A baby’s skin is much more delicate than adult skin, so you need to take special care when looking after it.
Your baby’s skin is up to 30% thinner than our own skin. This means it loses moisture much quicker than adult skin; twice as quickly. Because of this, it can get dry and sensitive easily.1
At birth, the top layer of your baby's skin is thin and easily damaged.
Over the first month, or longer for premature babies, the skin matures and develops its own natural protective barrier.
Vernix, the white sticky substance that covers your baby's skin while in the womb, should always be left to absorb into the skin.
It's a natural moisturiser that helps protect against infection during the first few days of your baby’s life.2
Why is baby skincare important?
Baby skincare is so important because it’s been specially formulated to give baby’s skin the super gentle TLC that’s required to protect and nourish it and make sure it stays healthy.
If you’ve ever taken a closer look at baby skincare ranges, you may have noticed that most of them are designed to be gentle – just like a baby’s skin.
There are fragrance-free and tear-free shampoos, bath gels, lotions, as well as baby soaps.
If you’re using a baby skincare product for the first time, keep an eye out for any reactions that may occur, because as delicate as these formulations are, it’s still possible for some babies to be allergic to the ingredients.3
It's best to bathe your baby with just plain water for at least the first month. If you need to, you can also use a mild, non-perfumed soap.
Avoid skin lotions, medicated wipes, or adding any cleansers to your baby's bathwater for those initial first few weeks.4
You can also prevent and moisturise dry skin by:5
- Applying a moisturiser (more on this below)
- Giving your baby short baths in lukewarm water
- Steering clear of using harsh soapy products
- Not overheating your house
- Keeping your baby hydrated with plenty of fluids
- Adding oatmeal to their baths
What skincare products do babies need?
Although newborn skin doesn’t need additional moisturisation very often, it can get dry after baths and may require a small amount of moisturiser to replenish any natural skin oils that are lost due to bathing or dry air.6
Once you’ve bathed your baby, apply a baby-formulated moisturiser immediately after drying them.7
It’s ok to moisturise them in between bathing too, especially if you happen to notice any dry patches.
The moisturiser won’t add moisture to the skin, but will help prevent moisture from escaping.
Areas that are most prone to dryness are: the ankles, elbows and hands.8
As with all baby skincare products, keep a close eye on how your baby’s skin responds, and stop using them if they develop a rash.
Seek advice from a healthcare professional or midwife if reactions occur.
Should you moisturise a baby's face?
You can, but the same principle applies to moisturising the rest of your baby’s body; only apply moisturiser if needed.
Always use products that have been formulated for baby’s skin. Also, make sure baby’s skin doesn’t become damp, especially between the folds of their skin.9
From three months old, when baby’s start to drool more, it’s not uncommon for moisture from their drool to gather within skin creases, particularly around their mouth and under their chin/neck.
To prevent redness, chaffing and peeling, clean these areas at least twice a day. You can always apply a layer of cream or petroleum jelly to create a barrier.
Baby skincare and bath time
When a baby first comes home from the hospital, it can be tempting to give them a bath every day, but this can actually do them more harm than good.
Midwives recommend bathing your baby once a week for the first few weeks, as bathing too often can remove the natural oils in your baby’s skin.
You shouldn’t add any baby bubble bath or use shampoo for a few weeks either, just keep things simple.
On days when you’re not giving them a bath, you should use cotton wool and warm water to clean your baby.
Babies can get cold very quickly, so always have a towel close to hand and get them dressed as soon as you can.
Wipes, nappy cream and talc
There are lots of different types of baby wipes to choose from, some are scented and some are fragrance-free.
They all claim to be soft on your baby’s skin and bottom, but for the first few weeks, stick to using cotton wool and warm water when changing your baby’s nappy.
Disposable nappies today are much more advanced than they were a few years ago so you don’t need to apply a nappy cream.
If you do apply a cream, this can stop the nappy from absorbing the wee and may cause a nappy rash.
It’s much better to apply any cream and let it soak in whilst your baby enjoys half an hour or so lying on a towel without a nappy on.
We recommend you do your research when trying new products or techniques with your baby.
Always consult a healthcare professional if you are unsure about anything. Advice is changing all the time, so it’s always advisable to attend parentcraft classes if you can.
20 best baby skincare products
We've rounded up the best baby skincare products, so you can make sure your baby's skin stays soft and gentle.
Baby moisturisers
1. Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser Mildly Fragranced
Customer rating: 5 stars
Sid82 - 5/5 stars - Great moisturiser
'Beautiful, light and lovely delicate scent that’s easily absorbed and non-greasy.'
2. Badger Mini Baby Balm
Customer rating: 5 stars
MoonWitch - 5/5 stars – Wonderful product
‘I’ve been using this for 12 years. Best product on the market. Safe, effective, gentle and smells beautiful.’
3. Skin Sapiens Baby Balm 40ml
Customer rating: 5 stars
Jadeywoot - 5/5 stars – Great product
‘I'm loving this balm because it's perfect for my baby’s sensitive skin and sinks in to the skin. It’s not greasy at all and a little goes a long way.’
Sarah - 5/5 stars – A little goes a long way
‘What a lovely baby balm for sensitive baby skin. Clears up nappy rash quickly and skin rashes. Lovely consistency. I use this alongside the bath gel.’
4. Dr Organic Calendula Baby Moisturiser 50ml
Customer rating: 5 stars
NatalieLR - 5/5 stars – Great for sensitive skin!
‘Got this for my little one as he has sensitive skin and it’s worked absolute wonders! So grateful for this product!’
Rosalie_remmy - 5/5 stars – The perfect size, perfect product!
‘I absolutely love this moisturiser, it's the perfect size to take out and about for when my baby’s skin dries out, especially in the summer. It is super sensitive and feels so smooth and soft on their skin, this is something I've struggled with for a long time and have now found the perfect product!’
5. Weleda Baby Body Cream 75ml
Customer rating: 4 stars
Valerie002 - 5/5 stars – Great product
‘Love this cream. I’m using it for parts that are affected by eczema - under my baby’s chin and it has reduced it greatly.’
Baby oil moisturiser
6. Burt's Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Baby Oil
Customer rating: 5 stars
Ali K - 5/5 stars – Burt’s Bees oil
‘A brilliant product for new-borns, very soft and gentle on the skin.’
7. Weleda Calendula Baby Oil
Customer rating: 4.9 stars
Naomi77 - 5/5 stars - Perfect for new-born baby
‘I love this oil! Just add a few drops to your baby's bath. So good for the skin and it smells nice too.’
8. Balmonds Chamomile Baby Oil 200ml
Customer rating: 4.7 stars
GUD8 says – Love the product!
‘Love it, nice product! Not too oily. Hydrates the skin well!’
Angela Marie says – Balmond baby skin oil
‘Bought for my 5 month twin grandsons who developed dry skin. Using the oil in the bath and as a massage oil has improved dryness within a couple of weeks. Highly recommend trying it.’
9. Little Siberica Baby Massage Oil 200ml
Customer rating: 4.5 stars
Cristincik17 - 5/5 stars – Great
‘I am so happy with this product. It is very, very good. I like this.’
Abi87 says – Gentle and beautiful scent
‘Lovely smell and doesn't seem to irritate my baby's skin.’
Best soap for baby
10. Dr Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Customer rating: 4.8 stars
Memybumpandi - 5/5 stars – Perfect for sensitive skin
“Beautiful product, great for my little one’s sensitive skin and complements the hemp and candula oils we use to moisturise with daily.”
11. Weleda Calendula Soap 100g
Customer rating: 4.9 stars
Lidia888 - 5/5 stars – Another great product by Weleda
‘Smells amazing, and your skin feels clean, but not dry. Also great for sensitive skin.’
Baby dry scalp treatment
Does your baby have a dry scalp? Sometimes this can be due to cradle cap - find out what cradle cap is and how to treat it here.
12. Colief Baby Scalp Oil 30ml
Customer rating: 4.3 stars
Mumsy - 5/5 stars – Wonder oil, love it. It works
‘This oil is a lifesaver. It works well on itchy scalps - my baby had an extremely itchy scalp due to cradle cap and eczema. I applied this oil and it worked within hours.’
Tracy428114 - 5/5 stars – Really worked
‘Great oil, baby’s scalp is no longer dry. Dry patch cleared after a few days.’
Baby face moisturiser
13. Weleda White Mallow Face Cream 50ml
Customer rating: 4.7 stars
Mrs Gordan says – It is a brilliant product, I love it
‘This moisturiser works so well for my daughter, because she suffers from eczema. This moisturiser works so well for her skin, it is the perfect moisturiser for her.’
LizzyJ13 says – Will buy again
‘Fab simple moisturiser that I bought to use as a face cream and am really impressed! I have dry, acne-prone skin and this keeps the flare-ups in check and gives me lovely soft skin. Absorbs really nicely and a little goes a long way. It’s so gentle I use it to soothe my baby’s eczema too. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle moisturiser you can use on the whole family!’
Baby dry skin cream
15. Grahams Natural Baby Eczema Cream
Customer rating: 4.1 stars
Bloob – 5/5 stars - Lifesaver!
‘This product is a lifesaver. It cleared up my baby’s severe face eczema in 24 hours! I’m on my second bottle.’
Sarahs2308 - 5/5 stars – Worth the buy
‘My granddaughter's skin was so bad she was scratching until she would bleed. A few days using this cream and already seeing an improvement.’
16. Salcura Bioskin Junior Daily Nourishing Spray
Customer rating: 4.3 stars
Julita P - 5/5 stars – Great for dry and psoriasis-prone skin
‘Amazing for toddlers prone to psoriasis; my daughter had dry marks all over her tummy and back - after using this spray for a week it has cleared. Smells lovely and it’s natural. Will be buying this again.’
Other baby skincare products
17. Good Bubble Cloudberry Hair & Body Wash
Customer rating: 4.7 stars
Gemma123X - 5/5 stars - So soft
‘Had this bubble bath for my daughter and it’s lovely, doesn’t dry out her skin and her skin is so soft after using it. Would definitely recommend it.’
18. Mumma Love Organics Baby Bedtime Bubble Bath
Customer rating: 5 stars
Amanday9587 - 5/5 stars - So glad I found this!
‘Perfect product. Just love it, thank you, I’m glad I found it!'
19. Green People Baby Wash & Shampoo - Lavender 150ml
Customer rating: 5 stars
Draai - 5/5 stars – Great product
‘I have been using this product on my baby for 8 weeks now and I can 100% recommend it. It smells amazing and puts my baby to sleep straight after her bath. I also use the baby salve.’
20. Childs Farm Organic Tangerine Baby Bedtime Bubbles 250ml
Customer rating: 5 stars
RetroMum - 5/5 stars – Bubblishious
‘Smells lovely and makes brilliant bubbles. Both my 6-month-old and 2-year-old love it. Very gentle, and doesn't irritate the eyes or sensitive areas. Will buy again and again.’
NelM - 5/5 stars – Bubbles
‘Lots of bubbles and smells lovely. My son’s skin is soft after his daily bath.’
Takeaway
There’s no reason why your little one’s skin can’t feel as soft as a baby’s bottom.
You’ve just got to be as gentle as you possibly can be with it and learn to understand what it does and doesn’t need as it develops.
Fortunately, there’s a whole range of baby skin care products out there to give your baby’s skin what it needs, starting with the 20 listed above!
Read next: 8 of the best baby shampoos
Last updated: 9 September 2021
- https://www.everymum.ie/baby/baby-health/skin-conditions/why-is-baby-s-skin-more-sensitive-than-adults/
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/after-the-birth/getting-to-know-your-newborn/
- https://www.parents.com/baby/care/skin/how-to-care-for-baby-skin/
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/after-the-birth/getting-to-know-your-newborn/
- https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/dry-baby-skin.aspx
- https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/is-using-baby-lotion-on-newborns-safe/
- https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-skincare-101
- https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/is-using-baby-lotion-on-newborns-safe/
- https://www.thebump.com/a/baby-skincare-101
