Baby Dry Skin

My daughter had really dry skin after we starting bathing her and the pediatrician recommended using dove bar soap instead of Johnson's. She is now 3 months old and has beautiful smooth skin and we bath her with dove bar soap everyday.

Whew! How things change. I remember when we were not to use soap or a cleanser on newborns skin. We "washed" them by wiping their skin with baby oil on a cotton pad. I don't remember dry peeling skin but perhaps it was because we did not use cleansing agents that dried the skin. Seems like using oil is the natural way to go.

Yes, it is very normal for a newborn to shed their top layer of skin as they dry and get accustomed to a non-water environment.

As for the statement on organic products - I'd really suggest asking your pediatrician what they'd recommend. Ours recommended Aquaphor because it's proven to be safe for infants. If you do choose an organic product, make sure it's registered with the FDA (many are not despite being available at reputable retailers).

Our daughter's dermatologist recommended Vanicream, a very good, thick and non-irritating lotion at 12 months for eczema. It's over-the-counter and has helped control it by applying once/day immediately after baths.

In the end, ask your pediatrician. Also, ask for a copy of "Your Baby's First Year". It should be free from the Pediatrician's office and should be updated.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also has a parenting website that is current with all of their policies on most topics related to rearing children:
healthychildren.org

Don't use lotion unless its organic and doesn't have the bad chemicals in it.
Use olive oil or almond oil- safe, natural and WONDERFUL for your little one's skin! :)

Yes, very normal!
It will probably resolve in a few weeks.
I found it helpful to massage my babies with a little olive oil. Sounds funny but it's a safe product free of nasty chemicals. And it does wash out of clothes and towels.
Your baby will have that soft skin very soon!

Newborn skin goes through many changes and it's normal. It can be drying and peeling or baby acne as opposed to a rash. Try not to use anything that's too drying for his skin when you wash him.
I never heard of using olive oil on babies, but pure mineral oil massaged into the skin is really nice too. Rub it on your hands to keep them soft because you likely are washing them alot with a new baby. Plus, you want to keep your hands soft for handling that delicate skin.

Yes, it's normal. After giving the baby warm washcloth baths with lightly soapy water, massage the whole body with a baby lotion. Not only will it help with the dry skin, but babies love the massage and it's great for bonding and calming them down even.

yep it's normal.
Try not to give baby too many baths. that can dry their skin out and then use some baby oil or aveno skin lotion on baby.

Yes, just keep the baby skin mositurized after every bath.

Totally normal. It can look like they are molting all thier skin off. They are just adjusting to life outside the womb. I personally chose not to use any lotion on a regular basis. A lot of them have stuff in them that can make it worse. Baby is probably not even bothered by it. I would do like the person below said- olive oil. Or here is a website that has info on safe products: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

Not that I know of... they will dry out really quickly though. Try putting baby lotion on him a few times a day & always after bath. If it doesn't clear up soon - call his doc & see if there is anything else you can put on him to help him out.

Congratz on a little one!

Yes! Let it run it's course. It may last a few days to a week from what I can remember. congrats!!