Baby's Skin: What to Expect & How to Care for It

Skin Savers

What's good for baby's skin woes is subjective -- every baby is different. However, these have worked for parents in the American Baby Group:

• For itchy skin: Aveeno Soothing Baby Bath Treatment ($5; drugstores). Sprinkle this powdered oatmeal into baby's bathwater, or wet some of it in your hand and smooth it right onto baby's itchy spot while he's in the tub. You can see the relief on his face.
• All-purpose: Aquaphor ($5-$17; drugstores). This has cured eczema, dry skin, and even a mystery rash from one baby's umbilical cord. It prevents diaper rash, and the big tubs cost less per ounce than diaper rash ointment tubes. (Baby Aquaphor is the same as Aquaphor, just sold in the baby aisle.)
• For cradle cap: Gentle Naturals Cradle Cap Treatment ($7-$9; drugstores). If an infant has scaly, shedding skin on his head, this calendula-based oil removes it fast and gently.
• For chapping under the nose: Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Remedies Cold and Sinus Therapy Lip & Face Balm ($6; Bath & Body Works stores). This balm, though not made specifically for children, soothes the chapping caused by a runny nose.
• For general rashes: Weleda Calendula Cream ($8-$10; usa.weleda.com). This all-natural, great-smelling barrier cream is a favorite for preventing rashes on baby's face caused by teething or drooling.
• For tough diaper rash: Triple Paste ($8; amazon.com, specialty stores). It's hard to find and fairly pricey per ounce, but we suggest keeping a tube on hand -- it's the best cream for clearing up a bad diaper rash, before a yeast infection sets in.

Originally published in American Baby magazine, March 2005.