There’s no doubt having a sweet little baby is a whole different feeling. That fresh baby smell, cute little cheeks, that unbelievably soft newborn skin – there’s just nothing else like it. But, along with all the cute little perks comes a whole lot of responsibility too.
After being all cozy and snug inside Mama's belly for nine months, suddenly that paper-thin newborn skin gets exposed to the harsh elements of the outside world. In this blog, we're going to talk about how to lovingly care for your sweet newborn baby's skin to keep it calm, cozy, and healthy.
The Ayurvedic Way of Caring for Baby
Okay, so first thing first when adopting any Ayurvedic practice for your infant – always opt for the simplest, most minimalist approach possible. We're talking about natural oils, lotions, and plant-based products free from any harsh additives or questionable chemicals your baby's brand-new body definitely doesn't need.
Do you know why? Well, Ayurveda's core belief is that human bodies basically arrive at birth in their most perfectly balanced state. However, that pure alignment often gets disrupted as we grow older through poor diets, toxin exposures, and stress factors.
So according to Ayurvedic practices, the ideal self-care routine aims to preserve and extend that precious newborn balance for as long as possible. Overexposing their fragile systems with too many strong additives, artificial scents, or harmful ingredients is a major no-no when it comes to their delicate skin.
Ayurvedic Baby Care Tips for Tender Skin
1. Nourishing Oil Massage
One of the wonderful ways to nurture your baby’s skin is by giving them a full-body massage using natural oil. You know, a full-body massage gives so much more than just moisturizing – it improves blood circulation, helps digestion, enhances sleep, and creates a profound bonding experience.
For massaging always use a high-quality, natural, and plant-based oil like sesame, coconut, olive or sweet almond oil. These oils are recommended in Ayurveda for their nourishing yet gentle properties perfect for tender baby skin. Gently warm the oil by rubbing it between your palms first.
Undress your baby down to just their diaper and lay them on a soft, clean towel or blanket. Pour a generous amount of the warm oil onto their belly and chest area. Then, using long, gentle strokes, start massaging. One hand should remain anchored on the body while the other does the massaging work.
2. Ultra-Gentle Bathing
Upgrade your baby's bath time to be more nourishing using Ayurvedic principles. Instead of harsh soaps that strip protective oils, use an ultra-mild herbal cleanser with soothing ingredients like brahmi, calendula, chickpea flour and rose water to create soft lathers.
After bathing but before patting fully dry, massage their whole body again using long strokes with warm sesame, coconut or olive oil - this ancient "snana sneha" step provides moisturization while boosting strength.
3. Soothing Touch Therapy
According to Ayurveda, gentle massaging and pressing on a baby's palms, feet and hand/foot areas provides wonderful soothing benefits. This "touch therapy" is believed to aid digestion, calm the nervous system, and relieve discomfort.
Include this technique into your daily massage routine by spending a few minutes gently pressing between each finger and toe in circular motions. Apply light squeezing pressure to the energy points on their soles and palms.
Not only does this part of the massage further enhance bonding, but it helps regulate vital functions in your newborn's body.
4. Moisture-Sealing Powders
In addition to using them after bathing, Ayurveda recommends other ways to harness the powers of ultra-fine botanical powders for sealing in moisture and protecting sensitive skin.
Lightly dust a pinch of sandalwood or chickpea powder around the navel area and gently massage - this is thought to aid digestion. For the diaper area, a dusting of neem powder can help prevent rashes by absorbing moisture.
You can also use DIY powders made from finely grinding herbs like lavender, chamomile or rose petals as an all-over body powder alternative.
5. Sun Protection
While some gentle sunshine provides valuable vitamin D, overexposure to sun rays can damage your baby's delicate skin. Ayurveda offers some great natural sunscreen options:
- Coconut Oil: Rubbing coconut oil all over baby's skin before sun exposure creates a gentle barrier and provides antioxidant protection.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Applying a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel lends light UV defense while deeply hydrating and soothing skin.
- Rose Water: Misting baby's skin with chilled rose water helps hydrate and deflect excess heat from the sun's rays.
Be sure to keep sun exposure minimal in those first 6 months. Wide-brimmed hats and lightweight long sleeves offer added UV shielding.
Conclusion
Here's a golden rule of baby care - when it comes to their sensitive and delicate skin, simple and minimal is best! You don’t need to buy the complete store of baby care products. Instead, stick to basic, all-natural ingredients you can find in the earth's gardens. Handle your little one with safety and care when massaging or cleansing. And most importantly, shower them with your love and affection whenever possible.
By nurturing your newborn through Ayurveda's wisdom, you're not just caring for soft skin on the surface. You're imparting balance, nourishment, and reassuring love into their entire wellbeing - setting a strong foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing.
So, start ayurvedic baby care today, and you’ll be amazed by how calm, comfortable, and pampered your infant feels!
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FAQs
1. What is the Ayurvedic approach to baby skincare?
Ans. Ayurveda recommends a minimalist approach using natural, plant-based products free from harsh additives or chemicals to preserve the baby's natural balance.
2. How can I give my baby an Ayurvedic massage?
Ans. Use natural oils like sesame, coconut, or olive oil. Warm the oil between your palms, then use long, gentle strokes to massage your baby's body, keeping one hand anchored while the other massages.
3. What should I use for bathing my baby according to Ayurveda?
Ans. Use an ultra-mild herbal cleanser with soothing ingredients like brahmi, calendula, chickpea flour, and rose water instead of harsh soaps.
4. How can I soothe my baby using touch therapy?
Ans. Gently massage and press on your baby's palms, feet, and hand/foot areas in circular motions. This is believed to aid digestion, calm the nervous system, and relieve discomfort.
5. What natural powders can I use on my baby's skin?
Ans. Use sandalwood or chickpea powder around the navel area, neem powder for the diaper area, or DIY powders made from finely ground herbs like lavender, chamomile, or rose petals.
