Remember 'TWAG' When Bathing Your Baby, Says Dermatologist

Moms in our community have shared with us before that they like to try a body wash or lotion first. The idea is if they don't get any adverse effects, then their kids can use it. 

However, when it comes to infants and toddlers, using products formulated for their skin is best, according to dermatologists.  

During a Facebook Live interview co-presented by SmartParenting.com.ph and Cetaphil Baby, dermatologist Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas explained why it's important to use baby products. "Yung balat nila mas manipis and they easily get dehydrated compared to adults."

What other parents are reading

Time To Change Your Baby's Formula Milk If You See These Signs, According To A Pedia

'Should I Wake Baby Up To Feed?' Pediatrician And Sleep Specialist Explain What To Do

Celebrity mom Mariel Padilla, the other guest in the interview, shared she always uses lotion meant for baby's skin on her kids and added she uses it herself.

"I am an OA mom, eh. Eh, di ba hinahawakan nila ako, yung isa [Gabriella who is 6 months old] feeling ko tinataste-taste nya pa ako. Feeling ko dahil safe para sa kanya and when she is holding sa akin, it's gentle enough for her." 

Dr. Robredo-Vitas approved Mariel's tactic. "Totoo yan, especially because you have a 6-month-old. Iniisp mo may ingredients na harsh. It's good you brought it up."

In an email interview with Smart Parenting, Mariel confided she once had an eczema scare when her eldest, Isabella, got rashes. Thankfully, it was not eczema, but she decided to change her cleanser and switched to Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash. "For Gabriela, I have been using this product since she was born."

What other parents are reading

Mariel Padilla Claps Back At Netizen Who Said It's 'Sad' That Her Second Baby Is A Girl

Mariel Padilla On Pregnancy Journey: Naubos Na Yung Ganda Mo, And It's Okay

Mariel has dry skin, and she is thankful her kids have not inherited her skin type so far. But she is continuously wary of dryness, especially when bathing her kids is the respite from the heat and humidity. So she always uses a gentle cleanser and follows it up with lotion.

What part of the baby's body is often susceptible to become very dry? Trials conducted for Cetaphil Baby Advanced Protection cream observed dryness on areas like cheeks, lips, elbows, and knees, Cetaphil business unit Head Jade Ponoc tells us via an email interview.

Ponoc adds persistent skin irritation can cause mood irritability and sleep disturbances among kids. He says Cetaphil Baby Advanced Protection cream can help reduce the discomfort of very dry skin, chafed skin on the face and body. With organic calendula (Calendula Officinalis flower extract) as an ingredient, this cream can hydrate and nourish skin up to eight hours.

What other parents are reading

Paano Sabay Maalagaan Ang Toddler At Newborn Na Walang Selosan

6 Kiddie Savings Accounts Moms Choose For Their Newborns (Savings And Insurance In One!)

Ponoc says too much humidity raises our risk for rashes and other skin irritation. Our skin also becomes more prone to host harmful bacteria that can cause infections.

Dr. Robredo-Vitas says "tamang ligo," "tamang paghugas," and moisturization are the best ways to make sure our children's skin can protect them from germs and environmental irritants.

She adds that dermatologists always remind parents to remember the acronym "TWAG" when bathing their kids. "TWAG is toe web, axilla (or armpit), and groin area. These areas are more prone to the accumulation of germs, microbes."

As Mariel quips, "Yung mga singit-singit!"

What other parents are reading

Dimples Romana Gives Tour Of New Condo: 'Lahat Ng Tiniis Kong Sampalan, Dito Napunta!'

Baby Photos Of 'Girl Dad' Erwan Heussaff And Daughter Dahlia Prove They Are 'Twins'

Distance Learning Bloopers! 13 Nakakatawang Photos Ng Mga Estudyante Sa New Normal

Have Regular BFF Sessions! Friendships Are Essential To Keep Your Sanity