How to keep your baby’s skin healthy

Expert Advice – 21 Oct 24 By Sanchia Pegley

5 practical tips for new parents

There’s nothing quite as precious as the delightful softness of a newborn’s skin, and as a parent you want to do everything you can to make sure it stays healthy. The skin is the body’s largest organ and it’s still growing after your baby is born – and continues to grow throughout their life.

Because it’s much thinner and more delicate than an adult’s, baby’s skin is also more vulnerable to bacteria, the weather and chemicals. First things first: always wash your own hands before changing a nappy or bathing your baby.

Here we look at 5 practical ways to take care of your new baby’s skin and keep it healthy.

5 tips for healthy baby skin

Baby’s dry skin

When your baby is born it takes time to get to know them and to understand what is ‘normal’ for their skin. The delicate skin is probably the softest thing you have ever touched, and after roughly 40 ‘climate-controlled’ weeks inside, it will go through changes as it gets used to its new environment.

In the early days and weeks, their once-perfect skin may become flaky and dry. One reason is that they don’t shed skin cells in the womb and only start to do so once they are born. Don’t be tempted to pull or pick at the skin as the layers are extremely thin and easily damaged. You can use a small quantity of good-quality, baby moisturiser to smooth the dry areas.

If those chubby cheeks become dry and red, the wind might be to blame. A dab of baby-friendly moisturiser on their cheeks before you go outside will help protect their delicate skin. The sun is also an issue, but more on that below.

Bathing can also dry out the skin and in the first few weeks of life they don’t often need a full bath – a ‘top and tail’ is enough. Use baby products for their bath, and a baby massage lotion or oil afterwards moisturises the skin as well as creating special bonding time.

Close of newborn baby's feet with dry flaky skin — Babies don’t shed skin in the womb, which is why their skin can get flaky in the early weeks. *(Image: Getty)*

Nappy rash

Nappy rash isn’t something you can prevent entirely, and most babies will get it some point, to varying degrees. There is plenty you can do to protect their skin however, and that starts with using a quality nappy and change it regularly.

For newborns, warm water and cotton balls are all you need to clean their nappy area in the first few days or weeks. At the first sign of redness, use good-quality product that is made specifically for your baby’s bottom.

Choose a product that is free from parabens and sodium laurel sulphate (SLS), artificial colours and fragrances, nut oils and alcohol, such as Dermal Therapy Little Bodies Nappy Balm.

This balm has been specially designed to offer 2-in-1 for skin barrier and repair. Giving your bub the best of both worlds while saving you money at the same time. The Nappy Balm isn’t sticky and glides smoothly onto your baby’s delicate skin. The zinc oxide works to protect against irritation from urine and faeces while the panthenol works to soothe and repair your baby’s skin between nappy changes.

Baby wearinga nappy, inset image of Dermal Therapy Little Bodies Nappy Balm — Always use a quality nappy and made-for-baby products to help avoid or treat nappy rash. *(Image: Getty)*

Baby acne

Babies get acne? What?! It can be upsetting to see how this perfect little canvas can change so much! Baby acne – or neonatal acne – is entirely normal and common in the first six weeks of life. Why? Mainly because your baby’s body is processing leftover pregnancy hormones and they come out through the skin.

Baby acne may appear as individual pimples or small clusters of them. It may show up as whiteheads on their face, neck, back and shoulders. While it’s not pretty and it not a cause for concern, if it continues beyond six weeks or you are at all worried, always talk to a medical practitioner.

Skin eruptions are common for babies in the first six weeks of life. *(Image: Getty)*

Sun protection for baby

Living in Australia, it’s hard to avoid the sun but it’s important to protect your baby’s thin skin. Most of us know the pain and discomfort of getting too much sun and the rules that apply to us, apply to our babies too.

Importantly, avoid using sunscreen on your baby until they are six months old. This means you when you are outside with your newborn, you need to rely on the commonsense of Slip, Slap, Seek, Slide…

Avoid the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. Try to get out early for a morning walk (you’re probably up early…) and again towards the end of the day when the sun is cooling down. Dress your little one in light layers so their bare skin is covered; put a hat on them, and ensure they are getting shade from their stroller.

Always head to the shade when you are outside with your little one. Think about how bright the sun is in your eyes as it’ll help you remember to protect them. The Cancer Council sells sunnies for ages 0-2.

Blonde haired older baby wearing large trendy sunglasses — Sunnies are great, but your bub needs long, light layers, a hat and plenty of shade. *(Image: Getty)*

Common skin allergies

Until birth your baby’s skin was perfectly protected, so it’s not surprising they don’t always react well to the colours and fragrances that are part of the big wide world. As well as choosing the obvious baby-friendly products such as Little Bodies Nappy Balm, look at switching to natural, gentle and organic products around your home.

To reduce the chance of irritation, always wash your baby’s clothes before they wear them for the first time. Use a gentle, dermatologically tested detergent like Cold Power Sensitive Laundry Liquid to wash all your baby’s clothes, blankets, and bedding to support good skin health. With no dyes, enzymes or fragrances, Cold Power Sensitive Laundry Liquid delivers great performance on stains, while being still being gentle on baby’s skin.