Oh baby! Keeping young skin clean and healthy. (bodycare).(Brief Article)

Taking care of your baby's sensitive skin is more than child's play.

A baby's skin is more fragile and holds less moisture than an adult's, plus it produces less melanin, the substance that helps prevent sunburn. It's also more susceptible to irritants, especially those found in soaps, creams and shampoos.

"Chemical preservatives and strong fragrances can cause irritation, dryness and allergies," says Susan Hussey, vice president of Aubrey Organics. "And they're just not necessary to include in baby products."

Your safest bet: Opt for natural products designed especially for infants, and follow a regular, simple skin-care routine. The following three-step program will keep your little one calm, comfy and beautifully baby-fresh.

Step 1. Bathing. How often you bathe your baby depends on the baby's age and the time of year. Newborns need to be bathed every two to three days, especially in the winter. Bathing more often than that can dry and irritate delicate skin. After the first few weeks, bathe your baby every other day in a sink or an infant tub filled with lukewarm water. Use an extra-gentle soap designed exclusively for infants, and rinse your baby thoroughly with clean water. Some to try: Aubrey Organics Natural Baby Bath Soap, Baby Bee Buttermilk Soap from Burt's Bees, Healthy Times Sunflower Baby Bar and Weleda Cab endula Baby Soap.

If your baby has a full head of hair, you can shampoo it at every bath. "No-tears" shampoos seem the logical choice, but they may contain ingredients that numb the eye, says Teresa Busillo, senior account director for Burt's Bees. And since infants have thin hair and sensitive scalps, strong cleansers aren't appropriate. Instead, use a natural baby shampoo with a coconut or other plant-oil base. And consider using a bar shampoo--it's easier to negotiate when you're bathing a slippery little body. Some to try: Aubrey Organics Natural Baby Shampoo, Baby Bee No-spill Shampoo Bar, Healthy Times Pansy Flower Shampoo.

Step 2. Moisturizing. It's essential to moisturize baby's delicate skin to protect ...