What to look for in a Best Baby Lotion for Dry Skin
Most newborn babies do not need lotion. If the baby’s skin does not seem dry or irritated, there is no need to use lotions.
However, for those deciding whether to use lotion and which type to buy, they should consider the following:
- If the baby has sensitive skin or eczema, choose fragrance-free products. Fragrances are an unnecessary ingredient, and some fragrances are allergensTrusted Source.
- If the baby has eczema or skin allergies, keep a log of food, lotions, and anything else that might trigger the allergy. Switch brands if the reaction does not resolve with a new lotion or worsens.
- Be mindful of ingredients such as lanolin. While lanolin can help moisturize skin, some babies with eczema have lanolin allergiesTrusted Source.
There is no single lotion that will suit every baby.
People should speak with a doctor before choosing products to treat skin conditions in infants.
A few tips can help parents and caregivers choose a safe lotion for their babies:
- Add sunscreen to the baby’s daily routine if they will be outside in the sun, in combination with tents and hats that protect against UV damage. For babies under 6 months, people should keep sunscreen to a minimum and only use a small amount when shade and suitable clothing are unavailable. Sunburn is dangerous for people of all ages. Everyone should avoid the sun and stay away from tanning, but people should especially keep babies and children away from sun exposure.
- Massage the lotion into the baby’s skin carefully so that it does not transfer into their mouth or eyes.
- Avoid putting lotion on cracked or bleeding skin.
- Baby lotion is not a substitute treatment for eczema and other skin conditions. Speak with a doctor about treating skin conditions safely in infants.
Here are some common questions about babies and lotions.
Is lotion safe for newborns?
However, most newborns do not require moisturizing lotion unless they are experiencing skin problems, such as excessive dryness or eczema.
An older 2014Trusted Source study found that applying an emulsion-type moisturizer to newborns daily may reduce the development of atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Can I put lotion on my 1-month-old baby’s face?
Most lotions suitable for infants are safe to apply to facial skin, providing the ingredients are not irritating or allergens.
Avoid the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears when applying lotion. Only a small amount of product should be necessary.
People should consult with a physician or dermatologist and refrain from using anything that contains fragrances, essential oils, or other irritants.
Can I put lotion on my 1-week-old baby?
People can apply lotion to a 1-week-old baby. However, people should avoid any irritant ingredients, including all forms of fragrance. Consider lotions that specify they are safe for newborns.
A doctor may instruct to use simple ingredients such as pure petrolatum, as these can limit potential adverse effects while protecting the skin barrier.
Summary
Choosing the best baby lotion may require testing different products. Most lotions suitable for infants are free from irritants and allergens. Hypoallergenic and lightweight formulas are common options for babies.
Skin conditions such as eczema may require prescription lotions. A doctor can advise on skin issues in babies and the best lotions to use.
