Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion: a guide to choosing and using it

Is this lotion the right choice?

Use the full ingredient list and directions on your bottle to check this particular product before applying it. For a baby with dry skin, choose a fragrance free moisturizer rather than assuming that a baby product name settles the question. Moisturizers can contain fragrances and preservatives, and some ingredients cause contact allergy in people already sensitive to them. Do not assume that a lotion will suit sensitive skin simply because it is sold for babies.13

A lotion spreads easily, which is a practical advantage rather than a reason to give it every job in the bathroom. Choose the texture according to the degree of dryness, not just how quickly it disappears into the skin.4

How do you apply a baby moisturizer?

1. 1Use lukewarm water when bathing your baby. Choose a mild, fragrance free cleanser and rinse away the soap.
2. 2For eczema, wash only dirty or smelly areas, avoid scrubbing and keep the bath to five to ten minutes.
3. 3After bathing, wrap your baby in a towel for warmth and gently pat the skin dry.
4. 4Apply a suitable fragrance free moisturizer promptly after drying. Leave on moisturizers work best immediately after bathing.
5. 5Smooth the moisturizer gently over the skin rather than rubbing vigorously. Where hair grows, apply in the direction of growth.

How often should you apply it?

The following is general moisturizer guidance, not a product specific Aveeno schedule. Slightly dry skin can need only a light moisturizer at night. For babies with eczema, moisturize twice a day or as often as needed for relief. Reapply when skin feels dry or tight rather than waiting for the next bath. Very dry skin can need a richer moisturizer more frequently, so needing repeated lotion applications is a reason to reconsider the texture.124

What should you expect?

Moisturizers help reduce water loss from skin; the useful work is keeping moisture in, not giving the bottle an impressive vocabulary. Regular use can reduce dryness and support the skin's protective barrier. Moisturizers have their greatest therapeutic effect during the first six hours after application, which helps explain why repeated application can be useful. That is general moisturizer guidance, not an Aveeno hydration duration or a deadline for an eczema flare to clear.1

Does a newborn need lotion every day?

Many newborns have dry, peeling skin as the top layer sheds during the first few days and their natural protective barrier develops. Ask your health visitor about suitable care rather than automatically adding a lotion. If skin is dry after bathing, use a suitable fragrance free moisturizer or consider bathing less often.35

Newborns usually need bathing only two to three times a week, provided the diaper area is cleaned thoroughly at each change. Use sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed. Keep one hand on your baby throughout the bath. A moisturizer routine does not require a daily bath.3

Can you use a lotion for baby eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, can make a baby's skin dry, scaly and itchy. Moisturizers are part of eczema care, but a fragrance free thick cream or ointment is generally more effective than a lotion. Some babies also need prescription treatment and help identifying triggers. Fragranced soaps, laundry products, sweat and saliva can worsen eczema. A short diary of skin changes and possible triggers can help you identify a pattern.25

If your baby uses a prescribed steroid cream, follow the dermatologist's instructions for the amount, frequency and duration. Baby eczema care commonly places the steroid before moisturizer after bathing. Ask the prescriber about the order and spacing for your baby's treatment: general emollient advice uses a gap of 20 to 30 minutes to avoid diluting another skin treatment or spreading it where it is not needed.24

When should you stop or get medical help?

• Stop a moisturizer that causes a new dermatitis rash and seek advice. Burning, stinging or overheating sensations that persist need advice from a pharmacist, nurse or doctor.
• Seek medical help if your baby's skin is broken, red, inflamed, blistered, crusty or weeping.
• Arrange medical assessment for pus filled blisters, sores or yellowish orange crusts. Babies with eczema are more prone to skin infections.
• Keep clothing, bedding and dressings that have absorbed moisturizer away from flames and cigarettes. This applies to emollients with and without paraffin; washing does not completely remove the buildup.
• Take care around baths and tiled floors because moisturizer can make surfaces slippery.