First months: How to take care of baby's skin?
Cradle cap, dry skin, rashes, teething… The first months of a newborn's life put their skin through the wringer, and as you may have noticed, little by little, a daily care routine takes shape. Yes, baby ends up with a real skincare regimen! Theirs is designed to heal or soothe, to deeply nourish the cells of their skin, to relieve all their little ailments. In this article, we tell you everything about how baby's skin works, its fragility, and above all, we give you some tips to look after it, thanks in particular to the somewhat magical skincare brand Tubby Todd, created by a mom.
Why is baby's skin fragile?
Hmm, baby's skin — it's quite simply irresistible: we never tire of stroking it, kissing it, sniffing it… Yet it deserves particularly careful attention. We often talk about the soft skin of newborns, but despite this velvety surface, it can sometimes be 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 maturity. During these early years, the skin of little ones is therefore prone to dehydration, eczema and other atopic skin problems.
This skin is described as still "immature" because it is thinner and the protective barrier is not yet fully developed. Moreover, with the little skin folds, perspiration and friction, babies can quickly develop redness, irritation, fungal infections… As parents, we therefore take great care of it every day so that baby is not bothered by tight, uncomfortable skin.
The good news is that babies love routine! By applying these care gestures every day, you nourish their skin, reassure your baby and create a bond.
How to choose skincare products for little ones?
As you will have gathered, this skin is still young and very sensitive, so it is strongly recommended to choose products well suited to this delicate skin type. Opt for soap-free bath care products with a neutral pH. The best approach is to test with samples or travel sizes to see whether baby tolerates the products, especially if the skin is particularly sensitive or prone to allergies.
A successful daily skincare routine starts with…
1 – A comfortable setup
Baby care can be done on a mattress or a bed, but a changing table offers several advantages: a suitable height (for your already well-tested back, as parenthood takes its toll) and the added bonus of having all products within reach… Moreover, baby changing tables are safe, comfortable and often placed close to the bath or sleeping area.
Speaking of comfort, have you heard of our PAGO changing table?
2 – A bath yes, but not too hot
The temperature of baby's bath affects their skin… And unfortunately hard water (in some towns) doesn't help either. There are now softener filters available to make the water less harsh on the skin. When you have a particularly sensitive baby, it may be worth the investment. Otherwise, bear in mind that water between 35 and 37 degrees is the maximum to avoid skin dryness.
Also note these few tips for little ones: it is not recommended to give a daily bath before the age of 2–3 years. To avoid irritation, opt for gentle drying by patting rather than rubbing the skin, and above all, moisturise baby's body after their wash before getting them dressed again.
3 – Suitable products
Always on the lookout for targeted brands, we fell in love with Tubby Todd skincare products. In the United States, it is a true institution. Like other baby hygiene brands, behind Tubby Todd is a mum desperate to find products to soothe her children's eczema… Supported by her husband, she created a range of natural creams and cleansing products for babies in 2013. More than two years of research were needed to find the perfect formula that — at last — worked miracles on their three children. Dry skin, eczema, nappy rash, cradle cap… Nothing is overlooked in the current range.
4 – Saline solution is an ally
In any routine, saline solution is definitely your ally! Some parents even make it at home. Preferable to seawater, which is still a little too strong for a newborn, saline solution is an everyday staple in baby's skincare routine. Their little nose needs to be cleaned, and the habit should be established from the very first months for good nasal and ENT hygiene. You won't regret it in the years to come!
5 – Special care for the nappy area
Baby's soft little bottom is also subject to a few trials for a while. Stools, teething, friction, heat, moisture… Everything comes together to make this area vulnerable, so there are specific care products available. A good thick ointment is often recommended in addition to a daily cream or liniment.
6 – Total sun protection
Baby's skin is ultra-fragile and much thinner, making it very vulnerable to sunlight. It is therefore crucial not to expose it directly to UV rays. Many brands offer sun care products suited to their delicate skin! We recommend applying sun protection to baby's skin even when they are not directly exposed to the sun, and of course always using a hat and sunglasses when going out in summer.
7 – The occasional little massage…
And the cherry on the cake: why not treat your baby to an occasional massage? Comfortably settled on a changing table or on a clean towel after bath time, you can choose a neutral oil suitable for little ones and perform simple movements with many benefits… Of course, for the skin, it's a hydration boost, and more generally, massages promote relaxation, unwinding and sleep… They create a bond and attachment! A little tip: take it slowly, step by step…
