Skin-to-Skin Contact and Baby Massage
The benefits of skin-to-skin contact cannot be overstated and should be positively encouraged from birth.It not only promotes successful breastfeeding but stabilises your baby 's heart rate and temperature. Baby massage follows on naturally from this and is now widely practiced. It is advisable to avoid nut oils, petroleum based oils, or oils with perfumes, if there is any history of allergies in your family. Choose a properly qualified massage therapist for your baby and ask for their advice on suitable oils.
Remember not to use any products on broken skin.
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Handy tips:
Continue bathing your baby with plain water for at least the first month before gradually introducing baby products. By this time the skin 's natural barrier will have developed. These products should be free from sulphates (SLS and SLES), colours and strong perfumes.
Baby wipes should also be avoided for the first month. Once introduced, try to use ones which are mild and free from alcohol and strong perfumes.
It is safer to file nails with a soft nail file rather than use scissors, which can leave sharp edges. For baby nails that have started to come away, you can gently them off.
Shampoo is not necessary when your baby is under a year old. Once you have introduced baby bath products, simply rinse your baby 's hair in the bath water solution. If used, shampoo should also be sulphate free (SLS & SLES).
It is advisable to use a thin layer of barrier cream on the nappy area. The ideal preparation should be free from preservatives, colours, perfumes, antiseptics, and clinically proven to be effective treatment for nappy rash.
If after a few weeks you wish to use a moisturiser, choose products that are emollient based. These will not dry out the skin, but they will give it some protection.
When washing your baby 's clothes and bedding remember not to overload the machine to ensure thorough rinsing. Fabric conditioners, if used, should be mild and free from colours and strong perfumes.
Cloth nappies are as efficient as disposable ones and do not present a higher risk of nappy rash.
© Sharon Trotter
Read How Baby Massage Can Help Your Baby Sleep
Read More About Baby Skin Care |
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