First few months: How to care for baby's skin?
Cradle cap, dry skin, rashes, teething… The first few months of a baby's life put their skin through the wringer, and as you may have noticed, a daily skincare routine gradually takes hold. Yes, baby is now decked out in a veritable skincare regimen! Theirs aims to heal or soothe, to deeply nourish their skin cells, and to relieve all their little ailments. In this article, we'll tell you everything about how baby skin works, its fragility, and above all, we'll give you some tips on how to care for it, thanks in particular to the somewhat magical skincare brand Tubby Todd, created by a mother.
Why is a baby's skin so fragile?
Hmm, baby skin—it's so simple, we never tire of stroking it, kissing it, smelling it… Yet it deserves special attention. We often talk about the softness of newborns' skin, but despite this velvety surface, it is sometimes very dry and much more fragile than adult skin. It takes 2-3 years for a child's skin to strengthen and up to 6 years to reach a certain level of maturity. During these early years, toddlers' skin is therefore prone to dehydration, eczema, and other atopic skin problems.
This skin is considered "immature" because it is thinner and the protective barrier is not yet fully developed. Furthermore, with the small folds of skin, perspiration, and friction, a baby can quickly develop redness, irritation, and fungal infections. As parents, we therefore take great care of it daily so that our baby isn't bothered by tight, dry skin.
The good news is that babies love routine! By applying these daily care steps, you nourish their skin, reassure your baby, and create a bond.
How to choose skincare products for toddlers?
As you can see, this skin is still young and very sensitive, so it's highly recommended to choose products specifically formulated for this delicate skin. Opt for soap-free bath products with a neutral pH. It's best to test with samples or travel sizes to see if your baby tolerates the products, especially if their skin is particularly sensitive or prone to allergies.
Successful daily skincare involves…
1 - A good installation
Baby care can be done on a mattress or bed, but a changing table offers some advantages: an appropriate height (for your back, already put to the test by parenthood) and another key advantage is having all the products within easy reach… In addition, baby changing tables are safe, comfortable, and often placed near the bath or sleeping area.
Speaking of comfort, are you familiar with our PAGO changing table?
2 - A bath, yes, but not too hot
The temperature of a baby's bath affects their skin… And unfortunately, hard water (in some cities) doesn't help either. Water softeners are now available to make the water less harsh on the skin. If you have a particularly sensitive baby, it might be worth investing in one. Otherwise, remember that water between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius is the maximum to avoid skin dryness.
Also note these tips for toddlers: daily baths are not recommended before the age of 2 or 3. To avoid irritation, gently pat dry without rubbing the skin, and above all, moisturize your baby's body after bathing before dressing them.
3 - Suitable products
Always on the lookout for niche brands, we fell in love with Tubby Todd skincare products. In the United States, it's a true institution. Like other baby hygiene brands, behind Tubby Todd is a mother desperate to find products to soothe her children's eczema. Supported by her husband, in 2013 she created a line of natural creams and cleansers for babies. More than two years of research were needed to find the perfect formula that finally worked wonders on their three children. Dry skin, eczema, rashes, cradle cap… Nothing is overlooked in the current range.
4 - The Phy Serum is an ally
In your routine, saline solution is definitely your ally! Some parents even make it at home. Preferable to seawater, which is still a bit too strong for a newborn, saline solution should be used daily in your baby's skincare routine. Their little nose needs to be cleaned, and this habit should be established from the first few months for good nasal and ENT hygiene. You won't regret it in the years to come!
5 - Special care for the seat
Baby's soft little bottom is also subjected to some discomfort for a while. Bowel movements, teething, friction, heat, humidity… everything combines to make this area more sensitive, so there are specific treatments available. A good, rich ointment is often recommended in addition to a daily cream or liniment.
6 - Total sun protection
Because a baby's skin is extremely delicate and much thinner, it is very vulnerable to the sun's rays. It is therefore crucial not to expose it directly to UV radiation. Many brands offer sunscreens specifically formulated for babies! We recommend applying sunscreen to your baby's skin even if they are not directly exposed to the sun, and of course, always wear a hat and sunglasses during summer outings.
7 - A little massage from time to time…
As an added bonus, why not offer your baby massages from time to time? Comfortably settled on a changing table or a clean towel after bath time, you can choose a neutral oil suitable for babies and perform simple movements with numerous benefits… Of course, for the skin, it's a hydration boost, and more generally, massages promote relaxation, calmness, and sleep… They create bonding and attachment! A little tip: take it slowly…
