FAQs
1.I am six months pregnant and have a craving for fast food. Will my diet affect my baby's skin?
Yes, you are actually feeding two persons now, your baby and you. Avoid an excessive intake of sugar and fats. A healthy growing environment for your baby even in the fetal stage is important.
Additional note: Your pregnancy diet is unlikely to have a direct impact on your baby's skin and a meal of fast food once in a while is generally harmless. Bear in mind however that fast food is often high in fat and calories with little nutritional value so as far as possible, you should try to maintain a healthy and balanced diet for optimum fetal development.
2.My skin is dry and oily. Will my baby inherit my skin type?
There is a possibility that can happen. Conditions like eczema do have a genetic predisposition.
Dr Neoh, Associate Consultant Dermatologist with the Singapore National Skin Centre said: Certain genetic skin conditions which cause dry skin, like ichthyosis can be inherited. Eczema is often associated with dry skin and it is known that eczema can run in families. Oily skin is associated with an increased activity of the oil glands (sebaceous glands) in our skin and the level of activity of such glands is often associated with a genetic predisposition.
3.Is it true that eating bird's nest during pregnancy will ensure that baby's skin will be smooth and fair?
Eating bird nest is not necessary and has no bearing on the skin.
4.Will eating organic food during pregnancy benefit baby's skin?
There are no known benefits that eating organic food during pregnancy would benefit baby's skin.
5.I intend to breastfeed. Will drinking coffee and tea cause my baby's skin to become dehydrated?
There is no firm scientific evidence to say that drinking caffeinated drinks cause dry skin in the baby. Caffeine in moderation does not seem to have any untoward effect on the breastfed baby.
6.What is the difference between ointment, cream, and lotion?
The thickness - or viscosity - of the product says it all. Compared to lotions, ointments and creams are higher in oil content and lower in water content, thus they appear thicker and sometimes greasy. Lotions, on the other hand, have higher water content, thus the tendency to be readily absorbed into the skin.
7.I've heard that I should just bathe baby on alternate days.
This may be true if you live in temperate regions where it is cooler. But for those residing in tropical countries, particularly in Asia where humidity is high and the climate is much warmer, babies should be showered once or even twice a day to keep them cool and fresh even if they may not perspire much.
8.When my baby cries, he sometimes breaks out into red spots all over his face and head. Why does it happen? Should I be concern?
Although it is difficult to define the exact nature of your baby's red spots without seeing it, babies often break out into heat rash or miliaria, which can occur when crying triggers the body's core temperature to go up or in warm environments. This is attributed to their immature sweat ducts which get easily blocked when an infant perspires. Crying is often an intense activity for babies and they often break out in perspiration especially in hot and humid conditions like in Southeast Asia. This combination of factors predisposes babies to developing heat rash. Heat rashes are often self-limited and you can prevent it by letting your baby wear loose fitting lightweight clothing and keeping his environment cool. Heat rash tends to go off when the skin cools off.
9.After cleaning the folds of the skin, my baby still smells in his ears, armpits, under the neck, etc. How can I get rid of the smell?
A cool airy environment is good for the baby. Otherwise the baby will sweat especially in the folds and that can cause skin irritation. Avoid excessive cleaning as it can cause irritation. Gentle frequent cleansing and application of soothing lotion are fine.
Additional Note: Dirt is easily trapped between the skin folds of a baby and requires daily cleaning to maintain good hygiene. Always pat dry baby's skin and allow to air. An odour could signify a possible yeast infection and you would want to pay attention if your baby skin is emitting a strong, foul odour that smells like rotten fish or if he smells fruity.
10.I tried to apply baby oil on my baby's cradle cap but he broke out into a rash which went away after a few hours. Is he allergic to baby oil?
What you described may be a reaction to the baby oil. Unless verified by a medical practitioner, it may be difficult to tell whether it is a true allergy. Meanwhile, it would be best to avoid using the baby oil.
Additional Note: To determine if the rash was caused by the baby oil, apply a tiny amount of the oil on your baby's forearm or back. Take care not to let baby ingest or inhale the oil. If a rash breaks out on the test site, it signifies a possible reaction to baby oil - or mineral oil which is the main ingredient found in baby oil. Clean the affected site thoroughly and do not apply baby oil on your child's cradle cap. Consult a doctor if the rash worsens or does not go away in a few days.
11.My baby has cradle cap. Can I scrape off the dead skin from his forehead?
Cradle cap may be related to overactive oil glands on the scalp. It is self-limiting and seldom persists beyond one year old. You may try to apply baby oil or olive oil on baby's scalp and then scraping off the scales with a soft brush, followed by shampooing off. There are also medicated shampoos to treat this condition.
12.Is it necessary to apply moisturiser on my baby after every bath?
The skin of an infant is delicate and sensitive, and prone to dehydration by harsh soaps and low humidity environments like having the air-conditioner on. Therefore, it is good to keep the skin well moisturized.
13. When can I start using regular toiletries on my child?
As a guideline, you should stick to baby-safe toiletries before your child turns three. Regular toiletries contain a lot more complex ingredients (and chemicals) than baby products and could potentially damage your child's delicate skin. There is no harm in sticking to baby soap, shampoo, and such, even after your child turns three.
14.I notice some loose skin in-between my baby's fingers and toes, sometimes they look black. Can I peel them off?
By loose skin perhaps you were referring to the peeling skin on your baby's limbs, which is quite common in a newborn and in which case you should leave it alone.
15.Can I apply calamine lotion on my baby to stop the itch caused by eczema?
Calamine lotion can relieve itch temporarily but excessive application can cause irritation and the skin to become dry. I would suggest bathing in mild non-soap cleanser, apply lots of moisturiser. You may need to apply topical inflammatory creams on the red, itchy patches occasionally.
16.Will applying cream daily cause my baby's skin to dry out?
Yes, especially if it has alcohol content.
17.Can TCM baby massage help to alleviate skin problems by relieving the "heatiness"?
No. An airy and dry environment is most important.
18.Is heat rash caused by my baby's body being too "heaty"?
No. Heat rash is due to hot and moist environment.
19.Will using cloth diapers reduce diaper rash?
Diaper rash is caused by excessive prolonged contact with moisture, urine and faeces. Increased moisture and dampness promote the growth of bacteria and fungus which cause this condition. There is no firm evidence to show that using cloth diapers reduces diaper rash compared to disposable diapers. You can prevent the development of diaper rash as long as cloth / disposable diapers are changed frequently to prevent prolonged contact with the irritating substances.
20.How do I know if the diaper is full/wet without opening it up?
Some diapers have an indicator which changes color when wet.
To check if your baby's diaper is wet, give the front of the diaper a gentle squish. The padded area of a diaper, for instance, contains a polyacrylate crystal which is the main absorbency material. When the diaper is wet, this turns into a gel, giving it a squishy feel. A full diaper looks puffy and feels heavy.
21.Are there any side effects on prolonged usage of a diaper rash barrier cream?
There are three main active ingredients in diaper rash creams: zinc oxide (being the most widely used), petrolatum and lanolin. These ingredients are found in different concentrations in different brands and have no known side effects.
22.Why do different size diapers have overlapping weight range?
Diapers are available in a range of sizes to suit every stage of development. Every Diapers pack features a weight range table to help parents select the most appropriate diaper for their baby. The weight chart is designed as a guide only with fit and comfort differing from child to child. This range is used as there is so much variation in baby's shape and build. This variance is reflected in the weight guide which shows a slight overlap between each of the sizes.
23.What is the proper way to wear a diaper?
1. Open out the diaper and slide your fingers down the side of the diaper to lift up the leak guards.
2. Lift your baby's legs up and place the clean diaper underneath (with the grip tabs at the back), so he is lying on it. The absorbent, soft side of the diaper should go against his skin, and the top edge of the diaper should be about level with the middle of his back.
3. Bring the front part of the diaper up between his legs and spread firmly around the tummy. If you have a boy, point his penis down in the diaper.
4. With one hand holding the diaper gently on baby, open up one fastener and attach it to the front fabric fastening. Repeat for the other side.
5. Reposition the fasteners, if necessary, to adjust the fit of your baby's diaper so they are comfortable. Double-check that the diaper is not too loose or too tight.
24.I have secured baby's diaper but why does it still leak when he does a bowel movement?
Ensure that you have chosen an appropriate sized diaper in the correct weight range. Then check to see if you have correctly fitted the diaper on with the leak guards lifted and double-check that the diaper is not too loose. A newborn baby produces a lot of gas due to an immature digestive system. This may cause bowel leakage, especially up the back of the diaper, so choosing a diaper with a soft-stretch waistband can help keep the stools in.
25.Is it necessary to change baby's diaper at every feed? How often should I change baby's diaper?
The general rule for newborns is to change your baby about as often as you feed him. A lot of mums will change their baby in the middle of each feed. However you usually do not have to do it at every night feed. In general, mothers with newborn babies use about 6 to 12 pieces of disposable diapers in a 24-hour period.
26.Will using a nappy liner on a diaper help me save money in the long run?
Nappy liners are designed for cloth diapers to catch stools so it eases laundry chores. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, are designed to absorb moisture and catch baby's bowel movements efficiently. By lining a disposable diaper, you are in fact spending more without achieving any added benefits.
27.I want to bring my baby for a swim. Are there waterproof diapers around? Where can I get them from?
Little Swimmers Swim pants are specifically designed for water activities. Unlike regular diapers which soak up water, becoming heavy and uncomfortable for babies, these Swim pants do not swell up in water even if your baby has a bowel movement in the middle of a swim. Little Swimmers Swim pants come in fun designs that can be worn under a swimsuit or alone, and are available for infants from 7kg to over 14kg at leading supermarkets.
28.Is baby powder good for baby's skin?
Be cautious when using powder on baby as the tiny particles may be inhaled, causing damage to the underdeveloped respiratory system.
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