First Months: How to Take Care of Baby’s Skin
Cradle cap, dry skin, diaper rash, teething flare-ups… The first months of a newborn’s life can put their skin to the test, and you may have noticed that little by little, a daily skincare routine naturally falls into place. Yes, baby ends up with a real skincare routine of their own! Its purpose is to heal or soothe, deeply nourish skin cells, and relieve all those little discomforts. In this article, we explain how baby’s skin works, why it is so fragile, and most importantly, we share some tips on how to care for it—especially with the help of the slightly magical skincare brand Tubby Todd, created by a mom.
Why Is Baby’s Skin So Fragile?
Ah, baby’s skin—it’s impossible not to stroke it, kiss it, breathe in its sweet scent… Yet it requires very special care. We often talk about the softness of newborn skin, but despite its velvety surface, it can be very dry and much more delicate than adult skin. It takes about 2–3 years for a child’s skin to strengthen, and up to 6 years to reach full maturity. During these early years, little ones’ skin is more prone to dehydration, eczema, and other atopic skin conditions.
We say this skin is still “immature” because it is thinner and its protective barrier is not yet fully developed. In addition, with skin folds, perspiration, and friction, babies can quickly develop redness, irritation, or even fungal infections. As parents, we care for it daily to ensure baby isn’t bothered by tight, uncomfortable skin.
The good news? Babies love routine! By practicing these daily skincare steps, you nourish their skin, reassure them, and strengthen your bond.
How to Choose Skincare Products for Little Ones
As you’ve understood, baby’s skin is young and highly sensitive, so it’s strongly recommended to choose products specifically designed for this delicate epidermis. Opt for soap-free bath products with a neutral pH. It’s best to test samples or travel sizes first to see how well your baby tolerates them—especially if their skin is particularly sensitive or allergy-prone.
A Successful Daily Skincare Routine Includes…
1 – The Right Setup
Baby care can be done on a mattress or a bed, but a changing table offers several advantages: the right height (for your already tired back!) and the convenience of having all products within reach. Baby changing tables are secure, comfortable, and often located near the bath or sleeping area.
Speaking of comfort, have you discovered our PAGO changing table?
2 – A Bath, Yes… But Not Too Hot
Bath water temperature directly affects baby’s skin—and unfortunately, hard water (in some cities) doesn’t help either. Today, water-softening filters are available to make water gentler on the skin. If your baby has particularly fragile skin, this may be a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, remember that water between 35°C and 37°C (95°F–98.6°F) is the maximum recommended temperature to avoid drying out the skin.
Also note: daily baths are not recommended before the age of 2–3 years. To prevent irritation, gently pat the skin dry without rubbing, and most importantly, moisturize baby’s body immediately after bathing before dressing them.
3 – Suitable Products
Always on the lookout for specialized brands, we fell in love with Tubby Todd skincare products. In the United States, it’s practically an institution. Tubby Todd was created by a mom who struggled to find products to soothe her children’s sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Together with her husband, they launched a range of gentle, plant-based bodycare basics, starting with their first product, a two-in-one Hair + Body Wash, in 2014. It took over two years of research to develop the perfect formula that finally worked wonders for their family’s skin concerns. Dry skin, eczema, diaper rash, cradle cap…nothing is overlooked in their current range of skincare must-haves.
4 – Saline Solution Is Your Best Friend
In your routine, saline solution is definitely an essential ally! Some parents even make it at home. Preferable to seawater—which is still a bit too strong for infants—saline solution should be part of baby’s daily skincare. Their tiny nose needs to be cleaned, and this habit should begin in the first months for proper nasal and ENT hygiene. You’ll be grateful for it in the years to come!
6 – Complete Sun Protection
Because baby’s skin is ultra-fragile and much thinner, it is especially vulnerable to UV rays. It’s crucial to avoid direct sun exposure. Many brands offer sun protection specifically designed for baby’s skin. We recommend applying sunscreen even if baby isn’t directly exposed to the sun, and of course, always use a hat and sunglasses during summer outings.
7 – A Little Massage Now and Then…
The cherry on top—why not offer baby a gentle massage from time to time? Comfortably settled on a changing table or a clean towel after bath time, you can use a neutral oil suitable for little ones and perform simple movements with many benefits. For the skin, it boosts hydration, and more generally, massages promote relaxation, calmness, and better sleep. They also strengthen bonding and attachment! A small tip: take it slowly and gently…
