Some points to
help you decide on what to use and what
to avoid:
• A newborn skin appears dry and peeling
in the initial days after birth. Since this
will go away on its own it is not necessary
to apply lotion to baby's skin.
• Few infants need shampoo on their
hair, regardless of a full head of hair
or not. You can use a wet washcloth on the
scalp unless your doctor orders differently.
Once or twice a week a non-irritating shampoo
or soap can be used.
• For the body use baby bath products
sparingly, if at all. Start washing the
face with a plain wet washcloth, then you
may use a mild soap for washing the rest
of the body.
 •
Strong soaps or bubble baths can cause nappy
rash as can wipes containing alcohol. Instead
of wipes it is better to use cotton balls
and water to clean the nappy area.
• Avoid using powder on your baby;
he could breathe in a cloud of powder which
could be irritating to his respiratory tract
or form clumps in the creases and irritate
his skin.
• A barrier cream is not usually necessary
unless your baby has very sensitive skin
or a nappy rash, in which case it works
to soothe and protect the skin. Once your
baby's bottom has healed it is better to
allow the skin to breathe.
• Most newborns have not yet acquired
the love of water and nakedness that an
older baby loves - they don't like getting
wet and being naked for too long. Concentrating
on the parts that need cleaning will help
keep crying to a minimum; bathing 2 to 3
times a week is fine.
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