For Babies In Your Care.

A life so gentle, the first time we take them in our arms our heart surely skips a beat or two.

Their touch so pure and trusting, it is sure to melt even the most brutal of hearts.

Their smile so warm and magical, it makes us forget every woe of our existence.

And their skin so soft and delicate, we actually wish to protect them from all harms.

Babies indeed are a miracle of nature, the most precious gift of the Almighty, and once entrusted in our care the most valuable and serious responsibility.

It becomes our duty to protect, nurture, and strengthen them. Bring them up in the most loving and gentle manner, and make them worthy of being called humans. And this is not just the obligation of their parents, but also every adult in their circle.

I still remember the day my nephew was born and I took him in my arms for the first time. He seemed so delicate, and the way he nestled in my arms... It was a whole new definition of love for me. That day I became one of his protectors and the feeling will remain onto my death.

So, with the winter setting in and another harsh onslaught of weather just round the corner that is not mild even to us adults, the question of protecting the little ones becomes all the more important and trying. The blog prompt by Pampers to share 5 tips to keep babies skin safe was just the thing we needed.

Keeping up with its excellence, and commitment to child care, Pampers brings you the softest ever Pampers Premium Care Pants. Its cotton-like softness is #SoftestForBabySkin and allows it to breathe, thus keeping baby’s skin soft and healthy, and your baby happy.

And I, being a blogger who cannot let such a wonderful prompt go unanswered, have compiled my own set of tips (from experience, survey and research) to help adults in need to ward their young ones in the best possible manner.

* Remember, a baby's skin up to 3 years of age is most delicate and sensitive to its surrounding. The changes in weather and the products we use are are new to them, and it takes time and right amount of exposure to adapt for them. Also, they are completely helpless in protecting themselves, and their natural defences too are rather fragile.

So, The Big Five tips you need to care for your baby are:

• SHELTER.

Keep your child protected from direct sunlight, and blisters of winter,  especially for the first six months from their birth. The UV rays, heat of sun (especially from 10 a.m- 4 p.m) and winter chills are too harsh on their skin and may leave a lasting damage. So, keep them indoors as much as possible, and bundle them up tightly when you need to take them outdoor.

• MOISTURISE.

Babies' skin tend to dry and chap easily. So, ward them regularly with baby lotions and oils, especially soon after giving them a bath, and when taking them outdoor.

• GO NATURAL.

Artificial chemicals and synthetic products are harsh on their delicate skin, and may cause severe itching, irritation and rashes for your baby. So, use natural ingredients, and herbal baby-care products as far as you can help them.

• BATH TIME.

We love to bathe our child every day. It is a good habit as long as the weather is not too chilly and the water is warm enough. But REMEMBER THIS, keep the bath always quick and efficient. There is no scope of trial-and-error here, and there are multitude if other ways to bond with your child. Long exposure to water is not favourable to the child's delicate skin and may again cause severe irritation, rashes and dryness to the child. Keep the bath time for less than five minutes, and dry them off immediately.

• MASSAGE.

We all have heard of the benefits of good oil massage for the babies, and we all agree to them too. I too subscribe to this thought. Regular massage and proper technique not only aids in muscle growth and building immunity, but also ensures their skin remain moisturised, soft and well protected. Remember to choose your oil wisely- most preferably Coconut oil or Almond oil in general conditions and as base; Olive oil, Mustard oil, or Sesame oil for cold seasons; and Castor oil, Calendula oil, Chamomile oil or Tea Tree oil for hot or dry seasons. Remember to dilute the essential oils with a base oil mentioned above and be quantity wise too.

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But these are not all. I have more tips to share. Keep tuned in for my next instalment of For Babies In Your Care.