Skin care for your newborn Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby's healthcare provider.
At what age can I apply lotion on my newborn? You can use moisturizing lotions and creams once your baby is around 4 weeks old. However, you may need to wait for 6 weeks if you have a preemie (6).
Lotion is your friend
Your baby's skin is prone to dryness, so you want to keep it as moisturized as possible. When you get baby out of the tub, gently pat her dry and apply moisturizer immediately. You'll probably be moisturizing plenty in between baths too.
Lotions, Ointments, and Powder
If the skin starts to become dry and cracked, use a baby lotion, hand lotion, or moisturizing cream twice a day. Apply it within 3 minutes after a bath to trap moisture in the skin. Cornstarch powder can be helpful for preventing rashes in areas of friction.
Moisturise your baby, from top to toe, at least once every day. This is especially important if your family has a history of allergies such as eczema, asthma or hay fever. You can also moisturise daily after the bath and twice daily if your baby's skin looks dry or flaky.
Moisturising your baby
Apply a thick, non-fragranced moisturiser all over daily at the first sign of dryness. Thicker creams are more effective than lotions. Apply moisturiser more often if the skin always seems dry. Avoid moisturisers containing botanicals, food and fragrance as these may disrupt the skin barrier.
Always dry baby's skin thoroughly. Applying petroleum jelly or zinc oxide-based cream with each diaper change can be helpful. Never use talcum powder. Avoid perfumed baby wipes or wipes that contain alcohol.
Keep your baby's skin hydrated by bathing them in warm water for only 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid letting your baby sit or play or soak for long in soapy water. Apply a baby lotion or moisturizer immediately after the bath while their skin is still wet, and then pat dry instead of rubbing.
Generally, a bath 2-3 times per week is enough to keep your newborn baby's skin clean. If they like to be bathed, it's fine to bath them more frequently. Sometimes baths can dry your baby's skin so only use a small amount of soap or baby bath wash.
Baby skin care products that contain dyes, fragrances, and chemicals can irritate a baby's skin and breathing. Natural baby skin care products are safe for most infants. But if you have allergies or asthma in your family, your newborn may also be sensitive to botanicals and herbs in some products.
There is no set age when you should give your baby a bath. Babies get cold quickly, and that's more risky for them than being a bit dirty. If you're anxious about bathing your little one, you don't need to put them into a bath until you feel confident about it.
A baby skincare regime is essential during summers to protect the delicate and soft skin of your little one. You can apply the Sebamed moisturizing cream on your baby's face, hands, and feet after a bath, and then use the baby sunscreen lotion at least 15 minutes before stepping out.
Skin care for your newborn
Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby's healthcare provider.
Research now indicates that 'less is most definitely more' and it is better to avoid the use of skin cleansing and moisturising products for the first few weeks until your baby's skin has had time to mature naturally.
Do not use oils, lotions, or Vaseline to treat dry scalp for babies, as this will only adhere to the flakes to the scalp and make the condition worse. Over-washing is a common culprit of baby dry scalp. Make sure to rinse thoroughly, as residual shampoo can contribute to baby dandruff.
Babies have sensitive skin that can dry easily, which can cause eczema to develop. Due to its qualities that offer protection against infections, breast milk can help ease your baby's eczema. Drip some breast milk on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected area.
Baby lotion is always good to have around to quickly hydrate a baby's skin on a near everyday basis. Baby oil is more of an added protection if you and your baby's doctor decide that dry skin is a problem. It can be useful to keep around in a pinch for treating cradle cap or giving baby massages.
It's best to bath your baby with plain water only for at least the first month. Do not add cleansers to your baby's bath water or use skin lotions or medicated wipes.
According to most pediatric health experts, infants can be taken out in public or outside right away as long as parents follow some basic safety precautions. There's no need to wait until 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Getting out, and in particular, getting outside in nature, is good for parents and babies.
You don't need to bathe your baby every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom instead. This is often called "topping and tailing". Choose a time when your baby is awake and content.
Some parents bathe their babies daily as part of a bedtime routine or due to regular baby messes, from extra spit-up to diaper blowouts. But for most families, bathing the baby two to three times a week is plenty after the first couple of weeks of life.
In short: yes, Aveeno says its baby lotion can be used from birth. But as we mentioned above, the NHS recommends you don't use anything other than plain water on your baby's skin for the first month of their life. But there's no harm in having Aveeno Baby Lotion ready to use after that time has passed.
How often does my newborn need a bath? There's no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby's skin.