As the summer heat truly kicks in, parents in Oman will be searching for ways to keep their babies cool and protected.
Summer is rolling in, bringing with it along long, hot days and plenty of sunshine in Oman. This can be a wonderful time to spend bonding with your little one, but it’s also important to be mindful of your baby’s delicate skin in this warm and sunny climate.
Typical summer skin concerns we see in the region for babies include sunburn, dehydration, heat rash, and eczema flare-ups.
• Sunburn: A major concern. Unlike adult skin, a newborn’s skin is much thinner, approximately 20-30% thinner, making them more susceptible to sunburn. A sunburn can be painful for your baby and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
• Dehydration: Hot weather can cause babies to lose fluids quickly, leading to dehydration. This can worsen skin problems and make your baby cranky and fussy. Signs of dehydration in babies include infrequent urination, dry mouth, and listlessness.
• Heat Rash: Also known as prickly heat, heat rash is a common skin irritation that appears as tiny red bumps, often in areas where clothing covers folds of skin like the neck, groin, and diaper area. Heat rash is usually uncomfortable but harmless, and it goes away on its own once your baby cools down.
• Eczema: Summer heat can worsen eczema symptoms in babies, making the itchiness and irritation more intense. If your baby has eczema, talk to your paediatrician about ways to manage their symptoms during the summer months.
Healthy skin acts as a shield, protecting babies from harmful environmental factors like irritants, germs, and bacteria. It also plays a vital role in regulating their body temperature and allows them to explore their world through touch.
Caring for Your Baby’s Skin This Summer
With a deeper understanding of newborn skin, parents need to make informed, educated decisions about their baby’s care routine.
• Gentle Cleansing: Harsh cleansers can harm the delicate balance of a baby’s skin. Choose mild, gentle cleansers specifically formulated for babies that are free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. These ingredients can irritate your baby’s delicate skin.
• Moisturizing is Key: Regularly applying a gentle moisturizer helps prevent dryness and maintain healthy skin hydration. Look for mild, pediatrician-recommended moisturizers. These products help replenish natural oils and create a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
Expert Tip: Apply moisturizer after bath time while your baby’s skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.
• Sun Protection: A newborn’s skin is highly sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, especially in the strong sunlight of the region. Unlike adults, babies don’t have enough melanin, the pigment that protects skin from sun damage. Keep babies out of direct sunlight, particularly during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm. When outdoors, use protective clothing with a wide-brimmed hat and consider a stroller shade. Sunscreen can be used for babies over 6 months old, following pediatrician guidance and choosing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin.
• The Power of Touch: Gentle touch during bath time, diaper changes, and other routines not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also plays a role in healthy development.
Proper care for a baby’s delicate skin goes beyond just hygiene. It lays the foundation for lifelong healthy skin and overall well-being. By understanding the unique properties of baby skin and implementing a gentle care routine, parents can ensure their little ones thrive in their new world.
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About Johnson’s Baby:
Johnson’s Baby has been a trusted partner in baby care for over 125 years. Our commitment to research and development ensures their products are gentle and effective for a baby’s delicate skin. Learn more at https://www.johnsonsbabyarabia.com/en
Dr Nahed Sabry – Johnson’s Baby Hospital Education Manager
