Baby skincare is an essential aspect of your new postpartum life! Newborn skin is very sensitive and should be treated differently to our skin. Here are a few peculiarities you may notice on your newborns’ skin and how to tackle them:

A newborn baby is delivered covered in a protective layer called vernix. This layer nourishes the baby and this is why you should hold off your baby’s first bath until after their first week of life. Vernix will peel off in the first week and should not be rubbed, treated, or interfered with.

Newborn rash, or ETN, is a red, blotchy rash that develops in most newborn babies in the first few days of life. ETN is most likely to appear on full-term babies. This rash is no cause for concern – it is not treatable and should fade within the first two weeks of life.

Baby acne looks similar to adult acne and appears on your baby’s cheeks and forehead. These red pimples typically fade within a few months. Resist the temptation to squeeze them – it’s best to leave them alone.

Milia appear as small white or yellow cysts and typically develop on your newborn’s forehead, nose, or chin. Milia may also appear in your baby’s mouth and this is referred to as Epstein pearls. Milia typically disappears over the first six months and shouldn’t need treatment.

Dry skin is very common in newborn babies, especially those overdue. Using a natural oil to moisturise your baby’s skin once a day should improve this quickly.

To avoid removing the beneficial, natural oils your baby produces, it’s best not to bathe your baby more than once a week until 12 weeks, then as often as required, taking care of the skin with a non-perfumed emolliant like coconut oil.

Also, make sure to use fragrance-free detergent when washing your baby’s clothes and bedding, and avoid scented baby products to avoid irritating your baby’s skin.