Nothing is sweeter than the soft, smooth skin of a newborn. Your baby’s skin is a protective barrier, too. It will continue to change through their first year of life.

Here’s how to keep it pampered and feeling good.

Do not bath frequently

You don’t have to fully bathe the baby more than thrice a week.. The rest of the time, sponge baths will do the trick.

You don’t even need to lather him up. Water everywhere else was fine.

Choose a mild liquid cleanser that won’t dry out baby’s skin or sting her eyes. Avoid bar soap and bubble baths. And remember to follow basic safety guidelines such as supporting baby’s head, and testing the temperature of the water on the inside of your wrist. Assemble your supplies beforehand, because a baby should never, ever be left alone in a bath. Not even for a second.

Block the Sun

Keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible. When out in the daytime, dress to cover and protect their tender skin.

Do not to take him out between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun is the strongest and can do the most harm.

Remember the diaper area

Diapered skin is often wet, exposed to a lot of friction from rubbing, and then there’s the poop. All can irritate baby’s skin. To take care of this sensitive area, change baby’s diaper frequently. Cleanse the area gently with disposable wipes that are alcohol- and fragrance-free, or a damp washcloth.

Let baby “air out” when possible, and use a barrier cream before strapping a diaper back on.

Be Careful With Baby’s Laundry

When washing baby clothes, use a detergent that is free from perfumes and dyes.

A rash could appear anywhere on the body that is covered by clothing or on the face, due to contact with bedding or parents’ clothing.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

The brand-new, soft baby skin needs to be moisturized just like mom’s and dad’s. Use a fragrance-free cream or ointment immediately after the bath to prevent dry skin.

Moisturize skin more frequently if it’s dry, during cold months, or if he has eczema.

Creams and ointments are preferred over lotions, which are more likely to irritate a newborn’s skin.

(There is more resource on the Johnson’s Baby website on taking care of baby’s skin, go to www.johnsonsbaby.com)