One thing that surprises almost every new parent is how unpredictable their baby’s skin can be. One day their skin is soft and smooth, and the next day it’s rough, flaky, or covered in tiny bumps. Because a baby’s skin is still growing, it reacts quickly to hormones, weather, saliva, fabrics, and even detergent. The good news is that most skin problems in babies are common, go away on their own, and can be treated. Knowing what you’re seeing can help you stay calm and sure of yourself. Let’s review the most common skin problems babies have and how to treat them.

Why baby skin is so sensitive

After 9 months cradled in your womb with a protective layer of vernix, their skin is bound to have some issues out in the real world. More often than not, it has absolutely nothing to do with what you are doing. And everything to do with the fact that their skin is just being exposed to this new world they’re living in.

A baby’s skin is thinner than an adult’s skin, which makes it lose moisture more easily. The barrier that keeps irritants out and moisture in isn’t fully formed yet. That’s why babies are more likely to get dry skin or rashes. It’s also why things like eczema and cradle cap are common too. Hormone changes after birth, along with constant contact with drool, milk, and diapers, make it easy to see why skin problems happen so often in the first year.

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Dry baby skin and care

The first skin “problem” that your baby will probably experience is dryness. With the vernix starting to come off of a newborn baby, their skin will look like it’s flaking. It looks similar to an adult who has a minor sunburn that is peeling.

You may be inclined to put lotion on them regularly. But this is a normal occurrence for baby’s skin and doesn’t usually require consistent care.

Baby acne

Another early skin issue your baby may experience is acne. Baby acne usually starts out as small red or white bumps on the forehead, cheeks, or nose in the first few weeks of life. It doesn’t have blackheads as teenage acne does, and it usually doesn’t hurt or itch.

The most common cause is changes in hormones after birth. In most cases, baby acne goes away on its own in a few weeks or months.

Use warm water and gentle soap to wash their face. Don’t use heavy lotions or acne products made for adults. Save the washing for bath time only as too many irritants or friction to their face may make the problem worse.

Don’t worry! Baby acne looks worse than it is. It’s usually okay to let your baby run its course if it seems comfortable.

Cradle Cap: More common than you think

Parents often worry about cradle cap, especially when it shows up out of nowhere. It looks like greasy, yellow, or white flakes. It’s usually found on the scalp, and sometimes on the eyebrows or behind the ears. Cradle cap may look uncomfortable, but babies usually don’t itch or bother it.

It’s not clear what causes it, but it’s thought to have something to do with too much oil on the skin. Hormones that parents pass on to their babies may also be a cause.

Most of the time, treatment is easy. Using a mild baby shampoo and a soft baby brush to wash your scalp can help loosen flakes. Do not try to scrub it off as this could cause more damage than anything else.

If your child’s patches won’t go away, a pediatrician might tell you to put a little mineral oil on them before bathing.

Don’t worry! Cradle cap isn’t caused by bad hygiene and isn’t contagious. It almost always goes away on its own.

Diaper Rash: A common problem

When moisture, friction, and other irritants get on sensitive skin, they can cause diaper rash. It can go from a little red to more inflamed spots. Changing diapers often, cleaning gently, and using barrier creams with zinc oxide usually clear it up quickly.

Since you’ll be changing a lot of poopy diapers, pediatricians recommend use a misting squirt bottle as a sort of “baby bidet”. This will help you use less wipes per diaper. But it will also help with using less friction overall on this sensitive area which will help in limiting diaper rash. Just make sure after you spray the little baby bum, that you are drying the area fully.

Reusable cloth diapers from Esembly or organic cotton-lined disposable diapers from Kudos could both be beneficial in relieving some diaper rash symptoms.

Don’t worry! Almost all babies get diaper rash at some point. It’s all a part of the learning process.

Drool and Heat Rash

Drool rash forms around the mouth and chin because of constant moisture. A thin barrier cream can keep drool-prone areas safe. If you are trying to avoid creams on your baby, put a bib around them and dab their mouth and chin regularly when there is moisture. The drool will definitely start coming more frequently when they start to teeth!

Heat rash forms when sweat gets trapped under the skin and looks like tiny red bumps. This happens a lot during warm weather seasons, or in skin folds. Since baby’s can’t regulate their temperature at such a young age, make sure to keep a handheld stroller fan handy during outings.

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Both conditions get better when the skin is cool, dry, and clean.

Don’t worry! These rashes usually go away quickly once the cause is found.

Baby Scratching Behind Ear

Another thing your baby may be doing is scratching their ear or right behind it. A new parent’s first reaction may be to think that it’s a skin issue or an ear infection. But the answer may not even be skin related.

One very common cause for a baby scratching around their ear is actually their teeth! When babies’ teeth start to form, the discomfort of those growing teeth could cause them to itch around their ears as the two share the same nerve pathways.

Every baby experiences some discomfort from their growing teeth. Since this is not baby skin related, the care involved won’t even focus on the skin itself. Instead offer them teething toys or massage their gums with a cool washcloth. You can even offer them an over-the-counter remedy like the Organic Little Gums Soothing Massage Gel. It works great for my little one!

When to call the doctor about your baby’s skin and the care involved

Most skin problems in babies are not serious, but some signs need to be looked at by a doctor. If a rash is oozing, spreading quickly, making your baby feverish, or making them clearly uncomfortable, see a doctor.

Even so, if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and ask.

Pediatricians understand the worry and concern of first time parents. Baby’s are fickle things! And as such, they are happy to put your mind at ease. Call them even if you feel like you may just be overreacting.

Build healthy habits early

In the first year alone, a baby’s skin will go through many changes. There will be good days. And there will be flare-up days. But it’s important to remember that most baby skin conditions will just go away on their own without extensive care.

Gentle skin care routines are important. Pick products that don’t have any scent, wash new clothes before you wear them, and keep baths short. These habits are good for your skin health even after you stop being a baby.

Calm, consistent care is the most important thing you can give your baby, not the best cream or routine.