baby skin

6 steps to better skin for baby

Dry skin during these colder Winter/Spring months can be a huge problem for babies and children. Things like dry indoor air and chilly outdoor temperatures, wind and rain can lead to chapping, redness, and irritation. Kathryn Fromont, our mahumidwife recommends the following for keeping your baby's skin healthy:

1.  Rough, Red Cheeks & Chapped skin, which gets ruddy, peely, and even cracked, usually strikes the face, bottom, or spots where skin rubs, like the folds at the wrists. "Chapped skin is basically dry skin that has become inflamed," says Kathryn Fromont. Blame anything irritating: wind, friction from clothing, drool on the chin, a runny nose, or a wet nappy.

Spend as little time in the elements as possible, and bundle him up when you do go outside. Use a barrier and protector on your baby's cheeks (or other problem areas) will add to his natural barrier and help treat any skin that's already chapped. I recommend mahu Nappy Cream as it has a Zinc and Castor Oil base with added Calendula to protect and soothe. 

2.  Dry skin, red, flaky skin can appear anywhere on your baby's body, it's especially common during the Winter/Spring because cold air doesn't carry as much moisture as warm air. It's fine to bath your baby every day however make sure the water isn't too hot and only bathe for about 10 minutes. Avoid washes that contain artificial fragrance, alcohol, soap or sulphates as these will dry baby's skin out even more. I recommend mahu Baby Wash/Shampoo as it is soap and sulphate free with a touch of natural Lavender essential oil to moisturise and soothe baby's skin.

3. Flaky Scalp and Cradle cap is a very common condition that occurs when the oil glands on the scalp go into overdrive. Greasy yellowish scales can cling to the scalp, hairline, and the skin behind the ears. Cradle cap is harmless and will go away on its own by the time your child is 6 to 8 months old. If it bothers you, there are a few things you can do to help remove the scales. Try rubbing mahu Baby Massage Oil into the scalp to loosen the flakes, leave overnight, then carefully brush them out before shampooing with  mahu Baby Wash/Shampoo.

4. Nappy Rash -Even if your baby is dressed in several layers, check her nappy frequently; the skin on her bottom is vulnerable to moisture, heat, and irritants. Your baby's bottom may get red and tender for the first time when he begins solid food because the change in his stool can be irritating to the skin down there. Other possible causes: wearing a wet or dirty diaper for too long, friction from tight-fitting diapers, and excessive heat and sweating from being overdressed. Change soiled nappies as soon as you can, and let your baby go naked once in a while so his skin gets some air. Make sure his nappies aren't too tight, and don't be afraid to go up a size, even if the weight guidelines say otherwise. Avoid using baby powder (even the cornstarch kind), which can be dangerous for infants to inhale. Instead, use white diaper cream with zinc oxide such as mahu Nappy Cream to form a barrier that protects your baby's skin from friction and moisture.

5. Heat rash - If your baby is bundled up to keep warm over Winter he can become overheated. Itchy red bumps appear when tiny sweat glands get clogged. Dress your baby in breathable layers and remove one if he's hot. The rash should go away on it's own after a few days.

6. Chapped Lips - Babies' lips are always wet thanks to drooling, lip-licking, and drippy noses, and that moisture can break down the protective top layer of skin. This leaves lips vulnerable to cold, windy air. Apply a lip balm to create a barrier against the elements and to moisturise already-chapped lips.

 

What is it?

Many babies are born with sensitive skin or develop it in the first few months of life. Sensitive skin can make a baby itchy, uncomfortable and plain irritable. Sensitive skin requires special treatment. You should handle it with care just as you would any other skin condition such as Eczema or Dermatitis. There are some proving methods to treat a baby to help keep these rashes away.

What to do about it

1) Wash babies clothes and anything that the baby may come in contact with, in a mild detergent

2) Restrict bathing. Do not give baths more than three times a week. Baths need to be short and in lukewarm, never hot water. Use mahu Baby Wash as it is soap and sulphate free and gentle on the skin.

3) Always moisturise with mahu Baby Moisturiser as it is fragrance free and specifically designed for sensitive skin.

4) Find triggers. Some sensitive skin issues are due to an allergic reaction. Pay close attention to the types of foods, medicine and even drinks (juice or milk) that are given to baby.

5) Keep baby dry. Saliva can also irritate your babies’ skin. It can be hard to keep babies dry especially when they drool a lot but change them often and keep them as dry as possible (diapers, bibs and clothing).

Dry skin

What you can do:

• Never wash your baby’s skin with soap as it can dry out the skin further and cause irritation, use mahu Baby Wash as it is soap and sulphate free with a soft natural Lavender scent, it will safely, gently and naturally cleanse baby’s skin, while the Lavender will relax and sooth as well as have a healing and balancing effect on the skin, preventing scarring.

• Moisturise your baby’s body all over as often as possible with mahu Baby Lotion this light, quick absorbing lavender scented body lotion moisturises and conditions baby’s skin, while combating any itchy or inflamed skin. It contains Sweet Almond Oil which aids in combating itching and inflammation a natural moisturizer suitable for all skin type, as well as a powerful skin conditioner, Linseed (flaxseed) oil: A great source of Omegas 3 and 6, and is excellent for treating conditions such as eczema, skin irritations or excessive dryness all while soothing and revitalising baby’s skin. New Zealand Manuka Honey to soothe, soften and moisturize baby’s skin and Soy bean Oil clinically proven to smooth skin texture, moisturise, and provide barrier protection for baby.

• Moisturise baby’s face with mahu Baby Moisturiser an everyday moisturizer that nourishes and restores baby’s delicate skin everyday, to keep it soft and healthy. With Aloe Vera: its healing properties strengthen tissue and increase the availability of oxygen to the skin, whilst moisturising to keep skin supple and Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant, it will help maintain the skin’s oil balance, reduce water loss from the skin, and help form a protective barrier for baby’s skin.