Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q – How is baby skin different from adult skin?
A – Baby skin is thinner than adult skin. It absorbs and loses moisture more easily too. As a result, baby’s skin is more easily irritated. A baby’s immune system isn’t fully developed either, making it more prone to skin infections than an adult.
Q – What is cradle cap?
A – Cradle cap is a very common skin condition found in perfectly healthy babies. Cradle cap is created when a newborn’s oil-producing glands become over-active due to hormonal changes. This results in dry, crusty patches on the scalp called “cradle cap”. Cradle cap is harmless, and it doesn’t bother your baby.
Q – What does cradle cap look like?
A – Cradle cap may range from a mild case that looks like dandruff to thick, yellow, crusty patches on the scalp, around the ear, or the eyebrows. See your pediatrician, though, if patches spread to your baby’s face or body.
Q – How common is cradle cap?
A – Very common. In fact, about half of all babies get cradle cap. It usually appears in a baby’s first few weeks and disappears over a period of weeks or months with proper care.
Q – How is cradle cap treated?
A – Cradle cap clears up quickly with Gentle Naturals® Cradle Cap Care—specially formulated to soften and moisturize and help remove thick crusty scales.
Q – What is eczema?
A – Eczema is a common skin condition that usually causes itchy, dry, red, scaly skin. It often starts as a rash on the cheeks, but then can appear just about anywhere on baby’s body. Often, eczema is a vicious cycle: the skin is irritated, it itches, your child rubs or scratches it, which makes it more inflamed and itchier.
Q – What causes eczema?
A – The cause of eczema is not fully understood. However, eczema does seem to run in families with a history of allergies and skin disorders.
Q – What triggers eczema?
A – Environmental factors can trigger eczema, such as heat, scratchy fabrics, common house dust, animal dander, or detergents. Sometimes, eczema can be an allergic reaction to baby’s food or milk.
Q – If I’m breastfeeding, can my diet trigger my baby’s eczema?
A – It used to be believed that even food in a nursing mother’s diet could trigger eczema. However, a more recent study found that there was no association between breastfeeding and eczema.
Q – Will my baby’s eczema ever go away?
A – Eczema usually improves or disappears from two to three years of age. For relief, try Gentle Naturals® Baby Eczema Cream and Eczema Wash, which are specially formulated for baby eczema.
Q – What are the signs of teething?
A – Your baby may bite his fingers or hand, cry at night and appear to be drooling a lot. These signs are common when baby is “cutting his first teeth.” And that’s exactly what happens in teething: baby’s first teeth must cut through the gum tissue, which causes some tenderness and soreness. Gentle Naturals® Homeopathic Teething Drops helps relieve the mild pain and irritability associated with teething.
Q – What is colic?
A – The cause of colic isn’t really known, although it’s believed colicky babies have sensitive nervous systems. Colic is usually defined by its hallmark symptom: seemingly endless crying spells.
Q – How can I tell if my baby has colic?
A – A “colicky” baby not only cries a lot, but may have what appears to be abdominal pain. He cries, sometimes screams, extends or pull up his legs, and passes gas. If your baby has colic, you may notice his tummy looks enlarged.
Q – What can I do for a “colicky baby”?
A – If your baby is colicky, relax and calm his stomach discomfort with Gentle Naturals® Tummy Soother. Our Tummy Soother contains only natural ingredients—which is soothing news to moms.