Happy Baby, Happy Skin
Calm, evidence-based skincare guidance for your little one – from day one.
This leaflet brings together NHS guidance on caring for your baby’s skin — so you can feel reassured, understand it better, and support your baby with confidence.
Your Baby’s Skin is Extraordinary - and Still Developing
At birth, the skin barrier is thinner, more delicate, and more vulnerable to disruption than adult skin. It continues to mature during the first year of life, which means what you put on your baby’s skin really matters.
Skin health begins before birth — and the way we care for it in the first year helps lay the foundation for healthy skin throughout life.
This leaflet brings together NHS guidance on caring for your baby’s skin — helping you feel reassured and confident from day one.
What You’ll Find in This Leaflet
What makes baby skin unique
How to protect the skin barrier & microbiome
Common skin conditions and what helps
What to avoid (and why)
Where to go for trusted support
The Basics: Baby Skin is Still Learning
The skin barrier at birth is more permeable than adult skin—meaning it loses moisture more easily and absorbs substances more quickly.
A healthy microbiome is passed on during birth and continues to colonise and evolve throughout the first year. This delicate ecosystem is your baby’s first line of defence. The microbiome becomes more stable in early childhood, then shifts again at puberty due to hormonal changes and increased oil production.
Many common baby skin concerns—dryness, flaking, redness, cradle cap—are part of normal adaptation. The goal is to support gently, without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.
Your Baby’s Natural Defence System
A few things are doing incredible work already:
Microbiome - (the invisible community of good bacteria that helps protect your baby’s skin). It’s seeded during birth and supported by gentle care.
Vernix - The creamy coating at birth is a natural antimicrobial and moisturiser. It’s best to leave it to absorb naturally rather than washing it off too soon.
Lanugo Hair - Fine body hair seen in newborns; it helps regulate warmth and protect delicate skin. It usually disappears on its own.
Daily Care Tips
Use plain warm water only for the first 4 weeks.
After that, introduce a mild, fragrance-free cleanser if needed - but sparingly.
2–3 baths per week is usually enough.
Moisturising
Most babies don’t need moisturiser unless skin is visibly dry or irritated.
Choose products that are barrier supportive - gentle, fragrance-free, with as few additives as possible.
Apply after bathing to damp skin using clean hands.
Nappy Area
Clean with warm water or ultra-soft reusable cloths.
Allow skin to air dry before putting on a new nappy.
Use a zinc oxide-based barrier cream only if needed, such as when the skin is sore or stools are frequent.
Laundry & Clothing
Wash baby clothes and bedding with fragrance-free, enzyme-free detergent.
Stick to natural fibres like cotton.
Avoid overheating or excessive layering.
Top & Tailing
Wipe face, neck, hands and nappy area daily with warm water.
Use soft cloths or cotton wool pads.
This is a good alternative to full baths in early weeks.
Umbilical Cord Care
Keep the area dry and exposed to air.
Avoid soaking during baths.
Don’t use alcohol wipes unless medically advised.
Hair Care
The NHS advises using plain water on your baby’s skin for at least the first 4 weeks. NHS advice
Don’t Panic About Peeling Skin
Dry, peeling skin in the first few weeks is completely normal and usually resolves on its own.
Avoid scrubbing, soaking, or over-moisturising - let nature take its course.
What to Avoid
‘Natural’ or ‘organic’ doesn’t always mean safe - always check for fragrance, essential oils, and strong preservatives.
Avoid foaming cleansers, bubble baths, fragranced wipes, and thick petroleum-based products unless advised by a health professional.
The MHRA (UK Gov) has issued warnings about products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), especially in children with eczema.
Don’t over-cleanse or over-layer - baby skin thrives on simplicity.
Common Conditions at a Glance
Usually harmless and self-resolving
Avoid picking, olive oil, or medicated treatments unless advised by a health professional
Gently massage a baby-safe emollient into the scalp to loosen the scales
Use a soft baby brush to lift flakes, then wash with a mild baby shampoo
Clean with warm water or reusable soft cloths
Let skin air-dry
Apply a zinc-based barrier cream if needed
Avoid fragranced wipes or talc
Dry or Peeling Skin
Common in the first weeks - especially on hands and feet
Usually settles without treatment
Avoid over-moisturising or scrubbing
Baby Acne
Caused by blocked follicles or hormonal changes
Needs no treatment
Usually clears within a few weeks or months
Keep It Simple
You don’t need a shelf full of baby skincare - just the right approach at the right time. Less is more when it comes to healthy baby skin.
Need More Support?
If you have any concerns about rashes, infections, or anything unusual, always contact your midwife, GP, or health visitor. They’re there to support you, and no question is too small. Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to ask.
Trusted UK Sources:
NHS – Washing and Bathing Your Baby
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/washing-and-bathing-your-baby
Covers how and when to bathe, use of water-only cleansing, and gentle skincare tips.
NHS – Getting to Know Your Newborn
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/after-the-birth/getting-to-know-your-newborn
Includes umbilical cord care, skin peeling, vernix guidance, and early skin adaptation advice.
NHS – Nappy Rash
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/nappy-rash
Guidance on preventing and treating nappy rash, including the use of zinc oxide creams.
NHS – Caring for Your Baby
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn
General newborn care hub, including sleep, feeding, crying, and health monitoring.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. This resource is informed by current evidence, clinical observation, and emerging research in skin health.
If you spot an omission or believe any of the information is inaccurate, please get in touch. I’ll review it and make updates where appropriate
Version: [March / 2025]
© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.