Your baby’s tender and smooth skin does not need much caring right? As much as we envy baby’s perfect looking skin, it does need our tender loving care.

BABY’S SEEMINGLY PERFECT SKIN CAN BE FRAGILE TOO
Your baby’s skin is different from that of an adult and requires special attention and skincare.
While it is fair to say that a baby’s skin absorbs moisture faster, it also loses moisture faster. This is because the top layer of the baby’s skin (the epidermis) does not attach as well to the layer below (the dermis), causing it to be more susceptible to environmental factors compared to an adult.

DOES MY BABY’S SKIN REQUIRE MOISTURISING?
When a baby’s skin lacks moisture, it will lead to dry skin, which opens the doors to a range of skin conditions and problems like itchiness and chaffing. These irritants cause discomfort and pain to your baby and if left unaddressed may lead to greater complication or prolonged distress. Hence, it is crucial to have a well-moisturised skin to protect your baby from a myriad of skin problems.

MOISTURISING AS A MASSAGE
Before you start, ensure your nails are short and trimmed, remove all jewellery and find a conducive environment that is warm, free of drafts, and accompanied by soft music. Pour a small amount of baby oil or lotion into your palm, and allow it to warm between your hands before smoothing the oil onto your baby’s skin. A daily gentle massage, lasting about five to ten minutes after a warm bath and before bedtime would help baby to calm down and relax so that he sleeps better. You may also talk or sing to your baby during the massage to sweeten the process.

MAGICAL MOMENTS
Touch experiences are fundamental to the establishment of attachment bonds. Research studies have shown that massaging your child can have benefits, not only for the child but also for the person massaging the child. Massage helps parents and baby bond by making baby feel secure, comforted and loved. Just a simple nurturing touch can be the answer to making your baby smile.

REGULAR MASSAGE HELPS BABY’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Touch experiences are fundamental to the establishment of attachment bonds. Research studies have shown that massaging your child can have benefits, not only for the child but also for the person massaging the child.

Some of the advantages include:

Promotes Parent-Infant Bonding

Calms A Fretful Child And Induces Sleep

Releases Tension, Anxiety And Irritability

Relieves Colic And Digestive Problems

Contributes To Healthy Weight Gain

Promotes Emotional Growth

Increases Baby’s Immune Development

Increase General Alertness

This article is taken from our My Alvernia Magazine Issue #29. Click here to read the issue on our website or on Magzter.