HELP! My Baby has Sensitive Skin – How do I Care for It?
I remember freaking out completely in the first three days after my son was born about redness around his thighs and groin.
Of course, I know now that he had a wee bit of nappy rash – it turned out he was very sensitive to one of the ingredients in a mainstream disposable nappy brand and we had to switch – but at the time it was 3am and in my hormone driven state, I panicked completely.
Lots of us do. When you have a new baby, everything can be a worry. From odd rashes to weird vomit, even if it’s not your first, new-born parents are usually intensely in tune to any change in their baby’s health.
Our tiny new humans are dependent on us for everything, the responsibility is huge and it’s a rare new mum not worrying about everything. And that’s not a bad thing; babies are very small, have very new immunity and can get very poorly very quickly.
Most of the time though, conditions that spring up are usually mild and can be managed easily.
One of these conditions that is extremely common is sensitive baby skin.
A baby’s skin is much more likely to react to things like washing powder, shampoo, and allergens. It can be tough to know what’s causing their skin to react, so this expert guide is designed to help.
We’ll explore:
- What Sensitive Skin Is in Babies
- Common Signs of Sensitive Skin in Babies
- Common Causes of Sensitive Skin in Babies
- Natural ways to Soothe Sensitive Skin in Babies
NEWBORN HEALTH REMINDER: We fact-check our articles with great care but the internet is not the place to get urgent medical advice for babies. If you think your baby is unwell, or you are concerned, we advise you to always contact your midwife, health visitor or GP.
What is Sensitive Skin in Babies?
Sensitive baby skin refers to skin in children under one year old that is easily irritated or prone to inflammation or allergic reactions.
Babies have delicate and sensitive skin, which is why they may experience issues such as dryness, rashes, or other skin conditions.
Some babies are more prone to skin sensitivity than others, and factors such as genetics, environment, and skincare products can all contribute to the development of sensitive skin in babies.
If you or your partner have eczema, allergies, rosacea, or any other condition that can increase skin sensitivity, there is a higher likelihood your child will too.
It's important to take extra care when selecting skincare products for babies with sensitive skin and to avoid any potential irritants that could cause further skin irritation or damage.
Common Signs of Sensitive Skin in Babies
Lots of babies can have occasional outbursts of skin sensitivity The symptoms of sensitive skin in babies can vary depending on the underlying cause, but here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Dryness: Babies with sensitive skin may experience dryness or flakiness, especially in areas such as the face, scalp, or behind the ears.
- Redness and irritation: Sensitive skin can cause redness, rashes, and irritation in babies, which may appear as small bumps, hives, or patches of inflamed skin.
- Itchiness: Sensitive skin may be itchy, causing babies to scratch or rub the affected area, which can further irritate the skin.
- Allergic reactions: Babies with sensitive skin may develop allergic reactions to certain skincare products, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, or even difficulty breathing.
- Inflammation: Sensitive skin can cause inflammation in the skin, making it appear swollen or puffy.
If you suspect your child is having an allergic reaction, seek urgent care immediately.
Common Causes of Sensitive Skin in Babies
Symptoms can vary depending on your child’s skin type and the cause of the sensitivity – for example an allergy may cause swelling or a rash, whereas sweating under the armpits causes sore, slightly ‘wet’ looking patches. That’s why it’s so important to get some advice from an expert.
Some common causes of include:
- Dryness: Babies with sensitive skin may experience dryness or flakiness, especially in areas such as the face, scalp, or behind the ears.
- Redness and irritation: Sensitive skin can cause redness, rashes, and irritation in babies, which may appear as small bumps, hives, or patches of inflamed skin.
- Itchiness: Sensitive skin may be itchy, causing babies to scratch or rub the affected area, which can further irritate the skin.
- Allergic reactions: Babies with sensitive skin may develop allergic reactions to certain skincare products, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, or even difficulty breathing.
- Inflammation: Sensitive skin can cause inflammation in the skin, making it appear swollen or puffy.
How to Care for Your Baby's Sensitive Skin
Avoid bath products for up to three months: And certainly, for the first few weeks of your baby’s life. We know bathing your newborn can be a wonderful, bonding experience but at least at first avoid soap-based products like shampoo and just stick to warm water. They simply don’t it.
The brilliant Abi Weeds of Organic Skincare brand Odylique suggests learning a little about the ingredients in the baby care products you choose. Even supposedly gentle ranges in supermarkets may contain nasties like:
Parabens are preservatives but are known to increase skin sensitivity. These may include Common methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben.
Sulphates which are harsh detergents. These may look like sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) or sodium laurel sulphate (SLS)
Artificial Fragrance which can irritate the skin and affect the natural biome on the skin surface. These may look like PARFUM, or aroma. And essential oils are not better, especially not at first.
We love Abi’s ‘free from’ baby range that is super gentle and certified organic.
Make sure you dry your baby’s skin properly. All those cute little fat folds can hide little patches of dampness that can lead to irritation. A gentle pat (not wipe) with a cotton towel can make sure you avoid this.
Choose Non-Bio, Gentle Washing Powder, and only use a small amount. Babies clothes do not need conditioner, a simple capful of white vinegar will soften them just as much and leave them smelling fresh. We like Attitude laundry detergent for babies
Avoid cows’ milk for a year – babies can’t process it and it can lead to sensitivity.
Choose baby clothes that have a high percentage of natural fabric, are soft and change them regularly to avoid chafing.
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