We’ve all heard the phrase “soft as a baby’s bum” but nobody told us about the dry patches, flakey scalps and pimples. Throw in mum’s unwashed hair and cracked nipples and we’ve got ourselves a right show.

Don’t stress, skin blemishes are actually fairly common in the first year of life — actually the first few — but with the skin taking top spot as the largest organ on your baby’s body, it’s uber important to look after it. Good skin care practices will help maintain the integrity of the infant skin barrier and may help prevent skin problems in the future. This includes appropriate cleansing, moisturising and sun protection.

First thing first, to all the superparents out there, you’re flippin killing it, even above those doubts and tears. New mums, tired dads and the rest who have simply run out of ideas, here’s a few things to consider.

A starting point

The basic rules are: clean, dry, moisturise and not too much sun. It’s also important to remember not overdo it with moisturisers or other skin products, which can sometimes make skin problems worse. That said, a simple routine can keep things in check, ensuring baby’s skin stays smooth and healthy.

Sun exposure

It might sound pretty obvious but it’s harder than you think when you’re living in the Middle East. Keep your baby in shade as much as possible and always whack on a hat that covers the neck and ears. Limit sun exposure between 10am and 4pm when ultraviolet (UV) rays are at the peak.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend avoiding putting sunscreen on babies younger than six months old, but they do recommend that older children use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. So slip, slap, slop as soon as they are old enough.

We love Ultrasun’s SPF 50 for infants.

Bath smiles

Bath your baby in warm tap water for 5-10 minutes every few days or as needed. Frequency of bathing and time of day is really based on you. Use a mild, soap-free cleanser as required.

Choose products that are free from fragrance, botanicals and antibacterial agents, as these can be irritating. After the bath, pat the skin dry, paying special attention to skin folds.

Baby-friendly brands will feature carefully chosen, valuable ingredients that nourish, protect, moisturise and maintain the natural baby softness of children’s skin. With no chemicals you can safely use body wash, hair and scalp shampoo, as well as body and bum creams. Bath milks are a great way to retain moisture in the skin.

We love the Dr Barbara Sturm Mini Molecular Collection, formulated specifically for sensitive young skin. The absolutely gorge packaging is just a lovely bonus.

Don’t sweat cradle cap

It doesn’t look great and can cause a bit of a shock at first but cradle cap is a common skin condition in babies that usually develops between about three weeks and three months.

It can appear on the forehead, eyebrows, and around the ears, as well as all over the scalp. You might notice yellowish, greasy-looking patches, called plaques, in all or some of these places.

In most cases, cradle cap will clear up on its own but if you want to try and help the situation, you can apply a small amount of emollient, such as mineral oil, to the affected area before washing your baby’s scalp and head with a gentle shampoo.

Nappy rash

The nappy area is exposed to constant moisture, occlusion and rubbing which may irritate and damage the skin causing nappy rash. It can be painful and quite tough to get rid of, given it’s an area that can be cleaned up to 10 times a day.

If you prefer to use cloth nappies, make sure you use an absorbent nappy insert, as this helps a lot. Avoid baby wipes and instead cleanse with lukewarm water and soft disposable towels or cotton wool.

Use a pH neutral, soap-free cleanser and apply a barrier cream containing zinc in a thick layer at every nappy change. Do not use talcum powder and allow your baby as much nappy free time as possible.

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

Over the last 20 years, loyal customers have constantly been surprised with this brand and while it’s not a cream made specifically for nappy rash or cracked baby skin, a huge number of parents swear by it. This 100% natural balm has been used as a face moisturiser, eye cream, scar treatment, hair mask, baby cream, shaving balm and anything else you can think of. It also works wonders on eczema, skin irritations and redness, burn and wound relief. When we say multi-purpose, we really mean it!

Ouch! Save the nips

It’s already a pretty trying time and now you’re also lumped with cracked and bleeding nipples. Breast feeding is billed as such a wonderful thing, nourishing your little one with a magical milk, produced by your own body. It’s also a big ask, can be super stressful and extremely painful for many, especially in the early weeks. Take your time and give your nipples as much help as possible by using a protective cream in between feeds. It can really make all the difference.

Tiny human, Nipple Crack

Save yourself from dry, cracked, sore and bleeding nipples with this incredible balm. It’s certified organic and doesn’t have to be washed off before breastfeeding, so you get 24/7 soothing protection and relief without any extra hassle.

حصرياً

أضف إلى سلة التسوق

تايني هيومان

هوت ميس شامبو وغسول الجسم للأطفال

د.إ. 45.00