How to Care for Baby Skin

Breakouts

During the first month, you can expect a few breakouts on baby's face. These little white bumps, called milia, are caused by his immature oil glands. Leave them alone except for washing with water (no squeezing or soap) and they'll disappear. Infant acne is also common. Hormones are to blame, but not baby's -- Mom's! Residual maternal hormones circulating through a newborn's system can cause whiteheads and other infant oddities, such as the appearance of swollen breasts in both boys and girls. It should all be history in about six weeks.

Heat rash, or prickly heat, is a bumpy red rash that appears on baby's skin if he's overheated. An overdressed baby might get a heat rash on his chest, back, neck, or armpits. Loose cotton clothing will help, and unlike eczema, heat rash calls for more frequent baths.