baby’s bottom during a nappy change. Remember to pat dry before putting on a new nappy.

6. Can I use my lotions on my baby?It is not recommended to use skin care products made for adults on your baby. Most contain fragrances, dyes or other ingredients that are irritating to a baby’s sensitive skin.

7. When can I use regular soap to bathe my baby?You can begin to bath your baby with regular soap and cleansers around twelve months. Before then, stick to baby washes or mild soap as the lathering quality of regular soap dries out their skin.

8. Are cloth nappies better for my baby’s skin?It depends. Your baby can benefit from cloth nappies if they are sensitive to disposable nappies. Cloth nappies can also cause problems for your baby’s skin if they are not washed or rinsed properly. The key to healthy baby skin care is to keep bub’s skin clean and dry.

7. Huggies Baby Wipes ReviewsHuggies Baby Wipes are the best on the market. They are thick, soft and gentle on delicate skin. With other wipes you need to use 2 to ensure you get good results.

Huggies baby wipes are great. They are a generous in size to save any slip ups and easy to get out of the package with one hand. They have a pleasant scent that leave my boys smelling fresh and clean.

Huggies Baby Wipes are awesome, love the thickness, love the soft feeling. My baby’s bottom is cleaner and the sensitive wipes keeps my baby’s skin feeling soft and smooth and rash free!

I love the thickness & softness of Huggies Baby Wipes - they give a more thorough clean with just one wipe, and are gentle on baby’s skin. These are the only wipes I use!

My son has very sensitive skin and I have found Huggies Baby Wipes the only wipes on the market that are gentle on his skin and cause him no reaction, but also do a great job of cleaning up ‘the mess’. The wipes are far superior in quality, you don’t need to use as many to get the job done, don’t dry out quickly and definitely value for money.

Huggies Baby Wipes are the best out of all that I have tried for my 3 children. They clean easily and don’t tear and are gentle on the skin.

Jo

Tracey

Krystal

Kelly

Tiffany

Shauna

We really hope you have enjoyed our Huggies® Baby Skin Health. You can visit our eBook library at www.huggies.co.nz at anytime for many more free pregnancy, baby and parenting eBooks.

http://www.huggies.co.nz/

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