Coles Baby Club

Caring For Your Baby’s Skin

When we think of baby skin, we think of something soft, smooth and flawless. The reality can be a little bit different, so prepare yourself to deal with the various spots, dots and rashes that may appear from time to time on baby’s skin. Most of these minor blemishes are temporary, and will quickly clear up. If you have any concerns at all, talk to your maternal or early childhood nurse or doctor.

In the early days your baby’s skin does not need soap, but after that you can wash with a special bath soap or liquid soap and use a baby oil or lotion and massage into the skin.

For more information please click on one of the following topics:

Cradle cap

This looks like a crusty layer on baby’s scalp and is quite common in newborns. Rub olive oil gently all over the scalp. Leave overnight, then wash off with a mild baby soap or shampoo. Repeat until the scale has gone. Special shampoo is available from the chemist.

Eczema

Children with eczema have dry sensitive skin and may often have an itchy red rash. Choose cotton clothing rather than woollens and synthetics. Avoid long baths, soaps and bubble baths. If you suspect eczema, see your doctor, who may recommend bath oil instead of soaps, the use of a moisturising cream and possibly prescribe cortisone ointment or cream.

Insect bites

Babies and young children are vulnerable to bites and some may have an allergic reaction (seek medical help if this happens). An old-fashioned mosquito net can help protect young babies. When baby starts crawling, flea bites from the family pets can also be a problem. Keep pets as clean as possible and use flea powder and flea collars.

Nappy rash

This is a red, chafing rash usually caused by prolonged contact with a wet nappy. Take baby’s nappy off and ‘air’ the bottom as often as possible. Change nappies more frequently, if possible, changing as soon as a nappy is wet or soiled. Wash and dry baby’s bottom very well when changing. Rinse cloth nappies well after washing. Apply a soothing nappy rash cream and use disposable if possible. Ensure the night-time nappy is ‘heavy-duty’ (for example, cloth nappy with a liner, or super-absorbent disposable nappy).

Spots and dots

Various spots are likely to appear on babies’ skin in the first few weeks. Tiny white pimples, called milia, on the middle of the face, may be blocked skin ducts. Tiny red spots forming a rash may be a sweat rash, caused by blocked sweat glands. Raised white dots on the cheeks may also be caused by sweat glands. All these spots usually settle down quickly. No treatment is necessary but see your doctor if concerned.

Thrush

This can be initially mistaken for nappy rash but you may notice small, red spots beyond the rash. There may also be small flecks of white on the inside of the mouth; this a fungal infection. Treat the bottom as for nappy rash, but also take your child to the doctor, who may prescribe an anti-fungal cream or ointment.

When the sun shines

In Australia, you must protect a newborn’s delicate skin from the sun. As babies grow, keep them covered when outside. Make sure baby wears long sleeves and a hat, and apply SPF15+ or higher sunblock, designed for young children. Keep young children out of the sun especially between 11am and 3pm on hot days. Remember even on cloudy days the skin of a baby or child can burn very easily.

Read about it

Your Child’s Health,
Dr Leah Kaminsky & Professor Frank Oberklaid
(Random House, 1999)

The Parents When-Not-To-Worry Book,
Carol Fallows
(Transworld, 2001)

Australian Baby and Child Care Book,
Carol Fallows
(Penguin, 1997)

Your Baby & Child,
Penelope Leach
(Penguin, 1998)

Help & Information

Talk to your doctor or check with your local council about the maternal or early childhood Health Service in your area.

Eczema Association of Australia Inc
(07) 3821 3297

For further information about Johnson’s baby products please call 1800 029 979.