Caring for the delicate skin of a newborn is one of the main tasks of young parents. The fact is that due to the subtlety skin there is an air exchange of the baby's body and how clean and moisturized the baby's skin will be, significantly affects this process. The protective properties of the skin during the neonatal period are very weak and require constant help in case of damage in the form of peeling and inflammation. The baby's skin needs not only to be cleaned and nourished, but also to artificially create an additional layer that will protect the dermis from diaper rash and microorganisms.
One of the commonly recommended newborn skin care products is sterile oil. It is used to prevent the appearance of diaper rash, helps to effectively remove serum in the folds of the skin and perineum, and is used to massage and treat the scalp and baby body after bathing. Vegetable oils have high biological activity, are natural antioxidants, contain vitamins and fatty acids. The lighter the structure of the oil, the better for the baby's skin, therefore, pediatricians do not often recommend using synthetic oils (paraffinic, vaseline), and "heavy" vegetable oils are asked to be used in moderation.
Baby skin care oil is definitely a must-have in mom's arsenal. It really helps to cope with crusts on the head and behind the ears, saves with dry skin and its slight redness. For my child, I took baby oil with calendula, sea buckthorn and cedar extract, which is intended for massage. Since there was not much generic lubricant on the child's body, I did not process the folds with oil, but for the crusts on the head and behind the ears it fit perfectly. Now I understand that it was worth, firstly, to limit myself to a small bottle, and secondly, to find oil without fragrances, since my daughter still had a slight redness after another contact with oil. I think that with next child I will be using more natural oils.
In stores and pharmacies today there is a huge assortment of oils, most of which contain perfume, additional components or fragrances. Despite all the assurances of the manufacturers, such oils can still cause allergies in the newborn, therefore it is safer to prepare the oil for processing the baby yourself. How to do this will be described below.
How to make sterile oil at home
Since oil is required from the first days of a baby's life, it should be prepared during pregnancy. So, to prepare the oil for treating a newborn, you need a good olive oil first spin. You can also use unrefined sunflower oil, although it is considered coarse. In addition, a container is needed - small glass bottles or jars with a lid, which should be sterilized first. The selected oil must be quality tested. To do this, it is poured into a glass and left for 30 minutes in a dark place. If a sediment has formed in the oil during this time, you can use it. If flakes appear, it is better to abstain.
Sterile oil is prepared in a water bath. The raw material is poured into a small open container, which is placed in a saucepan with slightly warmed water. The water should be slightly above the level at which the oil is poured in the can. After boiling water in a saucepan, wait about 5-7 minutes, stirring the oil constantly with a wooden stick to warm it up better. This time will be enough for the oil to become sterile. Store the product in a dark place.
How to use sterile oil to treat a newborn
Sterile oil is used:
- to cleanse the nasal passages;
- for the treatment of the auricles;
- to lubricate the flaky skin of the baby;
- to remove generic lubricant;
- for the treatment of diaper rash with slight redness.
The baby's nose is cleaned with cotton swabs dipped in oil, the auricles are treated only from the outside with a cotton swab with oil, and generic lubrication, peeling on the skin and milk crusts on the head are removed with oiled cotton pads.
Buy today baby remedy industrial production in the store presents no problem. However, there are mothers who prefer the tried and tested grandmother's way - to boil the oil on their own. This makes it sterile and ideal for treating the folds of the newborn.
Store products for children are praised in every possible way by manufacturers, but very often they contain additional components, fragrances and fragrances that can cause allergies in an infant. Sometimes the crumbs have a reaction even to a hypoallergenic product. With sterilized oil, such a problem will definitely not arise.
The skin of the newborn is very delicate, it will provide gentle and gentle care for it. It contains useful biologically active substances, fatty acids, vitamins and is a natural natural oxidant. Many pediatricians still advise the first time to process sensitive skin the child is exactly like this, and it is recommended to sterilize the oil at home. So the mother can be completely confident in the product she has received.
For the care of a newborn, the best is olive of the first cold pressing or unrefined sunflower.
In order to sterilize the oil, you will need a large saucepan, a glass jar, and the oil itself. It should be boiled in a water bath:
- Pour water into a saucepan, and pour oil into a glass jar. Put a rag at the bottom of the pan, and put a jar on it. This is to ensure that the glass container does not crack during the sterilization process. You can not put the jar in boiling water, heating should occur gradually.
- The saucepan is put on fire and brought to a boil. After that, the fire is removed to a minimum. Thus, the oil can be boiled for 5-30 minutes. Sterilization is carried out by heating; only water should boil. If the oil boils, it will ignite, this should not be allowed. In case of fire, you need to close the pan with a lid, thereby removing the flow of air, so the fire will soon go out. Do not extinguish oil with water, chemical reaction and explosion may occur.
- Then the sterilized product must be cooled to room temperature, closed and stored in a dark place. All is ready.
How to apply sterilized oil
Newborn care oil can be used in the following cases:
- They can lubricate the crusts on the baby's head, so they will pass faster.
- It's great.
- It can be used to clean the nose and ears of the child.
- It is good for them to treat the skin folds of a newborn to prevent diaper rash.
- It will help to remove the remaining generic lubricant on the skin of the crumbs.
But do not use oil too often, but only when necessary. It forms a film on the baby's skin, which, although it is protective, does not allow air to pass through. Baby oil should be in the arsenal of baby care products. And mom decides to choose a store or sterilize it herself.
Caring for a newly born baby brings a lot of joy and a lot of questions. For example, should you use baby oil and which one is best for your baby? Why do some mothers boil it and how to do it right? Let's talk about all this in order.
What is oil used for
The daily care of a newborn includes treating the wrinkles. In these places, diaper rash most often appears, because it is warm and humid. When the baby is actively moving, friction can damage delicate skin, which leads to inflammation and redness.
Therefore, we lubricate the newborn with oil. First, behind the ears, then we process the cervical folds, go down to the armpits, and then move on to the elbow folds and small folds on the palms. We process the legs from the bottom up, starting with the fingers and gradually moving to the ankle joints. Don't forget to lubricate under the knees and groin creases.
Don't overdo it with butter. Of course, it perfectly moisturizes, but too frequent use of it deprives the skin of the ability to "breathe", which is also bad. Therefore, we use it without fanaticism, in moderation and as needed.
Vegetable or store-bought?
The main criterion when choosing an oil is its tolerance by the baby and the appropriateness of the purchase.
Today, there are many childcare products. Such cosmetics for children are usually standardized, they are hypoallergenic, adapted specifically for use in infancy. It will not be difficult to buy cosmetics from famous brands. However, even the most advanced and hypoallergenic remedy in individual cases can cause skin irritation. You can also use ordinary vegetable oil, sunflower or olive oil, for example, for lubrication. It has several advantages:
- saves financial costs;
- does not cause allergies;
- does not contain fragrances and other chemical compounds;
- it is possible to sterilize the oil.
Why boil
This is done just for sterilization. However, many mothers doubt the advisability of such actions, and this is quite logically explained. The fact is that the oil is used externally, not internally. In addition, it would be correct not to place the baby in a "sterile" world, because real life does not imply such conditions.
But if you do decide to boil it, this is your personal choice and there is nothing criminal in it. It is only important to learn how to properly perform this procedure.
How to do it
The advice to boil the oil does not mean that it should bubble up like plain water... Our goal is to sterilize it, and for this it is enough to warm it up in a water bath.
The water should boil, not the contents
To boil properly, you will need the actual butter of your choice, a large saucepan, and a container for boiling (a glass jar will do).
Instructions:
- Pour water into a large saucepan. Pour a small amount of oil into a glass jar or bottle and place in a saucepan. You can put a cotton cloth on the bottom of the pot. It will serve as a kind of interlayer and will prevent cracks in the bank. The oil jar should warm up gradually. Do not place the container in already boiling water.
- Put a saucepan on gas and bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat. It is recommended to boil from 5 minutes (minimum) to 30 (maximum). In this case, only water should boil, while the oil is sterilized by heating.
- After the specified time has elapsed, you can remove the container with oil from the water and let it cool down. Cool to room temperature, then screw it up and put it in a cool dark place.
The oil should not be allowed to boil, otherwise it will ignite. To avoid this, we make a water bath. If a fire does occur, do not try to extinguish the fire with water. At best, your experiment will end up with a black spot on the ceiling. The container with the burning liquid is covered with an iron lid from the pan, thus removing the access of oxygen. Without oxygen combustion, the flame will instantly go out.
Shelf life
Boiled oil after heat treatment is considered sterile for only a few hours. So, if you want to use sterile oil for the newborn, it is recommended to make a small portion and repeat this procedure as needed.
In any case, everything that is done by the hands of a caring mother for a newborn toddler transfers her love and tenderness to her own baby. Therefore, you decide to use vegetable oil, boiled at home, or purchased, the choice is yours.
Many parents find themselves in a rather difficult situation related to the choice of baby products for caring for their baby, and ask for advice on the most suitable remedy for this. Indeed, it is not very easy to understand the modern assortment of various creams, oils, ointments, powders. Or maybe you don't need to do this?
I want to remind you of one simple truth: "Everything new is a well forgotten old." Therefore, I recommend using the popular remedy of our grandmothers and mothers, which helped to cope with various problems on the baby's skin. This is petroleum jelly for newborns.
In terms of quality, it is in no way inferior to fashionable counterparts, and at a price it will be three times cheaper. So the question is: "Why pay more if the same result gives an excellent domestic remedy?" Let's get acquainted with its properties in more detail.
Vaseline oil - what is it?
Vaseline oil has been known for a long time. It was invented back in the 19th century for lubricating wounds and abrasions. It is a colorless oily liquid, which is a refined oil fraction obtained after distilling off kerosene.
No harmful organic substances or their compounds remain in the composition. This tool has no analogs identical in composition and structure. It includes:
- Liquid paraffin;
- Microcrystalline wax;
- Mineral oil.
Vaseline oil has a wide range of uses:
- applied to wounds, cracks in the corners of the mouth and on the lips, scuffs, diaper rash to prevent bacteria from entering the damaged areas;
- prescribed as a mild laxative;
- serves as a solvent for a number of injectable drugs;
- is the basis for many cosmetic and medical ointments;
- used to lubricate split ends of hair;
- used as a lubricant or impregnation agent.
Also, purified medical vaseline oil is also suitable for the skin of a newborn. See what properties it has:
- Does not contain impurities, fragrances and aromatic additives, therefore it is hypoallergenic and will not cause irritation even on the delicate skin of the baby;
- Does not affect the work of internal organs, it is completely removed from the body without accumulating in it, so there will be no harm to the baby;
- Creates a film on the skin that prevents moisture loss and prevents dryness;
- The liquid paraffin in its composition has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, which helps to heal wounds;
- Also paraffin softens the skin, protects against chafing.
Instructions for use
Consider the instructions for using petroleum jelly for newborns:
- You will need this tool even in the hospital. Doctors recommend using it to remove yellow crusts on the scalp of a newborn (read the current article: Scabs on the baby's head \u003e\u003e\u003e). Usually, they adhere firmly to the skin, but you cannot tear them off with a fingernail or with a thick comb. It is necessary to soften such crusts and they will easily peel off without much effort.
To do this, an hour before evening bathing, grease the crusts with vaseline oil and put a cotton cap on your head. After the time has passed, gently massage the scalp and start bathing. The crusts will disappear very soon.
- It is also well known that vaseline oil has such applications for newborns as prevention of diaper rash. If you often use diapers, try to lubricate all the folds in the skin in the groin area and buttocks each time before putting them on. But even without diapers, such treatment should be carried out after each washing;
- However, if you did not manage to do it regularly and irritation still appeared, then petroleum jelly can help in this case. It is necessary to lubricate the reddened areas on the body. This will reduce skin contact with clothing and prevent inflammation from appearing;
- Petroleum jelly is used in an enema given to an infant to relieve constipation. But to be honest - I have not yet met a baby on breastfeeding with true constipation. And I did not observe constipation in my 3 daughters either.
Contraindications, side effects
Liquid paraffin has contraindications:
- Individual intolerance. Rare but possible;
- Intestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction;
- Fever, fever;
- Pregnancy. The drug can cause uterine tone, that is, the likelihood of miscarriage increases;
- Any inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity.
Oil errors
The high efficiency of using petroleum jelly for a newborn can only be said if it is used correctly. To avoid mistakes, you need to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Vaseline oil creates an airtight film on the skin, which prevents it from "breathing" and interferes with perspiration. Therefore, it must be applied in a very thin layer and only on limited areas;
- Lubrication of the nasal passages of a newborn with this agent leads to a violation of the outflow of mucus and for these purposes it is better to use saline. For the correct handling of a newborn's nose, see the article: How to clean a newborn's nose? \u003e\u003e\u003e
- After processing the crusts on the head, the remaining oil must be thoroughly washed off;
- You don't need to use petroleum jelly as a laxative to treat constipation in a newborn. First you need to make sure that there are really problems with the chair!
- You also need to consider that a poorly treated or untreated substance is irritating to the skin. Therefore, for the child, it is necessary to buy only medical vaseline oil, which is sold in pharmacies.
Important! Do not forget about the shelf life of such a product. Once the bottle has been opened, its contents can only be used for 10 days.
What is the alternative to petroleum jelly?
A study of reviews on the use of petroleum jelly for newborns shows that parental opinions are mixed. Many are very satisfied with its efficiency and availability. However, some mothers are scared of its origin and categorically do not want to smear their baby with a “refined product”. It's up to you, my business is only to provide you with information.
Vegetable oil - how to cook it, sterilize it
Most often in folk recipes it is recommended to use vegetable oil for newborns. It is used to wipe the folds of the skin, places where diaper rash and crusts appear on the baby's head. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Vegetable oil must be subjected to special processing. You can do this procedure yourself at home. Let's take a look at how to sterilize the oil for use in newborns:
- Sterilize a glass jar and a lid to it;
- Pour 250 ml of oil into a prepared container and gently lower it into a saucepan with warm water. The water level should be 1 - 2 cm above the level of the contents of the can.
- Put the container on low heat. No need to cover the jar or saucepan! If water gets into the jar during boiling, it's okay, it will quickly evaporate;
- Sterilize within 20 minutes after boiling water in a saucepan. The contents of the jar should not boil! It needs to be stirred periodically with a wooden spatula;
- When bubbles appear on the surface of the oily liquid, the sterilization procedure is over;
- The oil needs to be cooled and it is ready to use;
- The sterilized product is stored in a glass jar with a tightly closed lid.
For sterilization, you need to choose only high-quality natural raw materials. It can be extra virgin olive oil or unrefined sunflower oil.
Peach oil for a newborn
Peach oil is also great for very young children. It helps to maintain normal baby skin condition. This remedy has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and toning properties.
You can use peach oil for a newborn for the following purposes:
- Eliminate dryness and irritation on the skin;
- Prevent the appearance of diaper rash;
- Clean the nose, soften the crusts that appear in the nasal passages;
- On its basis, prepare healing balms to relieve inflammation in case of throat or ear diseases, to treat skin problems.
You also need to sterilize the peach oil first.
Try to use as much as possible in caring for your baby natural remedies... And you should resort to them only as needed!
A newborn baby needs special care. Baby's skin is very delicate and requires careful handling. You have to take care not only of daily bathing, but also to process the baby's body after water treatments... What means to choose?
Option two - commercial cosmetics or regular sterile oil. Most moms use natural products. Let's talk about how to properly prepare an oil at home for application to a child's skin. Let's discuss different types oils and determine which is the most suitable.
Benefits of vegetable oil
Why is vegetable oil used for newborns? After all, it is much easier to purchase a product of a well-known brand. There are quality certificates for special baby oils. They are suitable for small children and are hypoallergenic. But even the best cosmetics has fragrances and other chemical elements. Yes, these products are designed and adapted for babies. But you cannot be completely sure that the skin of your little one will accept what you bought in the store. It happens that one of the components causes individual intolerance. As a result, irritation arises.
Purchased products do not need sterilization. However, doubts about quality and composition always remain. Save experimenting for the future. When it comes about a newborn, it is better to use natural products. Pros of vegetable oil:
- does not cause allergic reactions;
- you do not doubt its composition;
- subject to sterilization;
- does not require large expenses.
The choice is up to mom. If you decide to give preference to a natural product, you should choose the best option.
Why is a sterilized product in the house?
For a baby, you can take petroleum jelly, sunflower or olive oil. They are used for several purposes:
- for massage;
- to eliminate dry skin (15 - 20 drops in bathing water);
- for treating wrinkles in the skin to avoid diaper rash.
The massage is done with light movements. It is necessary to apply oil on the palm of your hand and stroke the baby's arms, legs, tummy, back.
Wrinkles are processed to. These places are humid and warm. In addition, friction arises when the toddler is actively floundering. Inflammation must be prevented. Which zones should you pay attention to?
- behind the ears;
- folds in the neck;
- armpits;
- elbow folds;
- palms;
- between the toes;
- under the knees;
- inguinal folds.
No need to cover the whole body daily greasy... The pores must breathe. Remember that extra zeal in this matter is not welcome.
Step-by-step instructions for sterilization
Before processing the body, you need to prepare the oil. How to sterilize newborn oil correctly? Everything is extremely simple:
- Pour water into a medium-sized saucepan;
- Fill the glass container with oil. A jar or bottle will do;
- Cover the bottom of the pan cotton cloth or folded in several layers of gauze. This will prevent cracking of the glass container;
- Put the vessel with oil in a saucepan with cold water. If the glass is immersed in a hot glass, it may burst. No need to cover;
- We heat the water, bringing it to a boil. At the same time, the oil will warm up;
- We make sure that the oil itself does not boil. Otherwise, it may catch fire;
- The duration of the sterilization process is approximately 20 minutes;
- While the water is boiling, stir the oil. Use a wooden spoon or stick;
- Add the evaporated water. Its level should be 1-2 cm higher than that of oil.
Storing sterile oil
Sterile Newborn Oil is used at room temperature. It is better to store it in the refrigerator. But before use, pour out a small amount and let it warm up. For example, you can take a small bottle or a glass.
You should not stock up on a sterile product. Better to re-cook as needed. 100 - 150 grams for one meal is enough.
Attention, important point! If the oil does ignite during sterilization, do not try to extinguish it with water. Just cover with a lid. The oxygen supply will stop and combustion will become impossible.
The above technique is suitable for all types of vegetable oils, as well as for which is a synthetic product. There are no other options. Do not boil oil directly in a saucepan or other dish over a fire. You won't be able to do this in the microwave either.
It is not difficult to make a product sterile in a water bath. Therefore, the search for other paths is not required.
There are a lot of oils on the shelves, which one to give preference to?
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In terms of varieties, all three of the above options are suitable. But it is still recommended to spend money on olive. Benefits:
- healing effect;
- excellent hydration;
- does not leave marks on clothes.
Pediatricians advise purchasing petroleum jelly for newborns. This product should be in your medicine cabinet. If not for permanent use, then at least for alternation with another. The baby will come in handy in such cases:
- for wiping skin folds;
- to remove crusts on the head;
- for the treatment of prickly heat;
- for processing the bottom when changing a diaper;
- for healing microcracks in the skin;
- to stop inflammation.
Vaseline oil is absolutely safe for the baby. It has an antiseptic, wound-healing effect, does not cause irritation, and serves as an obstacle to the reproduction of pathogens. Moreover, it is suitable for all skin types and perfectly retains moisture in the upper layers of the epidermis.
Is it necessary to sterilize
According to some mothers, a child needs to be taught from birth to environment... Quite right. However, newborn babies need special care. You shouldn't deliberately provoke contact of harmful microorganisms with delicate baby skin. Therefore, vaseline, olive and sunflower oils are sterilizable.
The time will come and the baby will receive his portion of bacteria and microbes. You can not even doubt it. In the meantime, the life of the little man is just beginning. And your task is to ensure maximum safety in the initial period.
