1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months Birth 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 4 Months 5 Months 6 Months 7 Months 8 Months 9 Months 10 Months 11 Months 12 Months 13 thru 18 Months 19 thru 24 Months

Your Baby’s Skin: Handle With Care

Nothing is as soft and silky as a baby’s skin, but it can also be very sensitive, especially for the first few months. Soaps, detergents, perfumes, sun exposure, frequent baths and the chemicals in new clothes can all cause irritation and dryness. Reduce your baby’s risk with these simple precautions:

  • Limit bathing to once every few days, especially in the early months. Your baby’s skin can burn easily, so make sure the water is not too hot. As an extra precaution, turn down your hot water heater to no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.1
  • Use only mild baby shampoo. Lotions, oils and powders are not usually necessary, but if you use them, choose those formulated especially for babies.
  • Keep your baby out of direct sunlight until he’s at least six months old.2 After that, protect him with a hat, sunglasses, clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid putting sunscreen on his fingers in case he rubs his eyes.3
  • Wash your baby’s new clothes, bedding and blankets in hypoallergenic or baby detergent before he uses them and double rinse to remove irritating soap or detergent residue. For the first few months, launder your baby’s clothes separately.4
  • Woolen clothing can be itchy, so layer a lightweight cotton or synthetic item under it to avoid direct contact with your baby’s skin.
  • Most bumps and rashes are harmless and will go away on their own. One of the most common is eczema, which usually responds to cold compresses, mild moisturizers and clothing and bedding of smooth, natural fabrics such as cotton. If it doesn’t get better, you may want to talk to your doctor or a pediatric dermatologist about treatment options.5
  • Just about every baby develops diaper rash at some time, but it’s more common between eight and 10 months of age. The best treatment is to keep your baby's skin as clean and dry as possible and use a barrier with petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment during each diaper change.6

Sources:
1 “Bathing Your Baby,” by Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, www.drgreene.org, reviewed May 2005
2 “Infant Skin Care,” Yale New Haven Health System. www.ynhh.org, revised May 30, 2007
3 “Baby Skin Care,” www.parenting.ivillage.com, accessed January 3, 2008
4 Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 1998
5 “Eczema,” www.babycenter.com, reviewed September 2007
6 “Diaper Rash,” www.mayoclinic.com, November 2, 2006

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Baby's First Holiday

Having a new baby in the family can bring extra special meaning to the holidays, but it can also create extra tension as everyone jostles for your little one's attention. With careful planning, lots of communication and a willingness to put your new family first, your holiday can be just the way you want it.
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Weigh In

You usually know instinctively if your baby is healthy, but comparing her growth to "normal" guidelines is a good way to help put your mind at ease. Many babies grow a half inch to an inch per month between birth and six months. In that same period, babies can gain five to seven ounces per week. Between six months and a year, she'll probably grow about three-eighths inch per month and gain three to five ounces per week. It's normal for her to double her birth height and triple her birth weight by her first birthday.

Source: "Infant and Toddler Health," www.mayoclinic.com, August 21, 2009

Shoe Knew?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies don't actually need to wear shoes until they start learning to walk. Going shoeless indoors allows your infant's feet to grow normally, helps them develop strength and lets her experiment with grasping with her toes. If you want to keep her feet warm or protect them from the elements, opt for soft-soled slippers, booties or nonskid socks.