November 17 is celebrated as World Prematurity Day. According to the WHO, around 15 million babies are born prematurely every year, meaning they are born before reaching 37 weeks of gestation. Premature babies are more susceptible to health problems, including skin problems.
Premature babies have thinner skin that is not yet fully developed and has a weak protective layer. This condition makes them more susceptible to irritation, diaper rash, and skin infections if not cared for properly (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020). Therefore, caring for the skin of premature babies requires special attention from parents and medical professionals.
Tips for Caring for Premature Baby Skin
1. Use Safe Care Products
The skin of premature babies is much thinner compared to full-term babies, making it very easily irritated. Therefore, you need to choose products that are truly safe.
Use baby soap, shampoo, and lotion labeled as hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, dye-free, and without harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates. Products with gentle ingredients will help maintain the baby's natural skin pH.
Menurut penelitian dalam Journal of Perinatology (2018), penggunaan produk bebas iritan dapat menurunkan risiko masalah kulit hingga 40% pada bayi lahir prematur. Jadi, jangan asal pilih produk, ya.
2. Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Antibacterial soap or cleanser with abundant foam may be good for adults, but it can actually be harmful to premature babies. Strong detergent content can erode the natural skin barrier, which is actually very much needed by babies.
Use a mild cleanser, soap-free cleanser, or even just warm water to clean the baby. This is safer and does not dry out the skin quickly.
3. Do Not Stay in the Water Too Long
Premature babies are very susceptible to losing skin moisture. Soaking for too long can make the skin drier and more prone to cracking.
Just bathe the baby for 5–10 minutes using warm water (not hot). After bathing, immediately dry the baby's body by gently patting with a cotton towel, not rubbing.
Additional tips: Bathing is not necessary every day. 2–3 times a week is sufficient, and for the rest, simply clean the baby's body with a soft cloth and warm water.
4. Regularly Use Baby Moisturizer
After showering, don't forget to use moisturizer. Moisturizer functions to lock in the skin's natural moisture so it doesn't dry out easily.
Choose a baby-specific moisturizer with natural ingredients such as ceramide, shea butter, or lanolin, which are proven to help strengthen the skin barrier.
Studi dari Pediatric Dermatology (2017) menyebutkan bahwa pelembab dapat mengurangi risiko dermatitis hingga 50% pada bayi prematur. Jadi, pelembab bukan sekadar tambahan, tapi sudah jadi kebutuhan utama.
5. Choose Soft Clothing and Diapers
Clothing for premature babies should be made from organic cotton or soft cotton that easily absorbs sweat. Avoid clothing that is too tight, as friction can cause the baby's skin to become chafed or red.
Diapers also play a significant role. Premature babies are more prone to diaper rash, so diapers are needed that:
- Soft on the surface
- Quickly absorbs liquid
- Not easy to leak
- Providing air circulation to keep the skin dry
For example, MAKUKU Dry Care has high absorbency and a soft surface, keeping babies' skin dry and comfortable for longer. With the right diapers, the risk of friction and skin irritation can be minimized.
Pay Attention to the Condition of Premature Baby's Skin
In addition to the steps above, parents also need to pay attention to the baby's skin condition every day. If signs such as:
· Kemerahan
· Lecet
· Ruam yang tidak kunjung sembuh
Immediately consult with a doctor or nurse. Every premature baby has special needs, so skin care should be tailored to each individual's medical condition.
Caring for the skin of a premature baby indeed requires extra attention. By choosing the right care products, maintaining skin moisture, and using soft diapers and clothing, the risk of irritation can be minimized.
Do not hesitate to always consult with medical professionals if there are any issues with the baby's skin. Remember, healthy skin will support the optimal growth and development of a premature baby.
