Caring for baby skin in summer is vital for baby skin health and comfort. Avoid dryness, burns, and rashes by implementing a safe summer skincare routine for baby.
We know in summer to increase our use of hydrating skincare products and sun protection. What does a baby’s summer skincare routine look like? Here’s how to keep your baby’s skin comfortable, moisturized, and protected during the hot summer months.
You only have so many summers with your baby until they become a toddler. During this time, it’s extra tempting to trade their onesies and beanies for swim trunks and tiny two pieces. While you should enjoy the warmth and sunshine with your baby, keep in mind that their delicate skin is prone to irritation and sunburns.
Sun exposure should be limited for infants not only to keep baby cool, but also protect their skin from the long-term effects of sunburns. Protecting baby skin in summer is possible with a combination of limited sun exposure and the right skin and clothing products.
Baby Skin Health in Summer
So, what signs of baby skin discomfort should you look out for in summer? There are a few signs to look out for. With the right preparation, baby skin discomfort in summer can be avoided.
Irritated Baby Skin From Heat Rash
WebMD describes “prickly heat” (aka “heat rash”) as a cause of irritated baby skin in summer. The signs include small-pinkish red bumps that tend to appear on body parts prone to sweating. It is recommended to pay close attention to irritation on the neck, diaper area, armpits, and skin folds.
How to avoid irritated baby skin? Keep baby cool by limiting time outdoors or staying in a cool, shaded area. It is important to note that baby skin irritation due to prickly heat is not exclusive to the summer months. In the winter, over-bundling your baby in warm clothing can create this sensation.
Since parenting isn’t perfect, you may come across irritated baby skin at some point during your child’s infant years. If this happens, here are some tips to soothe irritation:
- Avoid over-bathing: Washing baby skin too much can strip the skin’s natural oils and aggravate irritation. Stick to a sponge bath 2-3 times per week and wash areas that do get dirty often, such as the mouth and diaper area, as needed.
- Use gentle and fragrance-free products: Think of baby skin as the ultimate sensitive skin. Since their skin is so delicate, it’s recommended to use non-toxic, fragrance-free products to avoid further irritation.
- Stick to soft cotton clothing: Harsh fabrics can rub baby’s skin the wrong way. Avoid fabrics known to feel scratchy and uncomfortable. Cotton is a good go-to known for its soft texture and breathability.
- Apply a healing ointment: WebMD recommends applying a layer of Vaseline petroleum jelly or Desitin diaper rash cream to the affected area. This creates a protective barrier on the skin and encourages healing.
- Massage baby skin: When baby skin needs a little TLC, it might be time to break out the baby oil. Gently rub and massage the skin while calming your baby with some eye contact and singing. This one-on-one time is priceless and has benefits that extend well beyond baby skin health.
Other tips to encourage baby skin health include washing baby clothes in a gentle detergent before they are worn and changing diapers as soon as they are used. If irritation persists, consult with your baby’s pediatrician.