One of our ultimate goals as mamas is to make sure our little ones feel nurtured and loved. Did you know that the power of touch can do wonders for your baby? Moreso if it creates a strong bond between you and your child.
Daily rituals—such as during bath and bedtime—allows you the opportunity to create a safe and comforting environment for your new bundle of joy. At the edamama Family Expo, we learned more about how we can create healthy rituals for our baby’s positive development.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion led by Mama Aileen Ongleo, president of the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines, and Mama Beverly Castillo, founder of the First Time Moms PH community:
1.) Adult skin vs. baby skin
According to the nurse mama, infant or baby skin is 30% thinner than that of an adult—hence, it’s more prone to rashes and irritations. That’s why it’s important to have specific products that provide that much-needed protection and nourishment for your baby’s delicate skin.
2.) How to take care of baby’s sensitive skin
Baby’s skin needs lots of tender loving care from us. Mamas are advised to do these three (3) important things: massaging, cleansing, and moisturizing. You can use an oil or lotion to give them more comfort.
3.) Massage techniques
Nurse Aileen showed the audience the different techniques mamas can use to soothe their baby’s skin through a gentle, loving massage. Do any of these before bath time and apply gentle pressure to avoid tickling or distracting the baby:
a. Back and forth massage: With the baby on their stomach, massage them going up, going down, then going up again.
b. ‘I love you’ massage: Gently with your fingertips and some parts of your fingerpads, do the I, L, and U strokes on your baby.
c. Rolling up technique
4.) Safe bath time rituals
Ensure wash time for our little ones is as safe as possible by following these steps:
a. Wash the face with cotton. Start near the eyes, then inner to outer parts of the face: gently stroke the cheeks, forehead, hair. Then wash the body.
b. Dry the baby so they don’t feel cold.
c. Swaddle before putting them back in their crib.
5.) How to protect the skin of older kids
Older kids are more active and have more activities. But even older children have delicate and sensitive skin so bar soaps are not recommended. Instead, use gentle products that are approved by dermatologists, pediatricians, and ophthalmologists.
