Baby Skin
Be sensitive to your baby's sensitive skin.
Why It's So Sensitive
Baby skin is special, and it requires special care. Here’s what you
should know about your baby’s skin through the first year.
It’s very prone to rashes
- About 30 to 40 percent of babies are born with milia, white or yellow
dots that appear on their face
- About one-fifth of newborns will break out with baby acne
It’s very thin
- Babies get cold or hot easily
- Always dress babies warmer than you would dress yourself to keep their
body insulated
- Their skin will begin to get thicker after about a year
It doesn’t need to be washed too often
- Over-bathing can cause a baby’s delicate skin to dry out, making them
more susceptible to rashes and infections
- Always use fragrance-free, dye-free lotion
- Less is more when applying lotions/ointments to a baby’s skin
It burns very easily
- A newborn’s skin is a work in progress – including its melanin, the
pigment that helps absorb the sun’s rays
- Take care to avoid extended sun exposure, especially on hot days
Your CHKD doctor will give you lots of advice on taking care of your
baby, skin and all. Call (757) 668-7500 to learn more.
