June 24, 2025 | Kathleen Hutton, MD
A baby’s delicate skin, with its soft and sensitive epidermis, is prone to redness and irritation. Here are 4 easy ways to avoid skin issues that can get baby cranky (and you too!)
1. Cleanse Gently, Regularly, & Keep it Brief.
Be sure to use a cleanser specifically designed for newborns or babies. You’ll want gentle and conditioning ingredients, free of sulfates and parabens and as natural as possible. Fragrance-free options are great, but if you find baby is okay with fragrance and you like it, absolutely enjoy it!
Establish a regular bathing ritual to keep baby’s skin fresh and clean. And even though splashing and giggling is fun, it’s best to keep bath time brief. It helps prevent dryness.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Baby’s skin moisture barrier is even more important than ours is. They’ve never been exposed to the environmental irritants. Skin with a light layer of hydration is protected far better. Look for products that are pediatrician-recommended and feature nourishing ingredients. Vitamins, moisturizing lipids, and natural oils are most beneficial.
Oils are beautiful because they are easy to apply and make baby’s skin glow. The best oils are lightweight, mild, and close to the baby’s natural skin lipids.
- Coconut Oil is mild with fatty acids that mimic the skin’s natural ones.
- Jojoba Oil is non-irritating, richly hydrating, and closely resembles human sebum, making it typically well-tolerated.
- Moringa Oil contains numerous vitamins, and it is also anti-inflammatory and naturally antimicrobial. It is known to soothe irritation and prevent it. This oil has been used on babies for centuries.
- Mineral Oil is a no-no.
3. Dress Baby in Breathable Layers
If the baby gets too hot or too cold, their skin can become upset as well. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, and avoid wool or synthetics, which can cause chafing or overheating. Keeping baby cool in hot weather helps prevent the red bumps and blisters of heat rash.
Wash new clothes before baby wears them to remove any irritants from manufacturing or packing materials.
4 .Use Sun Protection
Keep infants out of direct sunlight and find a little hat that shields their face until they are old enough for sunscreen, which is typically around 6 months. When they reach that age, choose a full-spectrum mineral sunscreen, not a chemical one, as it will be less irritating to the baby. Apply it lightly to the face, avoiding the eye area.
5. Shampoo Baby’s Hair
Cradle Cap, or Seborrheic Dermatitis, causes the baby’s scalp to look scaly, flaky, and itchy. Using a gentle and mild shampoo regularly can prevent it. If it happens, applying a little oil can help loosen the scales and soothe the baby’s head. Always consult with a pediatrician or dermatologist if you have concerns about your baby’s skin, especially if you notice persistent rashes, changes in skin color, or signs of infection. Early intervention can save both you and the baby a lot of aggravation and ensure the baby’s skin stays calm and comfy.
Kathleen Hutton M.D. is a dermatologic surgeon practicing in Newport Beach in Orange County, California. Dr. Kathleen Hutton is known as one of the premier dermatologists in Orange County. Since establishing her private practice in 1991, her offices have grown to include two other board-certified dermatologists and two nurse practitioners under her close supervision.
