best buys
The best creams and lotions for sensitive baby skin
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We all know how delicate and sensitive a baby's skin is. In fact, midwives recommend that you only use soap and water to cleanse newborns for the first few weeks.
Once babies are a little older, however, it's fine to use some carefully chosen skincare products.
Most baby products nowadays are safe for sensitive skin, but we would always recommend checking the label for any ingredients that could cause flare-ups or allergic reactions.
Here are some of our favourite creams and lotions to use if your child has eczema, nappy rash or is just prone to the odd patch of redness.
And we've also rounded up tried-and-tested advice for protecting babies sensitive skin, including limiting bath time and using the best detergent for baby clothes (Top tip: lots of our Netmums parents swear by Fairy Non Bio !)
1. Burt's Bees Baby Bee Nourishing Lotion
* Enriched with buttermilk, shea butter and sunflower seed oil
* Hypo-allergenic and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin
* Locks in moisture
This nourishing lotion absorbs quickly leaving your baby’s skin super soft with zero stickiness.
Made with 99% natural origin ingredients, it’s been tested by paediatricians and is safe to use on your baby’s face and body. Why not massage the lotion in after bath time to keep their skin moisturised and smooth.
2. Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser
*Award-winning baby moisturiser
*Suitable for dry, sensitive and even eczema-prone skin
*Buy in bulk to save money
Your baby’s skin is super delicate so you want a body cream that’s gentle and as natural as possible.
Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser has a mild fragrance and is made from 98% naturally derived ingredients, including cocoa seed butter.
Check out the full Childs Farm range for other creams, lotions and body washes all designed to be kind on your baby’s skin.
3. Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream
* Acts as a barrier cream for nappy rash
* Helps soothe eczema
* Clinically proven to heal your baby’s skin
Nappy rash can leave your baby’s skin feeling very sore and irritated. Sudocrem is a parent-loved barrier cream that heals and soothes skin.
It’s gentle enough to use on newborns, but it’s not just for babies … some parents use it for getting rid of spots, soothing sunburn and healing scars. Genius!
4. Aveeno Baby Dermexa Good Night Emollient Balm
* Reduce itchiness at night, helping your baby sleep.
* Contains Triple Oat Complex and Ceramides to rebuild the skin barrier
* Helps prevent dry skin
If your baby has itchy, uncomfortable skin it can lead to disrupted nights for both of you. Massage in some Aveeno Baby Dermexa Good Night Emollient Balm to moisturise and soothe your baby’s dry skin.
It’s been clinically proven to help restore the skin barrier in just one week thanks to the magic ingredients of Triple Oat Complex and Ceramides.
5. Mama Mio Mini Moments Baby Massage Gel
*Perfect for baby massage
*100% natural fragrance
*Contains a blend of Shea, Avocado and Coconut Oils
Touch is a vital way of bonding with your baby. So what better way than by giving your little one a baby massage. This vegan Mama Mio gel will keep your baby’s skin moisturised and smooth. It’s super easy to apply and suitable for sensitive skin. You can also do your bit for the planet - the packaging is 100% recyclable.
6. Baby Coconut Oil
* Coconut is the best oil to cure dry, patchy skin and eczema
* Can be used as a baby massage oil
* Mums (and dads) can use it, too
A natural remedy for dry skin, the benefits of coconut oil are endless. This coconut balm will melt on your little one's skin and take all the dryness away, and you will see dramatic changes even after just one use. It can be used as a massage oil or plain moisturiser (on both babies and adults). Its irresistible, delicious smell together with its lightweight quickly-absorbing texture will make it your favourite go-to product.
7. Daily Nourishing Spray
* A natural therapy product for toddlers and children with very dry skin
* Filled with natural vitamins and minerals
* Easily absorbed by the skin, so it treats dryness and itchiness quickly
Treat eczema or other sensitive skin conditions with this steroid-free spray that nourishes the skin and promotes healthy regrowth of cells. It contains sea buckthorn for regeneration, lavender to calm and balance, and rosemary for collagen development. It's an all-in-one deep moisturiser that nourishes the skin, that still feels lightweight and is fast-absorbing, too. So, your baby can enjoy its soothing benefits without any oily residue.
8. Kit & Kin Body Lotion for Baby
*A blend of 12 oils, it smells amazing
*Gentle enough for newborn skin
*Pump can be used one-handed, perfect for those wriggly baby moments
Kit & Kin is an eco-friendly brand selling everything from eco nappies to organic clothes. Their skincare is just as kind to the environment and gentle on babies' sensitive skin.
Their Body Lotion for Baby contains organic shea butter, coconut oil and mango extract and is dermatologically-approved. Kit & Kin skincare is also certified natural by the soil association, giving you peace of mind it contains gentle ingredients for your baby’s skin.
9. Bepanthen Nappy Rash Ointment
* A moisturising and protective product that works by forming a breathable transparent layer
* Suitable for every day use, for every nappy change
* Contains no colours, fragrance, or preservatives
This award-winning product has been loved by parents since its launch a few years ago. It has a simple, to-the-point formula that can be used for every nappy change to avoid rashes or sensitivity.
It works by forming a breathable layer of moisture that protects even the most delicate skin. Quite simply, a must-have baby care product!
10. Weleda White Mallow Body Lotion
* Natural and soothing for hypersensitive baby skin
* Provides a pleasant cooling sensation on the skin and fights dryness and itchiness
* Has a gel-like consistency for faster absorption
This moisturising and soothing lotion is perfect for babies with hypersensitive skin or who suffer from skin conditions like eczema. The gel-based formula speeds up absorption and has a lovely, cooling effect. It works well on allergy-prone skin as the white mallow plant infusion creates a protective barrier.
Tips for babies with sensitive skin
Along with using gentle creams and lotions, there are other easy ways to protect your baby's sensitive skin.
Use the best detergent for baby clothes
The first step to keep your baby comfy (and happy!) is by making sure their clothes aren’t rough or irritating. And when it comes to washing baby clothes, many parents swear by non bio detergent and fabric softener.
Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener
Why not check out Fairy Non Bio’s Sensitive Skin Dream Team – Fairy Non Bio PODS® and Fairy Fabric Softener – which are gentle on the most delicate of skin. The whole Fairy Non Bio range has been voted the number one laundry brand for sensitive skin*.
That’s your baby’s clothes sorted and snuggably soft.
*Online panel of 3,433 women among which Fairy Non Bio detergent/softener was voted most often as the #1 detergent and fabric softener for sensitive skin.
2. Do regular nappy changes
Nappy rash is common but it can be really sore and uncomfortable for your baby.
Protect their skin by changing their nappy as soon as it’s dirty. (The NHS says you may need to change your baby’s nappy 10-12 times a day.)
This will help stop any rashes and discomfort, leaving your baby happy and content.
3. Wash baby clothes before use
It’s important to make sure anything touching your baby’s skin is as gentle and clean as possible. So it’s a good idea to wash all their clothes before they wear them, even if they’re brand new.
When it comes to washing baby clothes, use a gentle detergent like Fairy Non Bio for peace of mind that your baby’s clothes will be super soft against their skin.
4. Don’t bathe your baby every day
In the early weeks you don’t need to give your baby a bath every day. This could actually dry their skin out. Instead, a daily top and tail is just fine.
When your baby is a bit older you can add a soothing bath to their bedtime routine. Always use bubble baths and baby body washes suitable for sensitive skin.
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