What makes newborn skin so delicate?
Newborn babies have thinner, more sensitive skin than adults, with an immature skin barrier that can easily lose moisture and react to irritants. In the first weeks of life, gentle care, minimal products, and simple routines help protect your baby’s skin while it naturally develops and strengthens.
Newborn skin care do’s and don’ts
|
Topic |
Do |
Avoid |
|
Bathing |
Use lukewarm water |
Hot water or long baths |
|
Cleansers |
Mild, fragrance-free |
Strong soaps or bubble bath |
|
Moisturising |
Use gentle emollients if needed |
Over-moisturising in first weeks |
|
Wipes |
Use cotton wool and water |
Perfumed wipes in early weeks |
|
Clothing |
Soft cotton fabrics |
Synthetic or rough materials |
A newborn’s skin is wonderfully soft, but also incredibly delicate. In the first few months, your baby’s skin is still adjusting to life outside the womb – it’s thinner, more absorbent, and more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and external irritants. This makes gentle care not just important, but essential.
Bathing your baby doesn’t need to be a daily routine
Bathing two to three times a week is usually enough to keep your newborn clean without stripping away natural oils. Use warm water (around 37°C), and keep bath time brief – five to ten minutes is ideal. Avoid adult soaps or any heavily scented products, as these can disrupt the natural balance of your baby’s skin.
Instead, opt for mild, pH-neutral cleansers designed specifically for babies. Adding a touch of the best oil for newborn baby to the bath water can help prevent dryness, especially if your baby’s skin is prone to flaking or irritation. One lovely option is the Biloosh Bath time oil, formulated with gentle, natural ingredients that support hydration while soothing sensitive areas. For a regular bath, add one to two Bath time bottle caps into the warm water and swirl gently to disperse.
After bathing, gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel. Don’t rub, as this can cause friction. Apply baby safe oil within a few minutes to lock in moisture. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as the elbows, knees, and skin folds.
What to do with drier than usual baby’s skin
If your baby’s skin seems drier than usual, especially during colder months, it’s recommended to follow bath time with a gentle massage using a natural baby oil that contains calendula. Known for its calming and skin-soothing properties, calendula helps support the skin’s natural barrier and reduce dryness or irritation. Baby Love massage oil, is a nourishing way to complete your baby’s bath routine. The best baby oil for newborn is carefully formulated with natural ingredients to protect and hydrate delicate skin. In warmer seasons, a lighter application of baby oil for newborn may be enough, but always follow your baby’s skin cues.
Use soft, breathable cotton clothing and wash baby clothes with fragrance-free, non-bio detergent. If your baby shows signs of persistent dryness, rash, or eczema, it’s worth speaking with your midwife or health visitor for tailored advice about the best oil for newborn baby massage suitable for your child skin.
Common newborn skin conditions and how to care for them
|
Condition |
What it looks like |
Gentle care tips |
|
Cradle cap |
Scaly patches on scalp |
Gentle brushing and mild oil |
|
Baby acne |
Small red bumps |
Leave alone, wash with water |
|
Dry skin |
Flaky patches |
Minimal products, gentle moisturiser |
|
Nappy rash |
Red irritated skin |
Frequent nappy changes and barrier cream |
By keeping your baby’s skincare routine simple, natural, and consistent, you’re helping to lay the foundation for healthy skin - and making bath time a calm, nurturing experience for both of you.
Quick notes
Sun protection for newborn skin
Newborn skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight, and direct sun exposure should be avoided. Keeping babies in the shade, using lightweight protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours are generally recommended. Sunscreen is usually not advised for very young babies unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Ingredients to avoid in baby skincare
Newborn skin is delicate and more absorbent than adult skin, so it’s important to choose products with simple, gentle ingredients. Many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding products that contain added fragrance, alcohol, parabens, sulphates, and harsh preservatives, as these can irritate sensitive skin or disrupt the natural skin barrier. Opting for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations with minimal ingredients can help protect your baby’s skin while it develops naturally.
Premature baby skin care
Premature babies have even thinner and more fragile skin than full-term newborns, with a weaker skin barrier that can lose moisture easily and be more prone to irritation and infection. Gentle handling, minimal bathing, fragrance-free products, and maintaining a warm, humid environment are often recommended to help protect their skin. Parents of premature babies should follow guidance from their neonatal team or healthcare professionals, as specialised care may be needed in the early weeks.
Skin-to-skin contact benefits
Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, involves holding your baby against your bare chest. This gentle practice can help regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing, support bonding, and encourage breastfeeding. It may also help calm newborns and promote healthy skin development by maintaining warmth and reducing stress in the early days after birth.
References and Further Reading
NHS – Getting to know your newborn
NHS – Baby skincare advice leaflet
NHS maternity guidance – baby skin care advice
Common Questions about Newborn Skin Care
Q. Is it safe to use natural oils on newborn skin?
A. Some natural oils are traditionally used, but newborn skin is highly absorbent. Parents should use only products specifically formulated for babies and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
Q. How often should I bathe my newborn?
A. Many healthcare professionals suggest bathing a newborn two to three times a week, using lukewarm water and minimal products, as over-bathing can dry the skin.
Q. Should I remove vernix from my baby’s skin?
A. Vernix is a natural protective layer and is often left to absorb naturally after birth, as it helps moisturise and protect the skin.
Q. Can I use baby wipes on a newborn?
A. In the early weeks, cotton wool and warm water are often recommended. Baby wipes can be introduced later, preferably fragrance-free and alcohol-free.
Q. What should I do if my baby has a rash?
A. Many newborn rashes are harmless and resolve on their own. If a rash is severe, spreading, or your baby seems unwell, seek medical advice.
Q. When should I see a GP about my baby’s skin?
A. Contact a GP or health visitor if your baby’s skin becomes infected, blistered, or very red, or if you are worried about any skin changes.
Q. What temperature should the bath water be?
A. Around 37°C – close to body temperature. Always check with your wrist or a thermometer.
Q. How much bath oil should I use?
A. Add one to two caps of Biloosh Bath time oil to warm water. Increase slightly if skin is extra dry.
Q. Can I use this bath oil in summer as well?
A. Yes – use a lighter amount if skin feels balanced, or adjust depending on seasonal changes.
Q. My baby’s skin is flaky. Should I worry?
A. Flaking is common in newborns, especially in the first weeks. Hydration, gentle cleansing, and consistent moisturizing usually help. Consult your GP if it persists.
If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s skin, we’ll be happy to help – just drop us a line at info@biloosh.co.uk.