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The 10 Best Baby Skincare Brands in Australia for 2026
Updated October 2026
By One Fine Baby Editorial Team
Is there anything softer than newborn skin? Those tiny cheeks, little hands and impossibly smooth feet are enough to make you want to spend all day cuddling your baby. But as lovely as their skin feels, it's also surprisingly delicate, which means choosing the right skincare products deserves a little extra thought.
From dry patches and cradle cap to nappy rash and sensitive skin, there's plenty to navigate when it comes to caring for your baby's skin. And with so many baby skincare brands promising gentle, natural or dermatologist-tested formulas, knowing which products are actually worth adding to your bathroom shelf isn't always straightforward.
The good news? You don't need a complicated skincare routine or a cupboard full of products. A gentle baby wash, a suitable moisturiser when needed and a reliable nappy barrier cream are often enough to get started.
To help you find the right products for your little one, we've rounded up ten of the best baby skincare brands in Australia for 2026. From trusted pharmacy favourites to beautiful Australian-made ranges and specialist skincare for dry or eczema-prone skin, these are the brands worth knowing about.
Because when it comes to baby skincare, sometimes the simplest approach really is the best.
The Best Baby Skincare Products in 2026
If you've been shopping for baby skincare, chances are you've already come across GAIA Skin Naturals. A long-time favourite with Australian parents, the brand has earned its reputation for creating gentle, naturally derived skincare that's kind to delicate newborn and baby skin. Founded by an Aussie mum looking for a better solution for her own son's sensitive skin, GAIA has spent more than 20 years helping families navigate everything from baby's first bath to dry skin, cradle cap and everyday skincare routines.
Why They're Different
What sets GAIA apart is its simple, gentle approach to baby skincare. The range is thoughtfully formulated with naturally derived ingredients and botanical extracts to help cleanse, moisturise and protect delicate skin without relying on harsh soaps or unnecessary additives. Rather than overwhelming parents with complicated routines, GAIA focuses on everyday essentials that are suitable for even sensitive skin, making it an easy choice for first-time parents.
Why Try Them
One of the things we love most about GAIA is how easy it makes baby skincare. Whether you're looking for a gentle Hair & Body Wash, a nourishing Baby Moisturiser or a soothing nappy balm, the range covers all the everyday essentials in one trusted collection. It's also widely available across Australia, making it easy to top up your favourites whenever bath time supplies start running low.
What To Know
- Australian-owned baby skincare brand
- More than 20 years of trusted baby skincare expertise
- Naturally derived ingredients and botanical extracts
- Gentle formulas for newborns, babies and sensitive skin
- Includes baby wash, moisturiser, nappy care and skincare essentials
- Soap-free formulas designed for delicate skin
- Suitable for everyday use
- Available at leading retailers across Australia
Real Customer Reviews
[Review of GAIA Natural Baby Moisturiser] "This is absolutely perfect for bubba's with sensitive skin, I'm big on natural products for my family's skin and my daughter has very dry sensitive skin and this works wonders, i pair it with the baby oil and honestly it helped my daughters skin so much, i cant recommend enough for people that want to go natural." - Amy G
[Review of GAIA Natural Baby Massage Oil] "It was a midwife that suggested this product to help little miss get to sleep. Apparently giving baby a light massage, especially around the feet and ankles before bed can help them sleep better. At that point I was ready to try anything! I love that this product is not greasy and good for sensitive skin too." - Zoe M
If you're looking for baby skincare that's as gentle as it is science-backed, Little Étoile is a brand worth having on your radar. Proudly Australian, the brand combines naturally derived ingredients with more than 25 years of pharmaceutical and bioscience expertise to create skincare that's specifically formulated for delicate newborn and children's skin. From bath time essentials to moisturisers and products for dry and eczema-prone skin, Little Étoile focuses on making everyday skincare both safe and effective.
Why They're Different
Little Étoile takes a research-led approach to baby skincare. Every product is carefully formulated using naturally derived ingredients and undergoes extensive safety testing beyond standard industry requirements, giving parents extra peace of mind. The range also includes age-specific products—from newborn care through to products designed for growing children—recognising that children's skin changes as they develop.
Why Try Them
Whether you're searching for a gentle head-to-toe wash, an everyday moisturiser or products designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, Little Étoile makes it easy to build a simple skincare routine for your little one. We especially love the brand's thoughtful formulations, recyclable packaging and commitment to creating products that support healthy skin from baby's first bath through the toddler years and beyond.
What To Know
- Australian-owned baby skincare brand
- Backed by more than 25 years of pharmaceutical and bioscience expertise
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
- Suitable for newborns, babies and growing children
- Dedicated range for dry and eczema-prone skin
- Includes head-to-toe washes, lotions, barrier creams, massage oils and hair care
- Recyclable packaging and thoughtfully formulated everyday essentials
Real Customer Reviews
"So glad I found this product! I've been looking for something to wash the chlorine off bubs after swimming lessons and this product works so well! Great size for including in your travel bag and leaves bub smelling fresh. Excellent product that I would highly recommend." - Larissa H
"The smell is inviting and isn’t too strong. Once applying the product it went straight into my skin and I noticed a difference immediately. It didn’t feel greasy. I love that there are no nasty ingredients and gentle for my Bub to use too. He smelt and felt heavenly to touch." - Alex S.
@littleetoileofficial Say hello to happy skin with our gentle baby skincare magic! #BabyGlow #Skincaretips #babysoftiktok #momsoftiktok #momtok #mumtok #babytok #babyskincareroutine #bathtime #babymoment #babyfun #babyvideo #babyproduct #babyreview #LittleEtoile #LittleÉtoile #australianbub #mumandbubs ♬ original sound - Little Étoile Australia
For generations, Weleda has been a trusted name in natural skincare, and its Calendula Baby range continues to be a favourite with parents looking for gentle, plant-based care for delicate newborn and baby skin. Developed in collaboration with midwives and pharmacists, the range harnesses the soothing properties of organic calendula to help protect, nourish and comfort sensitive skin from baby's very first day.
Why It's Different
At the heart of the range is organic calendula, a botanical renowned for its calming and skin-soothing properties. Combined with ingredients like organic chamomile and nourishing plant oils, Weleda's formulas are 100% certified natural and dermatologically tested for delicate skin. The collection includes everything from gentle shampoo and body wash to face cream, baby oil and the much-loved Calendula Nappy Change Cream, making it easy to care for your baby's skin with one trusted range.
Why Try It
If you prefer naturally derived skincare and want products that have stood the test of time, Weleda is a beautiful choice. We love that the range is simple, effective and designed to support healthy skin rather than overcomplicate your routine. Whether you're bathing a newborn, soothing dry patches or helping prevent nappy rash, the Calendula Baby collection offers gentle everyday essentials that many families continue using well beyond the baby years.
What To Know
- Trusted natural skincare brand with more than 100 years of expertise
- Calendula Baby range developed with midwives and pharmacists
- Made with organic calendula, chamomile and nourishing plant oils
- 100% certified natural ingredients
- Dermatologically tested for delicate and sensitive baby skin
- Includes baby wash, face cream, baby oil, body lotion and nappy cream
- Suitable from birth
- Free from synthetic preservatives, artificial colourants and mineral oils
Real Customer Reviews
"I love this Shampoo Body Wash for my toddler! It's so gentle on her sensitive skin and really soothes and moisturizes. I always look for the convenience of a shampoo and body wash in one and this product is great! Beyond happy that it's all natural and smells wonderful too! Highly recommend!" - Heath
"Love Weleda Nappy Cream, we used this with both of our older children and plan to use again. It works great as a barrier cream and also helped clear up some pretty severe nappy rash that my oldest got after a rather long car trip. Highly recommended! " - Lauren
Created for delicate newborn and eczema-prone skin, VEEORÈ takes a science-first approach to baby skincare. Developed in alignment with recommendations from paediatricians and paediatric dermatologists, the range focuses on strengthening a baby’s developing skin barrier — an essential foundation for healthy skin. Central to the formulas is the brand’s Trio-Ceramide complex combined with prebiotics, which work together to help replenish the natural lipids that delicate baby skin often lacks.
What makes it different?
The range is intentionally simplified. All VEEORÈ products are completely fragrance-free (including essential oils), and instead of using water as the base, the formulas use soothing aloe vera to help hydrate and calm delicate skin. Within the sensitive range, ingredients commonly associated with irritation like certain surfactants, nut oils and botanical extracts are carefully avoided, making the products particularly suitable for babies with reactive or eczema-prone skin. Created by a mum and partnered with the Eczema Association of Australasia, the brand focuses on gentle yet effective skincare from day one.
What is VEEORÈ’s most popular product?
One of the standout products in the range is the Magical Moisturiser. Designed to deliver deep hydration while helping strengthen a baby’s skin barrier, it’s powered by VEEORÈ’s Trio-Ceramides, and works to replenish essential lipids and support more resilient skin over time. Unlike many baby moisturisers that simply sit on the surface, it’s designed to help restore the barrier where delicate skin needs it most.
The formula is also completely fragrance-free and uses aloe vera in place of water to provide soothing hydration, making it especially suitable for newborn, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Parents looking for a gentle daily moisturiser that still offers barrier-supporting benefits often turn to this product as a staple in their baby’s skincare routine.
Real Customer Reviews
"Loving these products so far, my daughter has eczema and nothing was working on her, so I decided to try VEEORÈ, her skin cleared up, and it stays soft and smooth for longer. I am so glad I purchased the products." – Yona C.
“I absolutely love every product, especially how it’s all natural. But hands down the Dream barrier cream has honestly worked wonders on my 14 month old with their nappy rash. It’s also helped heal my eczema on my elbows that I got since being pregnant with my second. I highly recommend each product. You won’t be disappointed.” – Clare H.
Exclusive offer for One Fine Baby audience:
Use code ‘OFB15’ for 15% off bundles when you visit the VEEORÈ website.
For more than 75 years, Mustela has been helping parents care for their babies' delicate skin. Loved by families around the world, this French skincare brand is known for its gentle, science-backed formulas made with naturally derived ingredients and tailored to different skin types—from everyday newborn care to dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. If you're looking for a complete baby skincare range you can grow with, Mustela is a brand well worth exploring.
Why They're Different
One of Mustela's biggest strengths is that it recognises not all baby skin is the same. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, the brand has dedicated collections for normal, dry, very sensitive and eczema-prone skin, making it easier for parents to choose products that suit their baby's individual needs. Every formula is dermatologist- and paediatrician-tested, made with a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients and suitable from birth, giving parents extra peace of mind.
Why Try Them
Whether you're stocking up on newborn essentials or looking for targeted skincare to help manage dry skin, cradle cap or nappy rash, Mustela has a solution for almost every stage of your baby's skincare journey. We especially love that the range includes trusted favourites like the Gentle Cleansing Gel, Hydra Bébé Body Lotion and Vitamin Barrier Cream, alongside specialised products for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It's a thoughtful, comprehensive range that's become a staple in nurseries around the world.
What To Know
- Trusted baby skincare brand with more than 75 years of expertise
- Suitable from birth
- Dermatologist- and paediatrician-tested formulas
- Made with a high percentage of natural-origin ingredients
- Dedicated ranges for normal, dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Includes baby wash, moisturiser, cleansing water, nappy cream and cradle cap care
- B Corp Certified
- Designed to support and protect babies' delicate skin from day one
Real Customer Reviews
[Review of Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing Gel] "Love this stuff! So gentle and sweet smelling. I used all Mustela products on my son as a newborn and toddler as he had very sensitive skin. Now that I’m in my 32 I have developed very fragile skin, extremely dry and prone to rashes. Well back to Mustela products and I’m thrilled with this cleansing cream. I use it in the shower instead of soap or other products since even those labeled for dry skin irrated my arms and legs. This stuff is amazing and I highly recommend it. Worth every penny!" - tatia.a
If you're looking for baby skincare that's backed by science but gentle enough for the tiniest skin, Mamave is a brand worth discovering. Proudly Australian made, Mamave was created to simplify skincare for mums and bubs with thoughtfully formulated products that are safe, effective and easy to trust. From baby's first bath through to toddlerhood, the range is designed to nourish, soothe and protect delicate skin using naturally derived ingredients—without the harsh additives.
Why They're Different
What sets Mamave apart is its science-first approach. Created by a cosmetic development chemist with a background in pharmaceutical science, every formula blends naturally derived ingredients with carefully selected active ingredients to support delicate skin. The range is pregnancy-safe, newborn-friendly and free from common ingredients many parents prefer to avoid, including parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils and SLS/SLES.
Why Try Them
Mamave takes the guesswork out of caring for your baby's skin. Whether you're looking for a gentle baby wash, a nourishing moisturiser, a soothing massage oil or a zinc barrier cream for nappy changes, the collection covers all the everyday essentials in one beautifully curated range. We also love that the products are designed to care for both mum and bub, making them a thoughtful choice for pregnancy, postpartum and those precious early years.
What To Know
- Australian-made mum and baby skincare brand
- Created by a cosmetic development chemist
- Science-backed formulas with naturally derived ingredients
- Suitable for newborns, babies and toddlers
- Includes baby wash, moisturiser, massage oil and zinc barrier cream
- Pregnancy-safe and gentle on delicate skin
- Free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oils and SLS/SLES
- Vegan and cruelty-free
If your little one struggles with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Itchy Baby Co. is a brand you'll want to know about. Created by an Australian mum after her own son's battle with severe eczema, the range was developed to help soothe itchy, irritated skin using naturally derived ingredients that are gentle enough for babies and young children. Today, it's become a trusted choice for families looking for effective everyday skincare for sensitive skin.
Why They're Different
Unlike many baby skincare brands that cater to all skin types, Itchy Baby Co. is specifically formulated for babies and children with dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The products feature skin-loving ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, vitamin E and nourishing plant oils, chosen to help calm irritation, support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. The brand also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using recycled and recyclable packaging alongside ethically sourced ingredients.
Why Try Them
If you're constantly searching for products to help relieve dry, itchy skin, Itchy Baby Co. offers a simple skincare routine that's easy to follow. From its Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak and Shampoo & Body Wash to its rich Eczema Moisturiser, every product is designed to gently cleanse, nourish and comfort delicate skin. We also love that the range was created by a mum who understands firsthand just how challenging childhood eczema can be.
What To Know
- Australian-owned baby skincare brand
- Specifically designed for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Founded by a mum inspired by her son's eczema journey
- Made with naturally derived ingredients including colloidal oatmeal
- Helps soothe itching while supporting the skin's natural barrier
- Includes bath soaks, moisturiser, shampoo & body wash and scalp care
- Sustainably sourced ingredients and recycled, recyclable packaging
- Cruelty-free and reef-friendly
Real customer reviews:
"This has made a huge difference to my daughter’s (2yrs) persistent cradle cap. Even without following up with the oil each time, it had certainly faded and started to come away" - Sarah K
"Love it! It’s so perfect for washing hair. It has gotten in the eyes, and bath water stings more than this stuff"
When it comes to baby skincare, QV Baby is one of those brands Australian parents come back to time and time again. Developed by Australian skincare experts Ego Pharmaceuticals, the range is specially formulated to care for delicate newborn and baby skin with gentle, fragrance-free products that help cleanse, moisturise and protect. It's also a brand that's widely recommended by paediatricians and trusted by families managing sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Why They're Different
QV Baby takes a simple, science-backed approach to skincare. Every product is pH balanced, soap-free and free from fragrance and colour, helping to support your baby's developing skin barrier without unnecessary irritants. Many formulas are enriched with skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin E and Glycerin, making them suitable for everyday use, even on dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Better still, the entire range is Australian made and dermatologist tested.
Why Try Them
If you're looking for a baby skincare range that's gentle, reliable and easy to find, QV Baby is hard to beat. From the much-loved QV Baby Gentle Wash and Bath Oil to its rich Moisturising Cream and protective Barrier Cream, the collection covers all the everyday essentials for bath time and beyond. We also love that it's readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets across Australia, making it easy to restock whenever you need it.
What To Know
- Australian-made baby skincare by Ego Pharmaceuticals
- Recommended by paediatricians
- Dermatologically tested for delicate baby skin
- Suitable for newborns, sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin
- Soap-free, fragrance-free and colour-free formulas
- pH-balanced to support the skin's natural barrier
- Enriched with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Vitamin E and Glycerin
- Includes baby wash, bath oil, moisturiser, shampoo and barrier cream
- Widely available at pharmacies, supermarkets and online across Australia
If beautiful design is just as important to you as gentle ingredients, al.ive baby is a brand you'll love. Created by Australian sisters and interior designers Alisa and Lysandra Fraser, the range combines naturally derived skincare with thoughtfully designed packaging that looks just as beautiful in your nursery as it does in your bathroom. Australian made and formulated specifically for delicate baby skin, al.ive baby transforms everyday bath time into a calming ritual for both parents and little ones.
Why They're Different
What makes al.ive baby stand out is its combination of premium formulations and elevated design. The collection is made in Australia using naturally derived ingredients, botanical extracts and nourishing oils to gently cleanse and moisturise delicate skin. Every product is vegan, cruelty-free, palm oil free and designed with sustainability in mind, while the brand's signature refillable bottles and beautifully coordinated colours bring a touch of style to everyday parenting.
Why Try Them
If you're looking for baby skincare that's practical, gentle and looks gorgeous on display, al.ive baby is a wonderful choice. From its Baby Hair & Body Wash and nourishing Body Lotion to Bubble Bath and Baby Oil, the range makes it easy to create a simple skincare routine you'll genuinely enjoy using. We especially love the calming scents, naturally derived ingredients and gift-worthy presentation, making it a beautiful option for your own nursery or a thoughtful baby shower gift.
What To Know
- Australian-made baby skincare range
- Created by Australian design duo Alisa and Lysandra Fraser
- Naturally derived formulas with botanical extracts
- Vegan, cruelty-free and 100% palm oil free
- Includes baby wash, body lotion, bubble bath and baby oil
- Gentle formulas suitable for babies and young children
- Stylish refillable packaging and sustainable refills available
- Beautiful nursery-worthy designs that make everyday routines feel special
If your baby has dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, BEETL Skincare is a brand well worth knowing. Made in Aotearoa, New Zealand, BEETL was created by founder Kirsty Coates after searching for gentle, effective skincare to help manage her own child's sensitive skin. Drawing on generations of herbal knowledge from her mother, a doctor and herbalist, the brand has become a favourite among families looking for simple, natural skincare that really works.
Why They're Different
Rather than creating a long list of products, BEETL focuses on a carefully curated range of multi-purpose essentials designed to support the skin barrier and soothe delicate skin. Hero products like the Baby Cream and Baby Balm are formulated with nourishing botanicals including calendula, chamomile and lavender, making them ideal for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The products are made in New Zealand using quality natural ingredients and are free from parabens and animal testing.
Why Try Them
We love that BEETL keeps baby skincare simple. Whether you're looking for an everyday moisturiser, a barrier balm for nappy rash or something to help calm dry, irritated skin, the range is designed to work hard without overcomplicating your routine. Better still, the products are suitable for the whole family, so they can become everyday staples long after the baby years.
What To Know
- New Zealand-made baby skincare brand
- Created by a mum inspired by her child's sensitive skin journey
- Gentle, natural skincare for babies and the whole family
- Ideal for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin
- Hero products include Baby Cream and Baby Balm
- Formulated with calendula, chamomile and other nourishing botanicals
- Paraben free and cruelty-free
- Suitable for newborns, babies and everyday family use
How to Choose the Best Baby Skincare Products
When it comes to baby skincare, more isn't necessarily better. In fact, your little one's skin generally needs far fewer products than your own. But with shelves full of baby washes, moisturisers, oils and creams, it can be hard to know what's worth buying and what you can happily leave behind.
Whether you're preparing for your newborn's arrival or looking for something gentler for sensitive skin, here's what to consider before choosing baby skincare products.
Look for gentle, fragrance-free formulas
Babies have delicate skin, and some ingredients that are perfectly fine for adults can cause irritation in little ones.
Fragrance is one of the first things worth considering. While there's something lovely about that freshly bathed baby smell, added perfumes aren't necessary for keeping your baby's skin clean and comfortable.
If your baby has sensitive, dry or eczema-prone skin, fragrance-free products are generally a sensible starting point. And remember, unscented doesn't always mean fragrance-free, as some products use masking fragrances to neutralise other smells.
Natural doesn't always mean gentler
It's easy to assume that natural baby skincare products must be better for delicate skin, but that's not always the case.
Botanical extracts, essential oils and naturally derived fragrances can still irritate sensitive skin. Likewise, a product containing carefully selected synthetic ingredients isn't automatically harsh or unsuitable for babies.
Rather than focusing entirely on whether a product is labelled natural, organic or plant-based, look at its ingredients, intended use and suitability for your baby's skin.
Choose products that suit your baby's skin
Not every baby needs the same skincare routine. Some have skin that stays beautifully soft with very little help, while others experience dryness, irritation or eczema.
For everyday care, a mild cleanser and a simple moisturiser may be all you need. If your baby has dry skin, look for moisturisers containing ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides or petrolatum, which can help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
If you're dealing with persistent redness, broken skin or suspected eczema, speak with your GP or child health nurse rather than relying on skincare products alone.
Start with the newborn skincare essentials
It's tempting to buy the entire matching skincare range before your baby arrives, but you really don't need a bathroom cabinet full of products.
For most newborns, a gentle bath product if needed, a suitable moisturiser for dry skin and a nappy barrier cream are a practical starting point.
Newborns don't need daily baths or heavily fragranced products, and plain water is often enough for washing in the early weeks. You can always add products later as you learn what suits your baby's skin.
Consider how easy the products are to use
A beautiful bottle is lovely, but when you're holding a slippery baby in one arm, practicality suddenly becomes very important.
Pump dispensers can be handy for bath products and moisturisers, while tubes are often more hygienic and convenient than jars when you're applying cream during nappy changes.
It's also worth considering whether a product rinses away easily, how much you need per use and whether the packaging makes it simple to dispense with one hand.
Know when skincare isn't enough
Baby skincare products can help keep skin clean, moisturised and protected, but they aren't a substitute for medical advice when something isn't right.
If your baby has a rash that is spreading, weeping, painful or not improving, it's worth having it checked by a healthcare professional. The same goes for persistent eczema symptoms or skin irritation that keeps returning.
And if you're introducing a new product to particularly sensitive skin, try a small amount on an unaffected area first and watch for irritation.
The best baby skincare routine is usually a simple one, with products that suit your baby's individual needs rather than the longest list of ingredients or the prettiest packaging.
FAQs About Baby Skincare in Australia
What is the best skincare for newborn babies?
The best newborn skincare routine is usually a simple one. In the early weeks, plain water is often enough for bathing, with a mild, fragrance-free baby cleanser used when needed. If your newborn has dry skin, a gentle moisturiser suitable for babies may help. You'll also want a reliable nappy barrier cream on hand. Rather than buying an entire skincare range, start with a few essentials and see what your baby's skin actually needs.
Should baby skincare products be fragrance-free?
Fragrance-free baby skincare products are generally a good choice, especially for newborns and babies with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Added fragrances aren't necessary for cleansing or moisturising and can irritate some babies' skin. It's also worth knowing that products labelled 'unscented' may still contain ingredients designed to mask odours. If you're unsure, check the ingredient list and choose a gentle formula specifically suitable for babies.
Are natural and organic baby skincare products better?
Not necessarily. Natural and organic baby skincare products can be lovely options, but those labels don't automatically mean a formula is gentler or less likely to cause irritation. Some botanical extracts, essential oils and plant-based fragrances can irritate sensitive skin. Rather than choosing a product based on marketing claims alone, look for clear ingredient information, reputable certifications where relevant and a formula suited to your baby's individual skin needs.
What ingredients should I look for in baby moisturiser?
For babies with dry skin, look for gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers containing ingredients that help retain moisture and support the skin barrier. Glycerin, ceramides and petrolatum are common examples. Thicker creams and ointments can be particularly useful for very dry skin, while lighter lotions may suit babies who need less intensive moisturising. If your baby has eczema, ask your GP or pharmacist which products are most appropriate, as some ingredients can aggravate already irritated skin.
How often should I bathe my newborn baby?
Most newborns only need a bath two or three times a week, although you can bathe them more often if they enjoy it and their skin tolerates it. On other days, gently cleaning their face, neck, hands and nappy area is usually enough. Keep baths short, use comfortably warm water and avoid harsh soaps. If your baby has eczema, their healthcare professional may recommend a different bathing and moisturising routine.
What's the difference between baby moisturiser and nappy barrier cream?
Baby moisturiser and nappy barrier cream serve different purposes. A moisturiser helps hydrate the skin and reduce moisture loss, making it useful for dry areas on your baby's face or body. Nappy barrier creams are designed to protect the skin from moisture, friction and irritation in the nappy area. They often contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or petrolatum. It's worth having both available, rather than expecting one product to do everything.
What is the best baby skincare for eczema-prone skin?
For babies with eczema-prone skin, a simple, fragrance-free routine is generally recommended. Choose a gentle, soap-free cleanser and a thick, plain moisturiser, applied regularly to help protect the skin barrier. Avoid fragranced products and be cautious with essential oils and botanical ingredients. Eczema sometimes requires medicated treatment as well as moisturising, so speak with your GP or pharmacist if your baby has persistent dry, red or itchy patches.
Do babies need a daily skincare routine?
Babies don't need an elaborate skincare routine, but a few simple habits can help keep their skin comfortable. Gently clean their face, hands, neck folds and nappy area as needed, use a suitable moisturiser if their skin is dry, and apply barrier cream to protect against nappy irritation. There's no need to use multiple lotions, oils and washes every day. The best routine is one that's gentle, practical and suited to your baby's skin.
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