Babies’ delicate new skin is just getting used to the world and all its irritants, so its no wonder it sometimes gets a little sore. Just like adults, some babies have more sensitive skin than others, and may be prone to common conditions like nappy rash or cradle cap.

Specially designed baby skincare products are usually mild and formulated to be less likely to irritate babies’ skin, with things like colours and perfumes left out. They can help reduce the chances of irritation, while your local Lloydspharmacy will have plenty of products to soothe soreness if it does happen.

When you take your baby outside in the sunshine, remember he or she will need a much stronger sun cream than you. There are plenty available designed just for babies, with maximum protection for their skin.

 
Nappy rash

Nappy rash is caused when the wee or poo inside your baby’s nappy starts to irritate his or her skin. The friction of the nappy moving can make things worse, as can detergents not properly rinsed out of reusable nappies.

One in four babies get nappy rash, and the discomfort can make them quite tearful. Changes in routine or diet can trigger it, for example teething, moving to bottle feeds, starting solids, trying cows’ milk or taking antibiotics (they can upset babies’ stomachs and cause diarrhoea).

What does nappy rash look like?

• It often starts as redness, but can lead to sore, spotty, hot, moist skin or flakiness
• In severe cases you might see blisters or spots filled with puss
• It usually affects smooth areas, like bottoms or thighs, rather than skin folds

How can I prevent it?

• As soon as you realise your baby’s nappy is wet or dirty, change it. Newborns often need around a dozen changes a day, dropping to six to eight as they get older
• Wash your baby’s skin gently with cotton wool and warm water
• Babies often like to kick their legs with their nappies off, and it lets their skin breathe too, so let them go natural when you can
• Before putting on a new nappy, smooth on a thin layer of protective cream to shield skin from irritants and soothe soreness
• If your baby’s going through any of the trigger times above, look out for nappy rash
• If you’re using terry or washable nappies, choose a gentle, non-bio washing powder and be careful to rinse detergents out

How can I treat it?

• Use a nappy rash cream to soothe your baby’s skin
• Leave the skin open to the air as often as you can to help it heal
• Keep using the nappy rash cream as a protective barrier against irritants

Product examples: Sudocrem, Bepanthen, Metanium.

Always read the label. Please ask our pharmacist for advice.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a crusty, scaly, yellow rash on a baby’s scalp, that can also cause red patches. It looks more uncomfortable that it is though, and your baby won’t find it itchy or sore.

It’s most common in babies under three months old, but it can happen throughout their first year. It’s thought to be caused by a hormone passing from mums to babies during pregnancy and triggering the sebaceous glands in the scalp to become overactive. New cells are made faster than the old ones can drop off, causing the scaly build up.

Remember, cradle cap isn’t caused by an infection, allergy or not keeping your baby clean, and it will go away in the end. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do:

• Massage a little baby oil into your baby’s scalp, wait a few minutes (or even overnight if you want to) so the skin is softened, then use a soft brush to gently loosen and sweep away the flakes
• Try washing your baby’s hair with a gentle baby shampoo
• If the tips above don’t work and your baby’s had cradle cap for a while, talk to your doctor. He or she may prescribe a medicated shampoo or cream 

Product examples: Dentinox shampoo, Metanium cradle cap cream.

Always read the label.  Ask your pharmacist for advice.