If you’re a new parent, your mind is probably reeling with a million and one different things at once. That’s perfectly normal. Parenthood is a major step in life, and one that’s not to be taken lightly. But it’s also an exciting milestone, and one that should be embraced.
All that being said, it’s probably still a challenge to ease your mind from all the anxieties that come from having a child or children, like how to take care of their health, how to teach them, how to feed them, and how to protect them. One of the most delicate parts of a new child is their skin. As we’ve come to know through countless idioms, a baby’s skin is incredibly smooth, and with this smoothness comes great vulnerability.
But there are many ways to care for your child’s skin. The three main environmental factors that affect a baby’s skin the most are water, sunlight, and the fabric a child sleeps on. Here’s how to best protect your children and their skin in the bath, outdoors, and at nap time.
1) Staying Safe From the Sun
Any doctor will tell you that your child is not to be in direct sunlight until reaching six months of age. After this, children can be exposed to the sun, but with a few precautions. First off, on very hot, bright, and humid days, it’s best to keep your child indoors in air conditioning if possible.
However, sunlight is rich with vitamin D which is good for bones, mood, and overall mental health, so on milder days it’s good to get your kid outside. On these occasions, remember to apply sunscreen on your child that’s at least SPF 30. For the best effect, it should be applied a half hour before getting outside. A child’s sweat glands aren’t fully developed, so choosing to not take this precaution can lead to heat rash and severe sunburn.
2) Baths: Not Too Cold or Hot, Just Right
While many adults enjoy taking showers daily, babies only need to bathe 2 to 3 times a week. When it comes time for a bath, your first step is to find the right water temperature. The water can’t be too cold, or it can bother your child and also provide an ineffective bath. But it also shouldn’t too hot or it can harm your child and do damage to the skin, resulting in itching or more severe effects.
A good water temperature for babies is just over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (or 38 degrees Celsius). Once this temperature is achieved, the bathtub should be filled with 2-3 inches of water. Then the baby should be gently scrubbed with a soft sponge, never a coarser one.
3) Soft, Waterproof Sheets for Baby Skin
Any experienced parent can tell you that little is more important than a baby’s bedtime. When a child sleeps comfortably and well, it provides parents with some peace and quiet as well as peace of mind, and it results in a happier, healthier child! The proper bedding and sheets are important for a baby to achieve the best sleep and protect their skin. A combination of fitted waterproof sheets for baby skin, a sheet protector, and hypoallergenic kids pillowcases is the best way to ensure good sleep and healthy skin.
Waterproof sheets for baby boys and girls are hygienic and comfortable. Adult humans lose nearly a half liter of water every night through sweat and other means, and while babies don’t lose as much, they also lose water. Crib fitted sheets without protection against this wear out faster and can irritate the skin.
With these tips you’ll have one less thing to worry about, new parents!