| Differences
between the Adult and Baby Skin |
|
The
infant skin is more vulnerable to any
external applications or inadvertent contactants,
which can not only cause skin irritation, but can
also lead to accidental poisoning. Alcohol can cause
local skin haemorrhage (bleeding within the skin). |
|
The
baby skin is more delicate and fragile as compared
to an adult’s, since the elastic fibres are not yet
completely matured. |
|
The
infant skin cannot effectively control either water
or temperature loss through the skin. |
|
| Waxy
outer Skin cover at Birth |
|
When
the baby is born, the skin is coated with a substance
called “Vernix Caseosa” which comprises of fats (cholesterol
and triglycerides), and wax like substance from the
sebaceous glands (oil glands) and epidermis. The presence
of this layer helps in minimising the loss of moisture
through the skin and thus helps in retain- ing the
moisture balance of the baby’s skin in the
new environment that it’s come to live in. |
|
| Bathing
a Newborn |
|
Although
a bath is a complete means of cleaning the baby, it
is not essential to bathe the baby everyday (especially
if the nappy area, the mouth and nose areas are cleansed
timely and regularly). The bath can then be given
on an alternate day basis. |
|
It
is not necessary to wait for the umbilical stub to
fall off in order to start bathing. |
|
The
skin should be washed gently avoiding any possible
trauma to the delicate skin. |
|
The
baby has arrived from a sterile and aqueous environment
in the mother’s womb to the non-sterile, dry external
environment. So, for the newborn, one should sterilise
the bath water by first boiling and then cooling it.
(The temperature of water should not be more than
37oC
). |
|
A
soap (solid or liquid), which is gentle for the baby’s
tender skin (one with a neutral pH) should be
used for the bath, taking care that soap
is rinsed off completely, especially from the skin
folds. |
|
| Certain
tips and a few words of caution |
|
A
bath for the newborn should not
last more than five
minutes, since a longer contact with water
causes the outer layer of the skin to swell up, thus
increasing it’s fragility and susceptibility to friction. |
|
| Do
not bathe the baby when he is hungry or just after a
feed. |
|
| Do
not bathe the baby when he is hungry or just after a
feed. |
|
Never
leave the baby unattended, even when the baby is old
enough to sit, since the baby can drown in less than
2 minutes in just 2 inches deep water. |
|
Keep
the baby towel, clothes, etc. ready before the bath
begins. (Naphthalene Balls should not be used in the
cupboards / wardrobes where baby’s clothes are stored). |
|
| Post-Bath
tips |
|
| Pat-dry
the baby gently, but thoroughly, especially taking care
of the body folds. |
|
| Moisturise
the baby’s skin with a moisturising baby lotion. |
|
Gently
powder the baby’s skin especially skin folds, but
taking precaution that one does not raise a powder
cloud that the baby could inhale. Inhalation of the
talcum powder can lead to lung problems and difficulty
in breathing. Powder in the skin folds helps in absorbing
the moisture and preventing
maceration (sogginess of the skin). |
|
Examine
the umbilicus (navel area) to look for any redness,
swelling and/or discharge. Always keep that area dry,
which will help in early separation of the umbilical
stub. |
|
| Care
of the Scalp, Ears and Nails |
|
| Scalp
can be cleaned with the baby soap itself. Shampoos are
not essential. |
|
Ears
should be gently swabbed with cotton swabs, but not
the canals. Never introduce oil in ears or nose. |
|
Nails
should be clipped short and kept clean at timely and
regular intervals. A newborn’s nails grow very fast,
therefore, it is necessary to cut them to prevent
the baby from scratching his skin. |
|
You
must use baby size clippers or nail scissors. You
should preferably cut the baby’s nail after a bath,
as the nails are softened. Make the baby lie down
or make him sit in your lap. You should press each
finger away from the nail, so that the nail sticks
out. Snip only the white part, leave a little so that
you do not cut very low. |
|
| Care
of the Baby’s Bottom |
|
The
skin of the bottom area is as delicate as rest of
the body, but is the most vulnerable and susceptible
to the constant use of cloth nappies and round the
clock contact with irritants like stools and urine. |
|
The
baby’s bottom should be cleaned gently and carefully.
Always clean / wash the girl children from front to
back, especially while cleaning the anal area or else
the bacteria in the stools can lead to infection in
the genital area or a urinary infection. In boys,
the foreskin should not be pulled back while washing
the penis. |
|
| How
to prevent a “Nappy Rash” |
|
Use
super absorbent disposable diapers. The super absorbent
material (SAM) in disposable diapers absorbs large
amount of urine and keeps it away from baby’s delicate
skin, keeping it dry all the time. |
|
Change
the cloth nappies frequently. |
|
When
cloth nappies are used, a newborn needs a change 10
to 12 times a day, since a younger baby urinates and
defecates more often. An older baby should be changed
atleast 6 times a day. |
|
Dab
the skin folds dry. |
|
Apply
protective creams (barrier creams) containing zinc
oxide paste after each cleansing to protect the skin. |
|
The
cloth nappies should be washed and dried properly
and the detergent should be rinsed off thoroughly. |
