The baby’s skin is known to be delicate. Therefore, you must maintain it to be healthy and clean. Moreover, the baby’s skin also needs to be well hydrated. For that matter, you should properly bath your newborn and do the right skin care.
Many first-time parents, and also you may wonder when can you put lotion on a newborn as you undoubtedly want the best baby’s skincare. For that matter, I have created this short article. Continue reading this article and learn all the essential information you need to know on this topic.
When Can You Put Lotion on a Newborn?
The answer to this common question is once it turns four weeks. If your baby was born prematurely, you must wait until it is six weeks old. You must wait because newborns can be susceptible to skin products.
Baby lotions might protect the baby’s skin from many unwanted conditions. This usually refers to dryness, irritation, redness, rashes, and germs. The baby’s skin is super gentle, so it can easily face such issues.
Moreover, you must only use skin products specially made for babies and avoid harsh products. Since the baby’s skin is soft, the products must be mild. So, you should use a moisturizing lotion when treating your newborn.
Also, make sure you are using high-quality lotion. This is important so your baby’s skin can be adequately hydrated. Baby lotions should contain naturally-derived ingredients. The list usually includes glycerin, stearic acid, and isopropyl palmitate.
Lastly, I must mention that baby lotions are not mandatory. By this, I mean you can use them on your newborn if you notice that its skin is dehydrated. Now, let’s see how to apply such lotion.
How Should You Properly Apply Lotion to Your Newborn
First, thoroughly wash your hands. Secondly, apply the lotion right after you have finished bathing your newborn. This will lower the chances of the skin getting dry or more vulnerable. Also, you don’t have to use too much lotion.
You must be very careful. I mean, you must avoid the area around the baby’s eyes. Also, you must be aware that babies often put their hands in their mouths. So, apply a small amount of lotion to its hands and ensure your baby doesn’t touch its face.
Equally important to know that you mustn’t use spoons or your fingers to take out the lotion from the bottle. This safety measure will prevent the lotion from getting contaminated. To make things easier, I recommend flip-top lotions.
You can directly put the product on your baby’s skin using a flip-top lotion. Once the lotion is on your baby, gently start massaging its skin. This way, you will successfully spread the lotion all over its body.
It is enough to apply the lotion only once. However, you can apply it twice a day if your newborn has drier skin than usual.
Read more: When Should I Start Shopping for Baby?
Choosing the Best Lotion
After learning when you can put lotion on a newborn, let me share a piece of advice on picking the best one. So, when shopping, take into consideration various factors. Firstly, consider the opinion of the pediatrician.
Secondly, make sure you buy a lotion from a trustworthy baby brand. To check which brands are reliable, you can read reviews of other mothers. This is the best way to know which brands you should avoid.
Next, you must pick a mild lotion. Any harsh products will only irritate your baby’s skin. Avoid lotions that contain chemicals, parabens, and synthetic dyes. Also, ensure your baby stays away from lotions with phthalates, formaldehyde, and fragrances.
Also, avoid low-quality lotions. This is because they can easily make the skin too moisturized. In addition, excessive exposure to moisture can cause more damage to the skin. Therefore, if your newborn is sweating after applying the lotion, you must stop using it.
Lastly, read the instructions thoroughly on the package before applying the lotion. As previously explained, ensure that the lotion doesn’t come in contact with your baby’s eyes. Also, don’t apply too much to avoid over-moisturizing the skin.
Possible Reasons for Baby’s Dry Skin
Sometimes the baby’s skin can be drier than usual. This can happen for several reasons. Firstly, the skin may still be adjusting to the environment outside the womb. Secondly, allergens in products or clothes can also cause dry skin in your newborn.
Next, your baby could have dry skin if it is dehydrated. Also, some skin conditions can be the reasons behind dry skin; for instance, eczema. In some cases, food allergies or asthma can cause this condition. Typically, the pediatrician will prescribe you an ointment to relieve the symptoms.
Also, cold air can often cause your newborn baby to have dry skin. You must ensure that your infant is adequately dressed for the weather. Also, it will help if you place a blanket in its car seat for better protection.
Lastly, if you bathe your newborn for too long, this can also cause dry skin. So, if the baby is exposed to too much hot water, its skin will naturally begin to peel. Also, I must say you should avoid using any harsh soaps.
Also read: When Is the Best Time to Start Buying Baby Clothes?
Conclusion
Well, we have come to the very end of this article. We hope you have learned when can you put lotion on a newborn.
Therefore, you can put lotion on a newborn if it is four weeks old. If it is a preterm baby, wait until it turns six weeks. You must take several safety measures before applying lotion to your baby. This mostly refers to protecting the baby’s eyes.
Moreover, you should pay attention when purchasing the right lotion for your newborn. To simplify things, consult with your baby’s pediatrician. Also, read reviews from other mothers and make sure you are shopping from a reliable baby brand.
