What is the best skincare for babies?

What should you buy, and what can you skip?

A newborn routine can leave cleansing and moisturising products out, which is an awkward start for a shopping list. Use plain water during the first month and avoid lotions or oils during that time. Leave vernix, the creamy white coating present after birth, to absorb naturally rather than washing it off. A baby comb can remove loose flakes from the hair without shampoo during the first few weeks.13

Once products are needed, choose a mild, fragrance free baby cleanser. For dry skin after the first few weeks, an emollient cream, meaning a moisturiser that softens and protects skin, can be used sparingly. Choose one without alcohol, colour or perfume. For premature babies, avoid skin products for six to eight weeks because their protective skin barrier takes longer to mature; ask your baby's care team about individual needs.12

How do you wash a baby safely?

Two or three baths a week are usually enough for a newborn, provided the nappy area is cleaned thoroughly at every change. Start with sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed. Between baths, wash the face, neck, hands and nappy area with warm water as needed. Avoid bathing straight after a feed or when your baby is hungry or tired.23

Bath supplies are mostly towels, water and a clean nappy, so the equipment list looks more like laundry than a beauty counter. Have clean clothes, cotton wool or a washcloth, and a clean bowl or baby bath ready before starting.3

1. 1Make the room warm. For a sponge bath, lay your baby on a comfortable, flat surface, keep one hand on them and uncover only the area you are washing.
2. 2Use lukewarm water. For a tub bath, mix the water thoroughly and test it with your elbow or inner wrist before putting your baby in.
3. 3Gently wash the face and scalp, then the body. Clean the neck creases, behind the ears, between fingers and toes, and the skin folds. Do not clean inside the ears with cotton buds.
4. 4Keep a bathing baby's head above water and support the head and shoulders. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second.
5. 5If using cleanser, rinse it off each area completely. Wrap your baby in a towel immediately afterwards and pat dry, paying attention to the folds.

After the early weeks, baby shampoo once or twice a week can clean the hair. If your baby dislikes a tub bath, return to sponge bathing for another week or longer rather than forcing the switch.2

Does peeling or dry skin need moisturiser?

Early newborn peeling can settle over a few days as the top layer sheds. Rather than automatically adding creams to dry or cracked skin in those first weeks, ask your midwife or health visitor. Later, if skin feels dry after bathing, apply a fragrance free moisturiser or bathe less often. Ordinary newborn peeling and eczema are not the same situation, so persistent concerns deserve advice rather than another product.12

What is best for the nappy area?

Change wet or dirty nappies promptly, clean the skin and dry gently, including the folds. Water and cotton wool are suitable from birth. Avoid wipes during the first two to four weeks; when introducing them, choose mild wipes without fragrance or alcohol. Use absorbent nappies that fit properly, avoid fastening them too tightly and allow time without a nappy when possible.14

A petroleum based barrier can protect the nappy area, and a zinc based cream can help with nappy rash. If the rash is uncomfortable, ask a pharmacist to choose an appropriate product; they can suggest a thin layer of barrier cream at each change. Do not use talcum powder, antiseptic creams, baby lotion, soap or bubble bath on nappy rash.14

For nappy rash, daily bathing can help, but washing more than twice a day can dry the skin. Contact a health visitor or GP if the rash does not go away, gets worse, spreads, or your baby has a high temperature or seems very uncomfortable.4

What changes if your baby has eczema?

Eczema needs a tailored care plan and can usually be controlled, although there is no cure. Keep baths to five to ten minutes in lukewarm water. Use a mild, fragrance free cleanser only on dirty or smelly areas, without scrubbing. Apply fragrance free moisturiser immediately afterwards. Thick creams and ointments are generally more effective than lotions or oils; moisturise twice daily or as often as needed for relief.5

If a dermatologist prescribes a topical corticosteroid, a medicine applied to skin to reduce inflammation and itching, apply it after the bath before moisturiser. Follow the prescribed amount, frequency and duration because babies are more sensitive to these medicines than adults. Bleach baths are rarely used for babies and should only be used with a dermatologist's specific instructions.5

Watch for triggers such as fragranced washing products, laundry detergent, sweat or saliva. If saliva triggers facial eczema, plain petroleum jelly around the mouth before feeds and naps can help protect the area. Arrange medical assessment for pus filled blisters, sores or yellowish orange crusts, which can signal infection.5

Should babies wear sunscreen?

For babies younger than six months, shade and clothing are the main sun protection, not routine sunscreen. Keep them out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and talk to a paediatrician before applying sunscreen. Choose lightweight clothing that covers the skin and a brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck; a baseball cap leaves areas exposed.6

Young babies can overheat easily. Watch for redness, fussiness or excessive crying outdoors. If your baby is becoming sunburned, leave the sun immediately, apply cold compresses to the affected skin and call your baby's paediatrician right away.6