They say prevention is better than cure and when it comes to your children I definitely agree. A child suffering from a diaper rash is normally an unhappy child and will spread the discomfort unintentionally. We all have a tendency to fuss over babies and in the bargain we buy and feel the urge to use all available products on their delicate skin in the hopes of pampering them. This is the first cardinal sin. The key to caring for your baby is to keep the skin free of products and keep their skin as natural as possible. There are so many do’s and don’ts and if you think you have heard them all; well, think again.

In order to keep the child’s skin well moisturized and free from rashes creams and ointments are your best bet. These are thick in consistency and they have lower levels of water compared to lotions. Though lotions are easy to glide on they are low in oil and high in water content and therefore they are not the best option. In the case of a rash use an ointment or cream immediately after a bath or every time you clean the baby.

Baby powder is neither needed nor recommended. Though most of our parents used it on us; times have changed and so have treatments. Though talcum powders and corn starch has been used in earlier times to prevent diaper rashes and keep the skin dry they are no longer necessary. As a matter of fact; research has shown that using powder on tender skin increases the chances of the child suffering from breathing disorders and damaging the child’s lungs.

A new born baby has extremely sensitive skin and hence one must avoid using perfumed soaps and shampoos. You must also make sure that the temperature of the water they are bathed in is neither too hot nor too cold. The water can lead to rashes as well. Do not use any anti bacterial soaps or lotions unless recommended by the doctor. You must also make sure that their linen and clothing is washed with mild detergent. Washing the clothes in warm water is a good idea as it gets rid of all bacteria. You must also make sure that the baby is protected from the sun when they are outdoors. Use a sunscreen lotion specially formulated for babies and make sure that they are wearing loose clothing. Keep children in the shade as far as possible and cover their heads with a cap or a scarf when exposed to the sun.