What to do for skin dryness in a newborn

Have you ever heard the term "smooth as a babies butt?" Yeah me too, and I feel like I was LIED to. My children came out with perfect skin for maybe 2 weeks and then the newborn skin dryness arrived. I was shocked to say the least. I remember thinking my baby resembled more of a reptile than anything. Both of my boys had cradle cap, flaky skin on their legs and arms, and baby acne on their faces. (see photo for reference)

This is why I recommend booking your newborn session within 2 weeks of giving birth. Here are a few tips that I recommend if you want to help support your babies sensitive skin after giving birth.

1. Delay your baby's first bath. Babies are born with a skin coating on called Vernix, and it has so many benefits for your baby's skin. Vernix not only acts as a moisturizer for the skin, but it also aids in the passage of the baby through the birth canal, has antimicrobial properties, has temperature regulating properties post-birth, and is super hydrating. Delay a bath as long as possible, I promise your baby is not dirty.

2. DO not pick at your baby's cradle cap. It could get infected and there is a better way to get it off. You can use coconut oil or this tubby todd kit. Be mindful that if your baby was born with a lot of hair, it may fall out when you try to get rid of its cradle cap. Cradle cap is not harmful to your baby, and you don't have to take it off.

3. For baby acne, I have seen acne show up more for breastfed babies than not. It has something to do with the hormones of the mother. Unfortunately, there is nothing much to be done for baby acne, but to wait it out. It typically is gone by age 6 months to a year. Do not pick at it, and try not to overwhelm your babies skin barrier with cream or scented soaps. Here is my favorite soaps to use while bathing my babies that are non-toxic and gentle. Stay away from fragrances and harmful chemicals, put your baby in the sun (no more than 10 minutes at a time), and get lots of fresh air. My babies were winter babies and there is no such thing as poor weather to go outside, just poor gear.

Those are my top 3 tips for supporting newborn skin in a healthy way from my own experience. If you have more serious skin issues, please talk to your pediatrician as this is not medical advice.

Click here if you are ready to take the next step and schedule your newborn photos with me! Check out my other blog post for helpful information about what it looks like to get your newborn photos taken.

xoxo

Virginia