Features of baby skin care
The baby's skin has not yet developed its protective properties. It contains more sweat and sebaceous glands than an adult. At first glance, this is not noticeable - but only until dermatological problems, such as prickly heat, begin. But there are fewer beneficial bacteria on the upper layer of the child’s epidermis.
All these features indicate that the baby’s skin needs special care. It is necessary:
- wash regularly without disturbing the acid-base balance;
- moisturize to avoid flaking and seborrheic dermatitis;
- soften to develop elasticity.
Your baby’s underwear also needs to be changed frequently, because it comes into contact with delicate skin. Therefore, washing becomes a frequent activity for a young mother.
It is necessary to select detergents and cosmetics that suit children's skin. Regular products for adults are not suitable. They can cause allergies, dermatitis and a number of problems.
Hygiene products for newborns
The arrival of a child in the family is accompanied by an expansion of the list of necessary purchases. Mom will have to wash him often, wash his clothes, and take care of his skin. The baby needs funds for:
- washing - soap, shampoo, bubble bath, soap or intimate hygiene gel;
- skin care – body cream, diaper cream, oil, powder, wet wipes;
- washing clothes - powder, conditioner.
Products must be suitable for sensitive children's skin and be hypoallergenic. Adults, when choosing cosmetics and household chemicals for themselves, pay increased attention to aesthetics (fragrances, additional effects). When it comes to a product for a newborn, the main factor should be the composition. We will tell you about the components that are useful and safe for babies, and those that are best to beware of.
Creams with zinc and panthenol
A large number of skin cosmetics are made with the addition of zinc. It is this component that is involved in the processing of fatty acids and stimulates cell regeneration. Zinc regulates the formation of sebum and prevents the formation of rashes.
This chemical dries the skin and relieves redness. Zinc stearate accelerates the healing of small wounds that arise after irritation, and also produces a bactericidal effect.
Panthenol in diaper creams has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial effects. This is an acid from the group of vitamins B, which ensures the normal functioning of the epithelium at times when the epidermis is injured.
Sanosan Diaper rash protective cream - fragrant and economical
The Sanosan company made sure that newborns do not suffer from diaper rash and developed a composition with the addition of zinc and panthenol. Its peculiarity is that there are no allergic reactions, since the product does not contain parabens and silicone additives.
The listed components easily provoke irritation on the child’s skin, so when choosing, you should avoid these components.
The product is available in a convenient flat round jar. When there is little content left, it will be convenient for mom to remove the remaining product.
After using a cream from the German manufacturer Sanosan, diaper rash disappears after 1 night. The product is quickly absorbed into the epidermis, does not leave greasy marks, the child sleeps without waking up or complaining of discomfort.
Advantages:
- Efficiency;
- Nice smell;
- Economical consumption;
- Relieves redness;
- Dries it out.
Sanosan for diaper rash is not suitable for babies with dry skin. Due to the presence of zinc in the composition, the product will dry out the dermis even more, which can cause irritation.
Sudocrem for diaper rash - thick and restorative
Diaper dermatitis is the most common phenomenon in newborns whose mothers use diapers from an early age. Irritations cover not only the area near the tailbone and in the perineum, but can also affect the genitals, causing discomfort to the baby.
Sudocrem for diaper rash will instantly relieve your child of the rash and its consequences. To protect the dermis from moisture, after applying the composition, a thin film layer is created on the surface.
Contains lavender, which has antiseptic properties. Zinc slightly dries the skin, prevents bacteria from multiplying and creates a feeling of slight coolness. The peculiarity of the product is that it can be used in the treatment of wounds, burns and scratches in children.
Even those parents whose children are prone to negative reactions to cosmetics should forget about allergies - they contain no parabens, sulfates, fragrances or dyes.
Advantages:
- Restores the epidermis in 1 day;
- Thick consistency;
- Pleasant aroma;
- Removes redness;
- Lasts a long time;
- Can be used to treat wounds.
The composition is not suitable for overly sensitive skin: lavender and other active ingredients may cause a slight burning sensation on the surface.
Mustela 1 2 3 – protective and gentle
Mustela cosmetic contains zinc oxide. It protects against redness and prevents the growth of bacteria. In addition, there is avocado - a component that has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. It nourishes the dermis and saturates it.
Mustela 123 is easy to apply to baby's skin and is quickly absorbed. It has a pleasant smell, does not cause discomfort after use and is easily washed off your hands.
After the first application, the baby's redness and irritation disappear. Testing has shown that during use the risk of a new rash appears reduced. The cream is designed to restore the epidermis for a long time after diaper rash.
Advantages:
- Speed of action;
- Compound;
- Consistency;
- Economical consumption;
- Protects delicate skin.
The only drawback of this cosmetic product is its high cost.
How to choose safe hygiene products
Children's cosmetics and household chemicals are required to undergo certification. If there is no appropriate labeling on the packaging, the product may not even be considered further. If it is present, it’s time to move on to the composition. The safest products for children contain only natural ingredients:
- extracts of medicinal plants;
- vegetable oils;
- natural foaming agents;
- panthenol.
An indication of organic origin always plays in favor of a hygiene product. This means that it consists of 95% plant substances, and this is confirmed by experts.
The presence of vitamins in the composition is not prohibited. For example, an indicator of high-quality oil is its vitamin E content. It is important that the pH of the product, be it cream, shampoo or washing powder, is neutral.
Which components are dangerous?
The skin of a child, especially a newborn, is much thinner than that of an adult. Therefore, it is more susceptible to substances that come into contact with it. So it needs to be protected especially carefully.
It is unacceptable for children’s products to contain the following harmful components:
- hard surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate);
- essential oils;
- parabens;
- mineral oils;
- glycerol;
- lanolin;
- paraffin;
- petrolatum;
- diethanolamine;
- formaldehyde;
- triclosan;
- propylene glycol;
- ethanolamines.
Fragrances and fragrances are not welcome in products for children. There are also age restrictions for the use of certain substances. Products for children under 3 years of age should not contain tetraborates, boric acid, 20% silver chloride, or any dyes. For consumers over 3 years of age, only salicylic acid and its salts are allowed as dyes.
Useful tips
Let's start with general tips that apply to choosing any newborn care products. They will help you avoid mistakes:
- Buy products with a short shelf life. This indicates a natural composition.
- Go shopping at a pharmacy, not at a household chemicals store. There you can be sure that the products have been certified and are safe for the little ones.
- Consult your pediatrician if you have any questions. If the child is allergic, you can connect an immunologist and a dermatologist.
When buying this or that product, you need to be guided by common sense and the opinion of experts. Numerous reviews and ratings do not always reflect reality.
Now let's move on to recommendations for choosing specific groups of baby care products. Each of them has its own nuances and its own acceptable components in the composition.
How to choose diapers
The process of choosing hygiene products for a child is not as simple as it seems. Parents have to select not only the size, but also take into account the characteristics of each manufacturer. Some of them prefer natural substances, so the absorbent layer is represented only by cellulose.
Most manufacturers, such as Pampers or Huggies, have a layer of hydrophilic gel inside, which swells when wet and reliably holds liquid. In such diapers, leakage occurs only if the replacement period is not met.
Young mothers need to choose the right diaper size; small or large will not fit tightly to the body, which increases the risk of leakage. And a baby with constantly wet skin may experience diaper rash.
To determine the diaper size, you need to weigh the child. Most often this range is 3-6 kg for newborns, 4-9 kg for babies older than 2 months. The next option is products for older people; a transitional size of 7-11 kg is often used.
If you weigh between 10 and 16 kg, you can wear maxi panty diapers during the day. Some manufacturers offer separate models for girls and boys. They differ in the location of the absorbent surface; in boys it is extended forward. But for the night, they buy Pampers, which have a wide absorbent surface and tight-fitting elastic bands. They will reliably protect against leakage during sleep.
Diapers differ depending on the country of origin. It could be:
- Japanese brand Goon or Merries;
- Russian Manyunya, Huggis;
- Czech Helen Harper;
- Libero Up&Go from the Netherlands;
- Italian Bella Happy.
The Pampers brand can have different origins. Some models are made in Russia, and the premium line is made in Poland.
How to moisturize baby skin
One of the common problems that arise in the first months of life is dry skin. Moisturizer for children differs from that for adults:
- hypoallergenic;
- neutral pH level;
- higher fat content;
- lack of alcohol in the composition.
Beta-carotene relieves dryness and flaking well. Regeneration is promoted by vitamin A. If the child is allergic, it is important that the product does not cause reactions. Hypoallergenic creams often contain yarrow. Chamomile and viburnum are suitable to soothe irritation. Thyme protects against germs.
Moisturizing the skin is also possible with the help of lotions and body milk. Water based is more suitable for summer. The main thing when choosing is to make sure there are no alcohols or other harmful chemical compounds.
Creams with calendula
Calendula flowers added to cosmetics have wound-healing properties. They are involved in skin regeneration, so restoration of the dermis after diaper rash will occur quickly and unnoticed. Calendula has anti-inflammatory, soothing and antioxidant effects.
Eared Nian Protective Cream – available against irritations
Most diaper creams contain zinc; the product from the manufacturer Eared Nyan also contains this ingredient.
The addition of zinc allows you to slightly dry the epidermis after diaper rash, and calendula will gently moisturize the baby's skin. A protective layer is formed on the surface, preventing bacteria from multiplying.
The availability of the product makes it popular: it is easy to apply, and after a few hours the effect of application is already noticeable. Another ingredient is peach oil. It heals, relieves pain and fights skin inflammation. Thanks to natural ingredients, the smell of the cosmetic product is pleasant and not harsh.
Advantages:
- Wash well;
- Relieves irritation;
- Smells nice;
- Accessible;
- Thick consistency;
- It lasts a long time.
Due to the thick texture, some parents will not like this product. It will be difficult to apply the product from the first use.
Safe & Care For kids – for newborns
Moisturizing and protection in this product is provided by shea and grape seed butter. The latter contains 70% linoleic acid and is aimed at healing wounds and regenerating damaged tissues.
It is better to apply the cosmetic product at night on dry and clean skin - it is instantly absorbed. If the baby does not wear a diaper, then there are no marks left on the clothes.
Calendula nourishes the dermis and prevents the skin from drying out. Vitamin E promotes regeneration and also protects the epidermis from external negative factors. The product is available in 100 ml packaging: the volume lasts a long time due to low consumption.
Advantages:
- Can be used from birth;
- Watery consistency;
- Well absorbed;
- Contains moisturizing oils.
Not every parent will like the smell of a cosmetic product.
Which oils are suitable for newborns
Let us emphasize right away: we are talking about products for nourishing and moisturizing the skin, and not about essential oils. The latter are prohibited for such babies, although sometimes they are suggested to be added to baths to improve sleep.
Skin oil prevents the appearance of physiological infant seborrhea. It is also used for infant massage. It is allowed to use only products of natural origin. These can be oils:
- sea buckthorn;
- peach;
- from apricot kernels;
- olive;
- sunflower;
- sesame;
- linen;
- tea tree;
- almond;
- shi;
- Japanese camellia.
Such products may contain a large number of components. Therefore, it is important not to stop at the discovered “good” ingredient, but to review the composition to the end. You need to make sure that it does not contain isopropyl palmitate and all kinds of preservatives.
Which diaper cream is better to choose?
When choosing a suitable product, you should be guided by the composition and take into account the needs of your child’s epidermis:
- Make sure that the product contains zinc and (or) talc, panthenol, which will create a protective barrier for vulnerable areas and will have a drying, healing effect.
- If the baby has significant skin irritation, it is necessary to use a cream with a pronounced therapeutic effect, as prescribed by a specialist. For sensitive skin, products with vitamins, natural oils and extracts, and lactic acid are well suited.
- For prevention, if the condition of the area in the diaper area is satisfactory, a cream with a mild preventive effect, without intense action, is suitable. You can choose an inexpensive but high-quality product.
- Pay attention to the description of the consistency of the cream, how easily it is applied and distributed over the skin, and washed off. This is important if the child is too mobile, capricious and tolerates nursing procedures without enthusiasm.
- Product packaging is most often a tube or a round jar, with different lid designs. Think in advance what is more convenient for you.
Enjoy the shopping!
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Which soap is suitable for babies
Pediatricians do not recommend using hard soap for bathing newborns. It greatly dries out the upper layer of the epidermis, and the skin will need to be moisturized even more. Over time, it can be introduced as a hand wash.
It is important to notice the baby’s reaction to the new soap in time. If after the first use he begins to itch or simply behave inexplicably restless, it is better to stop using and find another one.
In the first months, it is better to give preference to liquid or cream soap. It is important that it effectively kills germs, but does not cause allergic reactions. The following plant extracts are welcome:
- chamomile;
- series;
- celandine;
- aloe;
- plantain;
- avocado.
Although glycerin is generally an undesirable element in baby products, soap is an exception to the rule. This substance is acceptable in it: it does not cause harm, softens the skin and protects against chapping.
Cream "Bepanten"
Photo of cream "Bepanten"
In general, Bepanten ointments and creams are known as medicinal preparations for relieving various types of inflammation, healing and regenerating the skin after burns, abrasions, injuries and other injuries. The concern's products are distinguished by high quality and efficiency. "Bepanten" is used by many mothers as a diaper cream.
Recently, Bepanten ointment has appeared, specially designed to protect the skin of infants from irritation and diaper dermatitis. It contains vitamin B5, which accelerates the restoration of damaged skin. The ointment also contains lanolin. Thanks to this element, a layer is created that protects the dermis from the effects of harmful microorganisms. The drug is recommended for treating the skin after each diaper or diaper change. The ointment is well absorbed and allows the skin to “breathe”. The cost is about 300 rubles per tube.
How to wash baby's hair
If the baby does not have problems with the scalp, in the first year you can do without shampoo at all and wash the baby entirely with liquid soap. If you have seborrheic dermatitis (crusts, scales, irritation), special care is needed.
An important characteristic of baby shampoo is that it should not sting the eyes. The whole secret is in the neutral pH level. Burning when it gets into the eyes is caused by alkali, which has no place in caring for a baby.
The following components are suitable for gentle cleansing of the scalp and first hairs:
- chamomile;
- sea buckthorn oil;
- apple;
- cherry;
- melon;
- rose hip;
- wheat;
- panthenol;
- Shea Butter;
- almond oil.
If fruit is mentioned in the composition, it is important to make sure that these are natural extracts and not flavorings. The shampoo should be plant-based, without dyes or fragrances. It would be a good idea to consult a pediatrician.
Creams with chamomile
Chamomile has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on baby's skin. As part of a cosmetic product applied under diapers, it will eliminate redness and rashes from diaper rash.
Our mother My duckling 2 in 1 – nourishing and moisturizing
To prevent inflammation and irritation on the baby’s skin, it is recommended to use a special cream under the diaper. The composition of the product Our Mother My Duckling 2 in 1 contains panthenol, vitamin E and chamomile.
The child’s delicate dermis reacts to the slightest redness, so the appearance of a rash will provoke discomfort. Chamomile is good for eliminating rashes - it soothes, softens the epidermis, and dries the skin a little.
Vitamin E in the composition helps smooth out roughness that may appear with long-term use of other cosmetics. Panthenol will slightly moisturize and nourish the epidermis. Our mother My duckling 2 in 1 is an inexpensive composition for diaper rash with a quick and gentle effect.
Advantages:
- Availability;
- Nutrition;
- Hydration;
- Good consistency and texture;
- Nice smell;
- Gentle composition.
The cosmetic product is not suitable for children with allergic reactions to some components.
Bubchen Cream for babies – natural and anti-inflammatory
Before applying the composition under the diaper, the baby must be washed and then dried with a dry towel. The skin must be prepared for the procedures. After application, Bubchen's product for newborns creates a thin protective layer on the surface that prevents the formation of diaper rash.
The product is applied to the child’s buttocks, without missing a single fold. You should not put on the diaper right away - you need to wait 2-3 minutes until the product is absorbed.
Bubchen for babies contains calendula, shea butter and tocopherol. Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties, and shea butter, consisting of 5 different acids, helps soften and moisturize the skin.
It gently affects the dermis, giving it regenerating properties. You will like the cosmetic product from Bubchen due to its price-volume ratio: at a low cost, the box is enough for long-term use.
Advantages:
- Quickly relieves redness;
- No dyes;
- No fragrances or parabens;
- Convenient packaging;
- Economical consumption;
- Non-greasy consistency.
A small drawback is that when you first open it there is so much substance that the lid will constantly get dirty. With constant use this drawback will disappear.
BabyLine – safe and easy
BabyLine baby skin product will help protect against diaper rash. There are no parabens, dyes or fragrances, the composition has a pleasant smell and will not cause disgust in the child. The main ingredients are chamomile, panthenol and zinc, the effect of which is aimed at drying the dermis. The cream completely copes with the task: removes redness and restores the skin.
Already from the first use, improvements are noticeable: the product is perfectly absorbed and leaves no traces. It comes in a compact round box and after use is not washed with a diaper, as seen from other manufacturers.
The peculiarity of this composition is its safety: the manufacturer notes that even if the substance is accidentally swallowed in a small dose, the child will be fine.
Advantages:
- Availability;
- Does not cause allergies;
- Good composition;
- Convenient packaging;
- Almost no smell;
- Non-greasy consistency.
This product will not help with severe skin irritation in a child, so if the rash is widespread and painful, it is better to look for other options.
Babycoccole – hypoallergenic and soothing
If a child has skin prone to allergic reactions, it is better for parents to choose hypoallergenic cosmetic products.
Chamomile in the composition has a calming effect, and zinc will gently dry the skin from excessive moisture under the diaper. You should use Babycoccole at night before bedtime, after cleansing your baby's skin and wiping it dry.
If diaper dermatitis is noticed a few days after using diapers, immediate action must be taken.
Babycoccole will remove redness and rashes, make the baby's sleep restful, and will not cause discomfort while awake. The composition contains linseed oil - it prevents flaking and evens out the surface of the skin.
Advantages:
- Italian production;
- Suitable for newborns;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Contains natural Ph level;
- Soothes and moisturizes;
- Prevents diaper dermatitis.
Parents will not like the cost - compared to domestically produced brands, these cosmetics will cost more.
How to choose baby wipes
Outside the home, sanitary napkins help keep your baby clean. They are often not recommended to be used, but you can wipe your dirty hands while walking. Adult options are not suitable here: they often contain alcohol, fragrances, phthalates and even sodium lauryl sulfate.
Baby wipes can be impregnated with:
- plain water;
- plant extracts (to moisturize and soften the skin, against microorganisms);
- oil (usually jojoba or almond);
- vitamins (to nourish the upper layer of the epidermis).
It’s better not to get carried away with antibacterial wipes. They destroy not only harmful microflora, but also useful ones that protect the skin. It is important to ensure that the wipes are intended for children and do not contain alkalis.