Newborn skin is delicate, and so is the baby’s immune system. Chemicals, fragrances, and dyes in clothing, detergents, and baby products can cause skin irritation, dryness, chafing, and rashes. While this may sound like a worry, there is much you can do to protect your baby from these skin problems.

Just don’t use baby products in the first month as the immune system is still developing. If you have a family history of skin problems, allergies, or asthma, it is crtical to protect your baby’s immune system and skin from allergens.

Always wash baby’s clothing before it’s worn. Use only baby laundry detergents that are fragrance and dye-free. Wash baby clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family’s laundry and give everything an extra rinse.

Resist the urge to bathe your baby to much. Too regular bathing removes the natural oils that protect your baby’s skin. Except for drool and diaper changes, newborns just don’t get very dirty, so for the first month or so, a sponge bath 2 or 3 times weekly will keep your baby clean. In between, simply wash baby’s mouth and diaper area with a little warm water and cleanser.

When baby has an allergic reaction, the result will usually be a rash. Rashes that appear under the diaper may be eczema and not a diaper rash. An allergy to dyes in the diapers themselves can be the simple of this reaction so changing to dye-free diapers may be all that’s needed to prevent futher outbreaks. If it doesn’t subside, reduce bathing to once a week, change your baby’s skin products and make sure baby wears only soft clothing.

More than often baby’s diaper rash is caused by the irritating wetness of a soiled diaper. Rashes can also appear when baby’s skin is not crefully dried after a bath. And sometimes, a bacteria or yeast infection will cause diaper rash, especially for babies who are taking antibiotics.

Most instances of diaper rash don’t require medical care. To treat diaper rash and prevent further newborn skin problems:

1. Check diapers frequently.

2. Change diapers immediately when wet or soiled.

3. Wash the diaper area with mild fragrance-free cleanser or just plain water. If the rash is especially severe, use a squirt bottle to cleanse without rubbing.

4. Use a soft clean cloth instead of baby wipes. The perfume in wipes may irritate and dry baby’s skin.

5. Pat baby dry. Don’t rub. Let the diaper area air-dry fully before putting on a fresh diaper.

6. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly - Vaseline - or a protective ointment such as Desitin.

7. Avoid the use of baby powder. Corn starch-based powders allow yeast growth and talcum powder can cause lung problems if breathed-in.

Giving your newborn a soothing massage is important one-on-one time that conveys your love. Research has shown that a baby’s very survival depends on being touched by others as touch triggers hormones, boosts immunity, and helps fight disease. Additionally, and befeficial to both parents and baby, massaged babies are calmer, sleep better, and cry less.

There’s no special technique to massaging a baby. Find a carpeted floor in a warm room. Simply lay baby on a soft blanket or fabric. Get a little baby oil or a gentle lotion. Warm it in your hand. Then gently massage baby’s chest and tummy — using a gentle yet firm touch. Try to make eye contact and talk to your baby. Sing softly.