The arrival of a baby is a huge challenge. Although over the years we have witnessed a romanticization of this “state of grace”, in recent times we have come to know other versions that remind us of the countless difficulties involved in the periods of gestation and lactation. In this sense, the importance of respecting women's space and body has been highlighted (and well!), as well as the need not to blame the female figure for all the decisions that, affecting their well-being, will inevitably have an impact on the baby's life.
Being pregnant is, in itself, a mixture of emotions. Everything changes physically and mentally. In addition, there is all the preparation that is necessary to receive a child in the best possible way. Certain of the difficulties, concerns, and countless doubts that parents face during this phase, today I bring you some tips and some products that I consider essential for your babies, taking into account the different stages they experience.
CHANGING THE DIAPER
The diaper changing process is extremely important, especially because diaper dermatitis is a very common skin condition in babies. Being constantly exposed to aggressive agents and being, by itself, extremely thin and sensitive, the baby's skin needs special attention. For this reason, the skin covered by the diaper area must be carefully cleaned, using wipes or non-woven fabric swabs. However, in the first case, it should be noted that not all wipes are suitable for a diaper change, so you should opt for wipes without alcohol or parabens since these compounds can cause irritation to the baby's skin. In this sense, it may be appropriate to choose water-based wipes (WaterWipes) and which have active ingredients with calming and soothing properties. Klorane cleansing wipes have some of these characteristics and, in addition to being suitable for diaper changing, they are also made of 100% biodegradable fibers, which is an asset for the environment, considering the frequency with which the diaper changing process is performed.
It is never too much to remember that the hygiene of the baby's intimate area must be carried out from top to bottom, in order to prevent contamination and thus avoid the emergence of infections. For this, and as mentioned, products with a physiological pH and which are moisturizing and emollient should also be preferred.
Vegetable oils (which do not cause skin occlusion) are very interesting alternatives to prevent diaper rash and can be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing creams/ointments. They are a very useful tip, as they facilitate the cleaning process, in addition to providing comfort to the baby's skin.
As far as creams and ointments are concerned, there are numerous products available on the market which, moreover, have been used for several generations, such as Halibut, Mitosyl, or Bepanthene, for example. Nowadays, there are many options. As such, in addition to the listed trademarks, I highlight the characteristics of the Baby ISDIN range and, more specifically, of the Nutraisdin AF ointment, which has a unique formulation, since in addition to zinc oxide and dexpanthenol, it has miconazole in its composition. However, this antifungal not only prevents skin irritation but also prevents the proliferation of infectious agents in it, so its application can be interesting when none of the above options proves to be sufficiently capable of meeting the baby's needs, in case of diaper dermatitis.
BABY HYGIENE
Choosing products that are adequate for the baby's hygiene isn't a piece of cake. Why? Because it is necessary to choose products that suit the specificities of each baby and, therefore, do not cause skin reactions. Bioderma's ABCDerm range responds to these needs with products such as micelle solution or cleaning gel moussant. Its formulations are very compatible with the skin, containing fatty acid esters, similar to the phospholipids found in skin cell membranes, which will protect the natural skin barrier and safely reconstitute the hydrolipidic film. Furthermore, thanks to the presence of non-ionic surfactants, the hygiene of the body and the scalp of the little ones also become more practical and pleasant.
THE NAILS
Cutting the nails of newborns is another of the great challenges that motherhood/fatherhood involves. Therefore, it is essential to have around a kit with at least a file and a nail clipper, in an ergonomic format, which adjusts to the needs of the smallest, finer, delicate, and fragile nails of babies. Beter has launched a lovely kit, with three colors available, and which was designed to allow the "minicure" of babies to be performed with greater agility and confidence on the part of the parents.
THE MILK CRUST
Cradle cap or milk crust is a skin condition that usually appears within the first 5 months of a newborn's life. This occurs due to an excessive production of sebum, which leads to the formation of small oily plaques, normally located on the scalp, but which can also appear on the eyebrows, forehead, chin, and inguinal folds. Therefore, despite being a problem that spontaneously disappears, it may be necessary to eliminate some scales or even calm the skin irritations and redness caused by it. Hence, it is recommended to use products with keratoreductive, bacteriostatic, and fungistatic characteristics, in addition to humectant, calming, and soothing properties. So, in this case, maybe your baby will benefit from using Ducray Kelual emulsion or Uriage's first cradle cap care.
THE BABY'S HYDRATION
After cleaning your baby, it is important to leave his/her skin hydrated and properly nourished, in order to protect and reinforce the skin's natural barrier. Once again, opting for paraben-free products with a comfortable and fast-absorbing texture is ideal. In this way, both A-Derma brand products, such as Primalba Cocoon Cream, and Aveeno Baby products, such as moisturizing milk, enhance long-lasting hydration and give the skin a silky appearance and a velvety touch, corresponding to the daily needs of the baby.
THE FIRST TEETH
The eruption of the first teeth can be compared to the “scourge” of colic, because seeing a baby in pain is, without a doubt, distressing. In the case of the first dentition, the relief of discomfort goes through suitable care for the gums. Using teethers can be a way to contribute to the improvement of the baby's gum pain, however, the application of oral gels, with a pleasant taste and without sugar or alcohol, can also be an excellent alternative. Especially if they have a refreshing texture and contain healing, calming substances that reduce inflammation and redness of the gums and, in a way, contribute to an analgesic action. Some of the most used gels are AloBaby First Teeth and Baby ISDIN Nutraisdin First Teeth.
Despite the experience of motherhood/fatherhood has a wide range of curiosities and being a "new world" full of details, uncertainties, and new discoveries, I hope that, in a way, the information provided can be useful to all future parents. Uncomplicating, believing in our abilities and in the ties that connect us to a new being, will always be the best answer to all doubts and concerns. In the end, love instinctively gives us all the tools we need to perform, in the best way, this magnificent and demanding role: being a mother and being a father.
Above all, I would like to convey the message that "there is no right or wrong". There may be better or worse options. But that's also why we're here: to ensure that all decisions are the right ones, based on what makes sense for you and your baby.
Thank you for continuing on this side. See you soon!
Dr. Andreia Moreira
