Baby Skincare and Bathtime

FAMILY · GLOBAL

Baby Skincare and Bathtime

Why baby skin differs, what to use and avoid, eczema and bath safety

Newborn skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, which is why most of the advice is about doing less rather than more.

The first weeks

Plain water is all a newborn needs for the first month or so. Vernix, the white coating at birth, is protective and should be left to absorb rather than washed off.

Bath two or three times a week rather than daily, since frequent washing strips the skin barrier. Top and tail on other days.

What to avoid

Fragrance, including essential oils, which is a leading cause of contact allergy. Bubble bath and foaming products, which are drying. Talcum powder, which should not be used around babies.

Natural does not mean gentle, and olive oil has evidence suggesting it can weaken the skin barrier in infants — health guidance has moved away from recommending it.

Eczema

Common and treatable. Emollients applied liberally and often are the foundation, and prescribed steroid creams used correctly are safe and effective — under-treating is the more common problem.

See a health visitor or GP rather than working through shop-bought products, particularly if skin is broken, weeping or infected.

Bath safety

Never leave a baby or young child alone in the bath, not for a moment, and not with an older sibling supervising. Drowning happens in seconds and in very little water.

Run cold water first then add hot, mix it, and test with your elbow or a thermometer — around 37 degrees. A thermostatic mixing valve prevents scalds.

Bath routine

Keep baths short, around five to ten minutes, and warm rather than hot. Have everything ready before you start so you never need to leave the room.

Dry gently including in the skin folds, since damp creases are where soreness starts.

Massage

Baby massage is enjoyable for both and has some evidence for settling. Use a plain unscented oil suited to infants, and stop if the skin reacts.

Choosing products

Fragrance-free, short ingredient lists and nothing claiming to do several things at once. Patch test anything new on a small area for a few days before using it all over.

Sunscreen for babies under six months is generally advised against in favour of shade and clothing, since their skin is thinner and more absorbent.

Cradle cap and dry skin

Cradle cap is common, harmless and usually resolves without treatment. Gentle washing and a plain emollient help; picking at it does not.

Nappy area

Change frequently, clean with water or a fragrance-free wipe, dry properly and use a barrier cream. Persistent rash that does not settle needs checking.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Kokoso Baby? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Kokoso Baby — official site

Visit this site