Q: My 4-month-old sweats a lot. Is it safe to use baby powder on her?

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers.

Q: Hi! My little girl is turning 4 months old soon. When she was born, she had a little bit of jaundice, and the hospital told us to hold off on creams and powders for a while. I’ve been using some coconut oil on her skin, which seems fine, but I haven't tried any powder. The thing is, she gets SO sweaty, especially on her head and her little hands! 😥 I'm wondering if it would be okay to start using baby powder to help with the sweat? Her birth weight was 3.7 kg and she's about 7 kg now. Thanks for any advice!

A: You're doing a great job taking care of your baby’s skin! Here’s a quick guide:

• Jaundice and Skincare: At birth, the hospital recommended avoiding creams and powders to prevent irritation, which is common advice for newborns with sensitive skin.

• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a good choice for moisturizing—it’s gentle and natural. You can keep using it in small amounts as long as there’s no irritation.

• Sweating: It’s normal for babies to sweat a lot on their head and hands. To help, dress her in light, breathable clothes, keep the room cool, and avoid over-layering.

• Baby Powder: Baby powder isn't recommended for babies, as it can cause breathing issues if inhaled. Both talc and cornstarch powders can irritate a baby's lungs.

• What to Do Instead: Continue with coconut oil to keep her skin soft. Pat her skin gently with a cloth if she sweats. Use loose, breathable clothing.

In short, avoid baby powder, stick with coconut oil, and keep her cool and comfortable. If you’re ever concerned, reach out to your pediatrician!

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

iOS - AppStore, Android - Google Play

https://fevercoach.us