When you’re a new parent, the conflicting advice on looking after your little one can seem overwhelming.
We’ve made it easy! Here are our top tips for washing your baby from Pai’s team of sensitive skin experts (and mums!), to help keep their delicate skin calm and healthy.
Avoid baths (for a couple of weeks)!
When a baby is born their skin is 30% thinner and the acid mantle which protects the skin from infection is much more alkaline than adult’s skin, making it more susceptible to water loss and dryness.
This is why midwives advise not bathing your baby for the first two weeks after birth to protect the baby’s skin as much as possible in those early days.
Instead, stick to top and tail cleaning using water and cotton or as advised by your midwife.
Keep it short
Brief, infrequent baths are all baby needs after those first couple of weeks.
3-5 minutes initially is all that is needed. Bathing too long and too frequently can increase the chances of impairing the skin’s natural barrier by stripping away natural oils.
…and lukewarm
Water that’s too warm will increase activation of histamine and can cause transepidermal water loss (TEWL) leading to inflamed and dry skin.
Test with your elbow or a thermometer if unsure – the ideal temperature should be 37℃.
Avoid foam
Detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) can really irritate and dry the skin.
We advise using our Apple & Mallow Blossom Hair & Body Wash once baby reaches 3 months old, however, there is no risk attached to using it prior to that.
A little goes a long way
The skin is the largest organ of the body and is incredibly intelligent!
Be careful not to interfere too much especially with young skin. A little product goes a long way, so it’s important not to overuse – remember the skin is 30% thinner than adult’s!
Our Apple & Mallow Blossom Hair & Body Wash comes with a Konjac sponge so just a drop of product is needed allowing the sponge to do the work!
Bathing is the ideal time to wash your baby’s hair and dislodge any cradle cap that may have built up on the baby’s scalp. Use a gentle formula that won’t cause irritation to the eyes or skin.
After bathing
If your baby or child suffers with dry or difficult skin, avoid rubbing with a towel after bathing and instead pat dry to avoid irritation.
This is best time to apply cream or to treat your little one to a soothing baby massage.
It also helps to keep your bathroom warm during the winter months so the change in temperature isn’t too stressful for baby.
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