
Skincare Tips for Premature Babies: 10 Ways to Keep Their Skin Healthy
Skincare Tips for Premature Babies: 10 Ways to Keep Their Skin Healthy
Babies have tender and fragile skin, while premature babies, commonly called preemies, have even more fragile skin, therefore requiring extra care. Compared to full-term babies, their skin is thinner, easily irritable and more sensitive because it is not fully developed yet. This makes their skin prone to irritation, infection, diseases and allergies.
Preemies are in a developmental stage into babyhood and so is their immune system. The skin barrier plays a huge role in strengthening the immune system, as it protects them from infections, bacteria and other diseases that might occur as a result of a weak immune system.
Proper skincare protects the skin from pathogens and strengthens the immune system to fight infections and diseases. Caring for preemies’ skin requires the right skincare products and gentleness to keep them in perfect health.
Here are 10 ways to keep their skin healthy:
- Be Gentle When Bathing Your Baby
Limit bath times and days to avoid irritation of the skin. Premature babies require an occasional bath compared to full-term babies because of the texture and makeup of their skin. Their skin is thinner and more fragile; indulging in bath time might make their skin break, leading to dry and damaged skin, which might increase the risk of diseases and infections.
How to Safely Bathe a Preemie
- The best temperature in water for preemies is about 37°C or 98.6°F to avoid scalding their skin or causing cold shock.
- Fragrance causes skin damage and laboured breathing for babies. Use a fragrance-free, gentle and 100% natural baby cleanser to keep their skin protected, moisturised and clean.
- On non-bath days, opt for a clean, gentle cloth with warm water to cleanse their skin to avoid buildups. Pay attention to their armpits and diaper area to keep them clean and refreshed.
- Choose Hypoallergenic and Natural Skincare Products
Premature babies’ skin is still developing, leaving their skin barriers overly delicate. This makes preemies’ skin vulnerable to skincare products, either natural or unnatural ones. Using natural skincare products on them will prevent absorbing unknown harmful chemicals in skincare products into their skin, contributing to a strong immune system and healthy skin.
What to Look for in Baby Skincare Products
- Always opt for skincare products free of fragrance, chemicals, and dyes to prevent damage to preemies’ sensitive skin.
- Choose gentle hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested skincare for preemies’ delicate skin.
- Opt for natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera, which provide nourishment without harmful additives.
- Select pH-balanced baby lotions and cleansers to match the baby’s natural skin barrier.
Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Skincare Products
- Parabens may be harmful to preemies’ skin as they may affect their hormones and irritate the skin.
- Sulphates may be harsh on preemies’ skin, drying out their skin by disrupting the skin barrier.
- Alcohol is a drying agent that can disrupt preemies’ skin barrier.



- Keep Your Baby’s Skin Moisturized
Premature babies suffer dry skin conditions more than full-term babies due to the makeup of their skin, which is thinner and more sensitive. They lose moisture really fast, which dries out the skin and may result in damaged skin.
How to Properly Moisturize a Preemie’s Skin
Moisturising preemies’ skin with 100% natural oil/emollients or natural baby lotion keeps their skin healthy and supple. Applying these instead of synthetic oils will improve blood circulation and protect the moisture barrier of their skin. Avocado, coconut, and shea butter are all examples of natural moisturisers that keep babies’ skin in perfect health, especially when massaged into the skin, which also improves blood circulation and fosters healthy relationships between parent and child.
- Prevent Diaper Rash with Extra Care
Diaper rash is a common skin condition for babies generally. However, preemies require extra attention to prevent skin discomfort. It’s crucial to keep preemies’ diaper areas clean, moisturised and refreshed to prevent irritation.
How to Prevent Diaper Rash
- Change diapers frequently and also after any form of bowel movement to avoid skin irritation in the diaper area. Change diapers frequently, especially after bowel movements. Prolonged exposure to wetness increases the risk of diaper rash.
- It is best to use natural wipes or soak cotton clothing or pads in warm water to clean preemies.
- Use a natural emollient like shea butter as a protective barrier against irritants.
- Keeping babies in diapers all day may clog their pores, increasing the risk of breakouts. Giving preemies’ diaper-free time will allow their skin to breathe, allowing it to be refreshed and irritant-free.
- Dress Your Baby in Soft, Breathable Fabrics
Soft and breathable fabrics contribute to healthy skin. It prevents skin irritations and discomfort, leaving the baby relaxed.
Best Clothing for Preemies
- The best fabrics for preemies include a 100% organic cotton fabric that is gentle on the skin, soft and breathable.
- Opt for free clothing styles to avoid air restrictions for preemies.
- Choose clothes with soft seams and tags to avoid skin irritation and reaction.
Laundry Tips for Baby Clothes
- Wash baby’s clothes and other clothing materials with gentle and fragrance-free detergent.
- Steer clear off harsh washing materials like bleach, fabric softeners and many more to avoid skin irritation.
- Always rinse babies’ clothing thoroughly to remove residues that may irritate the skin.
- Maintain a Humidified Environment
Preemies are prone to moisture loss due to their fragile skin barrier. Moist environments are important for premature babies to maintain their skin barrier and prevent skin irritation, which may affect their health.
How to Keep the Air Moisturized
Humidifiers are important tools for preemies to keep their skin moisturised and healthy.
Keep babies out of direct air from a fan or air conditioning to prevent skin dryness.
Protect Their Skin from the Sun
Premature babies have even less melanin than full-term babies, putting their skin at a high risk of sun damage.
Sun Protection Tips for Preemies
- Keep preemies out of direct exposure to sunlight to avoid sunburn and skin damage.
- Keep babies properly covered to avoid exposure to the sun. Wear long-sleeved clothes and a soft hat to protect babies properly.
- Wash Hands Before Touching the Baby
Preemies have really weak immune systems that pose them at the risk of infections and diseases. Washing hands before touching preemies will prevent the transfer of germs and inhibit infections.
- Watch for Skin Irritations and Allergies
Preemies have weak skin barriers; watching out for skin irritations or allergies will enable prompt response to skin conditions. Symptoms like red patches, rashes, peeling, dryness and many more are signs of skin irritations on preemies. Proper skincare may tackle these irritations; however, if symptoms persist, visit a paediatrician for professional help. Signs.
- Be Patient and Give Their Skin Time to Develop
Preemies skin will definitely develop into a strong one with proper skincare. Patience and consistency are however required to see this result. Invest in gentle and natural skincare for perfect skin for babies.
These skincare tips will leave preemies’ skin strong and fully developed over time. Although this phase might be a bit overwhelming, you’ve got this mummy and daddy!