Diepering and Grooming your baby

Tips for Dealing with Cradle Cap 

Cradle cap can be observed in every baby and parents need not worry about it as it is not an abnormal issue. In fact there is no need of any treatment to deal with cradle cap as it goes away on its own. However, some parents may choose to take care of it by choosing some methods like oiling or shampooing. Read on to find tips for treating baby’s cradle cap.

Cradle cap is a common problem in infants. If you find that your baby’s scalp has dry and flaky skin that looks like dandruff but is thick, yellowish or brown, it might be cradle cap perhaps. Most often this shows up in the first few months after the birth of the child and is harmless. It even gets cleared in 10 – 12 months of time but does not look good. These are also sometimes found in armpits, ears or eyebrows. 

There is no concrete reason behind the occurrence of cradle cap and different people have different views on that. The only thing that experts know is that it is harmless, not caused due to any allergy or poor hygiene and is not contagious as well. It will perhaps not even bother your child. But sometimes when it gets severe, it itches.

Tips to Treat your Baby’s Cradle Cap

Here are some remedies for dealing with cradle cap.

• Shampoo your baby’s hair frequently and brush the area gently before and after shampoo.

• You can also use oil and apply it there so that when you brush the scalp it easily comes out. Take care because the scalp area is very soft in infants.

• You can shampoo the baby’s hair and scalp after oiling. 

• If this does not work, you can buy a medicated shampoo after consulting your pediatrician.

• If the state worsens, you should take advice from the doctor because it is possible there is some yeast infection or so.

• If you find that your baby is uncomfortable and the rashes have spread to different areas, it is time to consult your pediatrician. 

• Some advice to apply petroleum jelly on the area and cover with a cap. You can easily brush the flakes off after sometime.

Cradle cap is harmless. There will be discomfort only when there is yeast infection along with the cradle cap and the infected area increases. It does not appear good as most often it spreads to arms, ears and other adjoining areas. You might have to treat it in natural ways mentioned here, but it will go away gradually.

When you observe cradle cap on your baby’s scalp, you should not worry or panic. It is a natural phenomenon and majority of the infants go through this condition. Do not think that it is caused because you were unable to clean your baby’s hair or scalp.

No matter what ways you choose, keep one thing in mind that the scalp of an infant is very soft and you should do everything very gently and softly.

• Never rub the scalp area roughly or vigorously.

• Do not try to get rid of the cradle cap in one go. Give it some time and repeat the process only after a gap of 2 – 3 days.

• Use a soft brush or comb to remove the flakes from the scalp.

• Do not leave oil on the scalp for long time. It might worsen the condition and take longer to get rid of the problem.  

There is one relaxing factor here. Once the cradle cap is completely gone, it is not going to come back probably. But you might need to give frequent shampoo treatments to your baby for some time. Just keep in mind that you do not overdo anything. Apply shampoo for 2 – 3 times a week and that will be enough.

How to Deal With Diaper Rashes?

When Should Parents Consult Doctor

It may be necessary to call a doctor for treating diaper rashes in following case:

• The diaper rash occurs in an infant during the first 6 weeks of her life.

• Pimples or small ulcers start forming in and around the rash. 

• The infant has a fever.

• If the baby has a complete loss of appetite or loses weight.

• Large bumps or nodules appear in and around the diaper rash.

• The rash spreads to other parts of the body like the face, arms or the scalp.

• If the rash does not improve despite making use of simple tips to treat diaper rash for over a week.

Common Causes of Diaper Rashes

Prolonged wetness in the diaper areas because of sweat, bowel movement and urine provides an ideal environment for Candida yeast and bacteria to thrive in. Such moist condition encourages the growth of organisms and is the main cause of diaper rashes in infants. Red and scaly patches of different sizes, pus filled blisters, appear on the buttocks, thighs, lower abdomen and genitalia region of the babies causing itching and burning sensations which can become unbearable if left unattended for long.


Tips for Treating and Preventing Diaper Rashes

The key to treating diaper rash lies in maintaining dryness in the baby’s bottom area. To ensure this, parents must make use of well fitted diapers which allow proper air circulation in the area. Another important thing to bear in mind is that diapers must be changed at regular intervals irrespective of the frequency at which an infant passes urine or bowels.

Remedies for Diaper Rashes in Babies

Have a quick look at the remedies for treating diaper rashes in babies.

1.      To dry the affected area make the baby lie on her chest on a rubber sheet without a diaper for some time every day.

2.      Application of a Zinc oxide ointment or homeopathic Calendula lotion is recommended by many doctors for treating rashes. However, before making use of any medicines or ointment it is best to consult a doctor.

3.      Tight or ill fitting diaper can also contribute to rashes in infant. Hence it is important to buy diapers of reputed brands only. It is also essential to check the label before purchasing to ensure that the size of the diaper is appropriate for the age and weight of the infant.

4.      A popular home remedy for arresting the growth of fungus responsible for diaper rashes is to apply homemade yoghurt on the affected area. This helps to restore the pH balance of the skin and destroy the fungal growth.

Keeping the diaper area of a baby dry and clean at all times is the best way to treat diaper rash. Diaper rash can make a baby uncomfortable and cause skin irritation. If parents remain alert, follow healthy hygiene habits and get into the habit of changing diapers at regular intervals diaper rashes can easily be avoided.

Hair Care for Newborn Babies

Newborn hair care is essential to prevent infections. The scalp of newborn is very delicate so extra care must be taken. A proper hair care prevents scalp problems such as cradle cap in the baby. Read on to know more about newborn hair care and the products to be used for baby’s hair care regimen.

Hair care for newborn is a must to prevent bacterial or fungal infections from developing on your baby’s soft and delicate scalp. Irrespective of whether your baby is born with a thick hair growth or without much hair you must take good care to keep the scalp clean at all times. Absence of hair in a newborn baby does not mean that the scalp does not need cleaning.

Many new parents are of the opinion that if they shave the head of their newborn before she is a year old it promotes fast hair growth. This practice has one major advantage- it keeps the scalp clean after the shave. However shaving does not in any way promote fast or healthy growth of hair.

Infants have very delicate hair and soft scalp. Hence there is no need to shampoo or wash every single day. You can wash twice a week. Make sure to untangle knots in your baby’s hair gently by making use of your fingertips before washing her hair. Use a mild baby shampoo and be careful not to hurt the central, soft portion of your baby’s head while drying the scalp. After drying the hair use a baby comb which has soft bristles.

Cradle cap is a common condition that many infants suffer from. This condition causes small, red flakes to appear on the scalp. Do not panic if your newborn baby happens to suffer from these symptoms. This condition can easily be treated by topical application of cortisone creams. Do consult your doctor before buying or applying the cream.

What Do You Need for Newborn Hair Care?

• Baby comb and brush

• Baby lotion, and 

• Infant petroleum jelly

What Type of Products Should You Buy for Hair Care for New Born?

Make use of special baby products to care for your infant’s hair at least till the time she is one year old. Adult shampoos and lotions contain harmful chemicals which can be harsh on the infant’s scalp and skin. Baby lotion and baby petroleum jelly are gentle on the baby’s skin and sufficient to ensure that the scalp is well moisturised and shinning.

In case your baby has cradle cap, take a baby comb and gently comb out the cradle cap. Remember you must be extremely gentle and patient while doing this. After combing thoroughly wash your baby's hair to remove all the dry skin. Lastly apply lotion onto your child's scalp and hair. To prevent the cradle cap from reappearing you must apply lotion everyday.

How to Wash your Baby’s Hair?

The most difficult part of hair care for newborn is washing her hair. While washing baby’s hair, first time moms must be especially careful. You must hold your baby tight enough without reclining it gently. Holding the baby this way will put her at ease and make it an enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Your baby will feel secure and this will not cause the unsettling feeling of a reclining position. Another thing which is always recommended is to keep talking to the baby in a soft, comforting tone while washing her hair.

What to Avoid Using in Baby’s Scalp? 

Many new parents apply baby oil in the newborns scalp under the impression that it will promote hair growth. This is a misconception. Baby oil in fact causes dryness of the scalp and clogs the pores. Often the cause of cradle cap in babies is the use of baby oil. For healthy hair growth it would suffice if baby lotion is applied onto your infant’s hair and scalp. Follow it up by applying baby petroleum jelly to the hair only.  

Nail Care of Newborn Babies

Nail care for babies is very important for maintaining the hygiene. Nails of newborns are very delicate so they need extreme care and patience while trimming. Most parents are concerned about the frequency and time of trimming. Read on to get all the concerns cleared.

Newborn nail care - both hands and toes are absolutely essential. Many babies have long nails even at the time of their birth. There is no question of newborn nails becoming grimy and dirty. However often babies with long nails tend to scratch themselves in the face and all over the body. Hence it is essential to trim nails at regular intervals. Some babies have the habit of sucking their thumbs or a finger. Trimming helps to ensure that the nail of the finger being sucked is clean.

Fingernails of babies grow rapidly. However toe nails take some time to grow. Till such time that your baby gets a control over her body movements you must remember to cut the nails regularly. Many parents, especially the first time ones worry a lot about how to go about trimming nails without harming the newborn.

How to Cut Nails of the Newborn?

Here are some steps which you need to follow while cutting your newborn’s nails.

• Firstly do not worry about harming your baby while cutting her nails. Nail care or babies is easy if you are little attentive and careful.

• Place your newborn on your lap in such a way that her head is snuggled into your chest and with her facing away from you.

• Hold your baby’s finger using your thumb and forefinger. Position the baby scissors or clippers gently under the nail.

• Check to make sure that it is the nail and not skin that you are holding between the clippers. Initially trim off tiny pieces only.

• Once you are confident about trimming your newborn’s nail you can cut the entire nail at one go.

• Cut toenails in a straight line and fingernails along the curve.

• In case you are not confident about scissors or clippers for newborn nail care make use of a smooth emery board.

• Gently file down the rough pieces of the nail. This process requires a little practice and a lot of patience.

Tips for Buying Baby Diapers 

Have a quick look at the tips for buying baby diapers.

Cloth or Disposable Diapers - The first thing that you need to decide is whether you want to buy cloth diapers or disposable or a mixture of both. Undoubtedly, the price of disposable diapers is high and till your child is potty trained; you would change thousands of diapers. Secondly, there are times when you will need only disposable diapers. So, it is ideal to keep a small packet of disposable ones along with the cloth diapers. 

 

Opting for cloth diapers will give you many options as far as size is concerned. You can choose from different types of folds and change as the baby grows.

Do not presume that cloth diapers are simply made of cloth. Nowadays you have diapers made of materials that are good absorbents also.

Stocking Baby Diapers- Do not buy and stock diapers because your baby will be growing fast and you might find one day that the diapers you bought are not useful any more. Diapers are available in different sizes and make sure you have at least one pack bigger than the present size.

Environmental Friendly Diapers - Today, you have environmental friendly diapers available that do not even leak. Check out this option too for a better tomorrow for your child. 

Checking Size of Diapers - Check the size of the diaper before buying. Some babies do not fit in regular size diapers made for newborns. 

Principles of Skin Care for Newborns 

Here are some basics principles of skin care for newborns.

• Gentle cleansing
• Adequate hydration
• Moisturise  
• Protection from irritants
• Shielding from bright sun
• Preventing maceration and friction in body folds
• Preventing from drying and damage

Newborn’s Skin Care Tips 

Have a quick look at the tips for taking care of newborn’s skin.

Bathing – Bathing is an ideal and best way of cleansing the daily dirt and dust accumulated on the baby’s body. Lukewarm water baths are preferred and advised. If the child is premature or born with low weight, bathing should be avoided till the cord comes off. 

Make use of soft towel and get your baby a bath fixing the time as per your convenience. Since babies chill very easily and quickly, you should make sure that the room where you are giving your baby a bath is warm from inside.

Massage – Massaging your infant two to three times daily will help him feel relaxed. The child does not get irritated and also cries less if frequent and proper massage is given to him regularly. The oil helps moisturise the entire body and this helps maintain the soft and tender skin of the baby for long.

Moisturise – Babies need getting moisturised throughout their body. It is not just facial skin but the skin of the entire body has to be taken care of. Make sure you choose and use a product that is specially designed for the babies and suits your baby’s skin too.

Care of the Diaper Area – The diaper area faces lot of moisture and humidity. Hence, this area is prone to maceration and hit by microorganisms. It is important you use diapers made of superabsorbant material and mothers should check and change the diaper as soon as it needs a change. Wipe the bottoms and the front area on every change. If needed dry with the help of baby powder. In case of nappy rash, apply petroleum jelly or any certified lubricant for your newborn.

Care of the Scalp– Baby shampoos are available in the market that helps clean the scalp. Just make sure that they are for minimum period of time on the scalp so that there is no skin irritation.

Baby Powders – It is advised that you should avoid use of baby powders as far as possible. Only when you need to prevent your child from maceration or in hot and humid weather, you should make use of baby powders. 

Remember, the skin of an infant needs special care because it is susceptible and sensitive. Read the instructions and cautious judgments before using any product on the skin. Pay attention to other areas like legs and feet and keep them clean too. Do not forget to be cautious about oral hygiene and cleanliness of clothes that your baby wears as well.