While it’s a matter of course to stock up on diaper cream, baby wash, and gentle shampoo in your nursery, you may wonder if you should add baby lotion as well. After all, newborns and babies have very delicate skin and may need some extra moisturizer… Is that right? The truth is that not all small children need baby lotion. Not all baby lotions are created equal. Here you need to know everything you need to know about using baby lotion on your baby.
Why Does My Baby Have Dry Skin?
It’s completely normal for newborns to have dry, peeling skin! Newborn babies have a thinner and more fragile skin barrier than older children, which means they lose moisture more quickly and are more prone to dry, itchy, flaky and scaly skin. Plus, cold temperatures, low humidity, and dry room heat can make your child’s skin extra dry!
Is It Ok to Apply Lotion to My Baby?
Yes. It’s okay to apply moisturizer to your baby… Even newborns! Moisturizing your baby is a great way to help keep their delicate skin hydrated and healthy, which can also help prevent dry skin and baby eczema. But make sure you’re using a moisturizer that’s gentle and designed for baby’s delicate skin. Before applying a new baby moisturizer all over the body, be sure to test it on a small area of your child’s skin, such as the crook of the elbow.
How to Moisturize the Skin of a Newborn?
It’s best to apply a small amount of fragrance-free moisturizer to your baby after a short bath. This way, their still damp skin can absorb all the benefits more effectively. To ensure that your baby’s skin gets the most out of baths and lotions, keep baths short and infrequently. Too much bath time can really dry out your baby’s skin! During your baby’s first year, bathe about 2 to 3 times a week with warm water for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Water that is too hot can easily irritate your baby’s delicate skin. (Learn how to bathe your baby.)
Can I Apply Lotion to a Premature Baby?
Yes. In fact, if your baby was born prematurely, your doctor may recommend daily hydration, as their skin is particularly fragile and doesn’t retain moisture well. Again, test the moisturizer on a small area of your premature baby’s body before applying it all over your body.
Can Baby Eczema Be Coated with Lotion?
Yes, applying lotion is okay for baby eczema. In many cases, your pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist will recommend moisturizing your baby’s skin with a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment (such as petroleum jelly) twice a day or as needed. These tend to be more effective in treating infant eczema than lotions or oils. Creams containing emollients and/or ceramides help create a protective barrier, and creams containing moisturizers such as glycerin or glycerol help absorb moisture. Whether your baby suffers from eczema or not, test a new moisturizer on a small area of their skin first.
What Is the Best Baby Lotion?
I don’t recommend adult lotions or moisturizers for babies! Adult lotions often contain irritants or allergens that are too irritating for baby’s delicate and sensitive skin.
On the contrary, the best baby moisturizer is…
- Ointments, such as petroleum jelly
- Thick creams (lotions are thinner and less effective, but may be fine in warmer months or for babies with less dry skin)
- Free from parabens and phthalates
- Alcohol-free
- No mineral oil
- Formaldehyde-free
- Fragrance free
Keep in mind that even baby moisturizers that are advertised as “mild,” “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” and “unflavored” can contain fragrances. These terms are not regulated! I advise parents to read the label carefully. Moisturizer labels that promote “essential oil blend”, “perfume”, “perfume”, “fragrance”, “fragrance”, or “amyl cinnamaldehyde” contain fragrances and should be avoided.
Other Ways to Keep Your Baby’s Skin Healthy
- Short, infrequent warm baths followed by moisturizing your baby are all great ways to keep your baby’s skin healthy. Here are some tips to help keep your baby’s skin healthy and soft:
- Avoid bubble baths. These bath products often contain cleansers that can have a real effect on your baby’s skin, stripping the skin of its natural oils and making them more prone to dryness.
- Pat your baby dry. After bathing, pat the peanuts dry with a soft cotton towel. Friction can take more oil away from your baby’s skin surface and irritate sensitive skin.
- Avoid using soap. Non-soapy cleaners are not too dry. Be sure to choose fragrance-free products.
- Embrace organic cotton. After applying moisturizer, dress your baby in organic cotton clothing Doing so will help prevent the moisturizer from being wiped off and help lock in moisture! In addition, 100% organic cotton is less likely to contain potential allergens and formaldehyde resins. And it’s soft, breathable, and cuddly, which is also perfect for delicate baby skin.
- Skin-friendly sheets are also used. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that soft cotton sheets are breathable and less irritating to the baby’s skin.