Sponsored

Your Guide to Baby Skin Care

Discover how to protect and care for your baby's delicate skin from day one with Aveeno Baby's gentle, nourishing products.

Your Guide to Baby Skin Care
Created forAveeno Baby logo

Imagine your baby’s skin as a shield that acts as a defence against external irritants and germs. But unlike adult skin, which is thicker and more resilient, their skin is 30 percent thinner,1 making it especially susceptible to irritation.

As a parent, it's important to ensure that this shield is well-nurtured and protected and thankfully, the new Aveeno Baby Daily Healthy Start line of products makes that task a little easier. Featuring a newborn balm and wash, both products are hypoallergenic; powered by a prebiotic oat formula; free of harsh ingredients like sulfates, soap, fragrance, parabens and phthalates; and tear-free—ensuring a safe and soothing experience for your baby's skin.

Here’s a helpful guide to taking care of your little one’s skin

Your Guide to Baby Skin Care

Understand your baby's skin barrier

Your baby is born with a natural protective layer called the vernix caseosa, a coating that covers their skin while in the womb. This waxy substance is packed with beneficial nutrients, including fatty acids and with antimicrobial properties, that help moisturize and protect the skin. As your newborn grows, the vernix gradually fades away2. Once it's gone, the skin becomes more susceptible to dryness and irritation, making it extra important to maintain a baby's moisture barrier.

Gentle bath time routine

When bathing your baby, avoid using harsh soaps or bubble baths that can strip the skin of natural oils and opt for a gentle fragrance-free cleanser such as Aveeno Baby Daily Healthy Start Newborn Wash. Formulated with a prebiotic oat formula and rich emollients, this gentle cleanser will clean your baby’s skin while leaving it feeling soft and nourished. Also, be sure to keep the baths short and use warm water—never hot.

After bathing, apply moisturizer to your baby's damp skin. This will help lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Aveeno Baby Daily Healthy Start Newborn Balm is a great option with its gentle formula and soothing properties. Clinically proven to help support your newborn’s moisture barrier and boost hydration, this product is made with a blend of prebiotic oat, humectants and ceramides. It is safe for use on babies as young as one day old, and its thick texture actually mimics vernix. When applying the balm, pay special attention to areas like the elbows, knees and ankles, which can become dry more easily.

Tip: Bathing your baby in the evening can be a soothing way to help them wind down and get ready for sleep. Moisturizing your baby's skin afterward can also be a wonderful opportunity to bond with them—gently massage their skin in circular motions to help them relax.

Your Guide to Baby Skin Care

Heat and cold protection

If your baby is going outside, be sure to protect them from the sun’s rays by dressing them in sun-protective clothing. When your baby is older than six months, you can apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Choose one that is specifically formulated for babies and toddlers, and don’t forget to re-apply every two hours if you’re out all day.

It's just as important to care for your baby's skin in the winter as it is in the summer. Dry winter air can lead to increased dryness and irritation, and even eczema. To keep your baby warm, dress them in layers, but avoid overheating with too many, as this too can contribute to skin irritation. Regular moisturizing is important to in protecting your baby's skin from dryness and for maintaining its natural moisture barrier.

Avoid fragrance

Strong fragrances can be harsh on your baby's sensitive skin, leading to irritation and discomfort. Whenever possible, choose fragrance-free products, especially for items like laundry detergents, baby wipes, and other essentials.

Manage common skin issues

Your Guide to Baby Skin Care

Diaper rash can be a pesky problem for babies. To keep it at bay, remember to change your baby's diaper often and apply a protective barrier cream.

Eczema, on the other hand, is a more chronic condition that can cause redness, itching, and dryness. If your baby has eczema, or you suspect they do, talk to your pediatrician about proper treatment options.

Remember, every baby is unique. If you have any concerns about your little one’s skin, consult your pediatrician for personalized advice. By following these guidelines and using gentle, nourishing products like the Aveeno Baby Daily Healthy Start line, you can help your baby develop healthy, happy skin. Click here to learn more about Aveeno Baby.

  1. Telofski LS, Morello AP 3rd, Mack Correa MC, Stamatas GN. The infant skin barrier: can we preserve, protect, and enhance the barrier? Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:198789. doi: 10.1155/2012/198789. Epub 2012 Sep 4. PMID: 22988452; PMCID: PMC3439947
  2. Visscher MS, Munson KA, Bare DE, Hoath SB. Early Adaptation of human skin following birth: A biophysical assessment. Skin Res Technol. 1999;5:213–20, Hoeger PH, Enzmann CC. Skin Physiology of the neonate and young infant: A prospective study of functional skin parameters during early infancy. Pediatr Dermatol. 2002;19:256–62. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1470.2002.00082

Weekly Newsletter

Keep up with your baby's development, get the latest parenting content and receive special offers from our partners

I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.