Soft, squishy, wrinkly, and new. Your baby’s skin is perfect when they arrive in this world. Skin conditions are completely normal in newborns, but unlike adults, you do have to be more proactive in order to prevent problems from getting out of hand. One of the key areas of concern is their neck. Thus, we highlight the best methods to keep baby neck rolls clean!
Why Do Skin Issues Occur On Your Baby’s Neck?
Your baby’s main job in their first year of life is to triple their birth weight! During this active growing period, their body changes rapidly and those folds of skin will quickly fade away. However, until they can hold their head up, you will notice wrinkles of fat on their neck.
These layers of skin tend to rub together when your baby squirms and nuzzles into a comfy position. This friction creates heat. When you combine this with spit-up, drool, and sweat, these neck rolls become the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. When this occurs, doctors will refer to the irritation as a drool rash or a yeast infection.
Thankfully, while this can look and smell horrible, it is a simple condition to treat. However, there are some easy ways to prevent it from ever occurring!
RELATED: The Ultimate Baby Essentials Checklist
Top 5 Ways To Keep Baby Neck Rolls Clean
Wipe Away The Problem
Your main prerogative is to keep the area clean and dry. However, your baby’s salivary glands develop as early as two months of age, which is when the drooling begins. This slobber only becomes exacerbated when your little one’s pearly whites are trying to emerge in the following few months.
Therefore, drying your child’s face when you notice drool dripping down is a tedious, and yet effective way to keep a drool rash at bay. However, if you don’t want to carry around a burp cloth throughout the day, a drooler bib can be your best bet! Remember to always remove this when you put them down for a nap, as loose clothing accessories can be a suffocation hazard.
In addition, make sure to get a wet washcloth and clean their neck rolls after every feeding. This is especially important if they spit up. Unlike regular drool, formula and breastmilk won’t just irritate the area, they will give any bacteria that is present food to help it grow.
PRO TIP: When you clean their face and neck, make sure to dab the area with gentle pressure. You can also use a squirt bottle to cleanse the region. In contrast, constant wiping can also cause their neck folds to become irritated.
Dress Them Appropriately To Avoid Overheating
Infants are prone to developing what is called a heat rash. As the name implies, their skin becomes irritated when they become too hot. If left unaddressed, this too can develop into a yeast infection. Heat rashes tend to appear in skin folds such as their elbows, knees, and neck.
Dressing your baby in loose-fitting clothes made of lightweight and breathable fabrics is key! Moreover, the summer heat can have a detrimental impact on their health so make sure that they remain in an environment that is cool.
Additionally, when their saliva is flowing throughout the day, you want to make a point to change their clothes regularly. Having damp fabric sit against their skin for long periods of time will cause babies with sensitive skin to develop problems quickly.
Prioritize Bath Time
We all want to smell fresh and clean, but when the drooling stage begins, it is imperative that you focus on regularly cleaning your baby’s neck. This can be easily done in the bath! Grab two washcloths, one to gently clean their neck folds with soap and one to help rinse the area.
Ensure that you are using soaps that are tailored for babies with sensitive skin. This means mild and fragrance-free varieties with minimal ingredients and no antibacterial products. This can help to lessen the irritation. Then, once you pull them out of the tub, pat them dry. Do NOT apply lotions to the neck area. This only moistens the folds, which can lead to a rash. Finally, let their skin breathe for a bit before putting on their pajamas!
RELATED: The Best Baby Bath Toys to Make Bath Time Enjoyable for Everyone!
Follow Sleep Recommendations
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that infants sleep on their backs, on a flat surface, and in an environment with temperatures ranging from 68 to 72 degrees. Furthermore, it is advised that bedding is not used in the crib or bassinet until after their first birthday.
By taking these measures, it ensures that they do not become overheated. This prevents them from sweating. It also allows them to elongate their necks while sleeping, something that does not happen in a swing or car seat. These measures are a fantastic way to keep their neck rolls clean!
Tummy Time Is The Best Time
Another reason why your baby can develop rashes in their neck rolls is that they cannot support their neck properly. Before they have the strength to hold their head up high, it will many times slump to one side or the other. This is normal. However, it can lead to rashes forming in the folds of their neck.
Tummy time is one of the best ways to help your baby build up the muscles in their neck, shoulders, and arms. This supervised playtime is highly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In fact, they advise that “beginning on the first day home from the hospital, parents should play with the baby two to three times each day while he/she is on his/her stomach.”
Remember to start slow. Newborns should only do this for a few minutes at a time (3-5 minutes). While this seems quite early, it is essential for building their fine motor skills. The ability to stretch out their neck and lift their head prevents their head from leaning to one side. Furthermore, by developing those muscles early, you can give them the latitude to move around sooner in life.
RELATED: Best Baby Play Mats and Gyms
Treating A Rash In Baby Neck Rolls
If you notice a rash occurring, it is important to contact your pediatrician to confirm the type of rash and how to treat it. Just because it is red and located in their neck rolls does not mean that it is yeast.
Contact dermatitis, eczema, heat rash, and yeast infections can all look extremely similar, but require VERY different treatments. Thus, you want an expert to take a look and prescribe the appropriate remedy to fix the problem. If it is a yeast infection, they will likely write a prescription for an anti-fungal cream.
They may also recommend applying a skin protectant, like Aquaphor, to prevent more drool from impacting the affected area. Remember to never use over-the-counter medications without explicit direction from their doctor. While you can buy an anti-fungal over the counter, the dosage instructions are tailored for an adult.
Moreover, certain medications can have adverse effects on an infant. Thus, take the time to confirm what products you can use and if you can mix them. Always err on the side of caution!
FAQs – How To Keep Baby Neck Rolls Clean
Why does my baby’s neck smell like cheese?
This scent occurs when breastmilk or formula drips into the folds of your baby’s skin. Spit-up residue can also make its way into their neck rolls. Just like spoiled milk, when left unattended, it begins to smell.
This is normally a sign that a yeast infection is already developing. This is why it is imperative that you gently cleanse these crevices after every feeding and whenever spit up occurs.
Can I put baby powder on my baby’s neck?
The AAP recommends against using this product. However, it has been noted to help with keeping skin folds dry, while simultaneously limiting friction. If you choose to go this route, remember to always pour the powder into your hand and then carefully apply it to the neck folds. You do not want to get this product in their mouth and eyes. Thus, a direct application should be avoided at all costs.
Thankfully, there are also some natural alternatives that can have the same effect without the worry of potential harm to your child. Cornstarch and baking soda can both work to absorb moisture!
Final Thoughts
There are so many random things that you would never think to do for yourself but are essential for your little one. Making an effort to keep your baby’s neck rolls clean is one of those tasks. Regular cleaning of the area is your best defense against itchy and uncomfortable rashes from forming.
Most importantly, if you do notice an irritation, address it with your pediatrician immediately. If left untreated, yeast infections will not go away. In actuality, they will worsen with time.
