Key Takeaways
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Takeaway #1: Even though your newborn’s skin is delicate, it also loses moisture quickly, so you can begin using lotion about 24 hours after your baby is born.
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Takeaway #2: Baby lotion should be formulated to keep your newborn’s skin safe: it needs to be hypoallergenic, use all natural ingredients, and be recommended by a pediatrician or dermatologist.
- Takeaway #3: Some ways to acclimate your baby using lotion include making moisturizing a daily habit, warming the lotion before you use it, and giving your baby a massage when you use it.
One of the first things you learn as a new parent is that skin-to-skin contact with your newborn is vital. Besides creating a lasting bond with your baby, it helps acclimate their tiny body to the environment. They can still get dry skin, though.
So, when can you put lotion on a newborn?
Despite their delicate skin, newborns can benefit from lotion. What makes a good lotion, how do you apply it, and what safety precautions do you need to use? We’ll guide you through the whole process.
When Can You Put Lotion On A Newborn?
During the second trimester of pregnancy, babies generate a thick, white film that coats their skin like a lotion. Called the vernix, it protects their skin from the fluids surrounding them in the womb. Imagine spending all of your time in a swimming pool. You’d need moisturizer too!
Some babies are born with their “built-in lotion” intact, and it serves as a temporary moisturizing barrier for their skin. It also has antibacterial properties, so it’s a good idea to wait 24 hours before you bathe your baby and wash it off. So when can you begin to put lotion on a newborn?
A good rule of thumb is right after that first bath. Once their skin is bare, it’s much more sensitive to the environment. Also, the outer layer of their skin, called the epidermis, isn’t fully developed yet, leaving them susceptible to external substances like bacteria and chemicals.
It also loses water faster than yours and can easily become dry. In order to keep your baby comfortable, as well as prevent irritation or chapping, a lotion formulated for a baby’s delicate skin is advised.
What Makes A Good Lotion?
Not all lotions are the same. Babies are not small adults. Baby lotion is specifically developed for a baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. Your baby’s skin is not the same as yours — although our lotions are perfect for your skin too!
Our Certified Organic Hydrating Cream with Olive Oil and Aloe is ideal for both of you.
Pediatrician-Recommended
Using a lotion recommended by a pediatrician usually means that it has been tested for effective use and safety by dermatologists. Here at Mustela, you can rest assured that all of our lotions are created in partnership with scientists and medical professionals.
Hypoallergenic
What does hypoallergenic mean? It’s an assurance that a product has been created to minimize the possibility of an allergic reaction. Our lotions are hypoallergenic as well.
Natural Ingredients
Synthetic ingredients like dyes and fragrances can clog your baby’s pores and irritate their skin. Free from harsh chemicals, a lotion made with natural ingredients is gentle on your baby’s skin which makes them safe for everyday use.
At Mustela, we use plant-based ingredients like aloe, olive oil, and shea butter. Our Hydra Bébé Body Lotion is a perfect choice.
B-Corp Certified
What does B-Corp Certification mean and what does it have to do with when you can put lotion on your baby? When a company chooses to get certified, it makes a promise to meet the highest standards for social and environmental performance.
Mustela became a proud B-Corp company in 2018. Since then, we’ve been committed to a more inclusive and sustainable business model, and every single one of our products — baby lotion included! — is more thoughtfully created because of it.
How To Apply Lotion
Less is more when it comes to caring for your newborn. For instance, babies don’t need to be bathed more than three times a week. Too many baths can dry out their skin and besides, it’s unlikely they’re doing anything that will cause them to sweat or get dirty.
The same is true when it comes to moisturizing. Less is more here too. Your baby’s sensitive skin doesn’t need a thick layer of lotion. Their skin is highly absorbent, so a little will go a long way.
Moisturize Daily
When should you put lotion on your newborn? Every day.
Your baby’s skin is not fully formed until they’re between two and four years of age. This means their skin barrier is not complete, making it harder for them to retain moisture. And because their epidermis is 30% thinner than an adult’s, it’s more prone to drying out quickly.
Another factor in your baby’s dry skin? The use of diapers and wipes. According to a study by the National Institute of Health, when you add diapers and wipes to your newborn’s daily routine, their skin barrier is compromised even more.
Diapers, on the one hand, can trap moisture, and wipes, on the other, strip moisture away. Your baby’s skin is a little like Goldilocks: applying lotion on it every day makes it feel just right.
Create A Routine
A great way to make sure your baby’s skin gets the moisturizing it needs every day is to fold it into a daily routine.
Maybe you apply lotion to their body when you give them their first diaper change of the day. Or right after their nap. Or maybe you use it right before you put them into their pajamas. You may want to do it twice a day.
In addition, because of the potential for the water in your baby’s bath to contribute to the dryness of their skin, it’s a good idea to use lotion every time they take a bath. Once your baby is out of the water, pat them dry, and then apply lotion to their body while their skin is still damp.
Warm The Lotion
Your newborn’s sensitivities extend to temperature too. They may find the lotion chilly, which will make the experience of putting it on uncomfortable. You can try warming it up in your hands. Squeeze a little into your palms and rub them together before applying.
You can also fill a bowl with warm water and place the lotion bottle in it before putting it on your baby.
Give A Gentle Massage
Try giving your baby a massage when you apply lotion. Massage has many additional benefits to offer, from helping your baby relax to improving their mood to even boosting their immune system. (Yes, massage has been proven to increase white blood cell count!)
Maybe best of all, massaging your baby’s skin is a wonderful way to deepen the bond between you.
Safety Tips
Read Labels
Read the label of the lotion you choose carefully. You want to make sure it’s free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes before you apply it to your baby’s skin.
Check for Phthalate and Paraben
Specifically, you want to make sure the lotion is phthalate- and paraben-free. These chemicals are found in some cosmetics and skin care products to keep them supple, and in some instances, they are used as solvents and stabilizers too.
Make A Note of Family Allergies
Natural infant skin products are generally perfectly safe for babies because they are free of harsh ingredients and unnecessary fragrances and dyes. But if someone in your family has allergies, pay extra attention to your baby’s skin response when you initially use a lotion.
Do a Spot Test
Do a small application test of the lotion to make sure your baby’s skin doesn’t have an allergic reaction to it. Try dabbing a small dot inside of the bend of their elbow and then watch the area for redness or raised bumps.
Keeping Your Newborn’s Skin Hydrated And Healthy
You now know the answer to the question, “When can you put lotion on your newborn?”
The answer? Right away!
Your baby comes into the world sensitive to the many new sounds, smells, and sights that are all around them, and they’re sensitive to touch too. Their skin is delicate and thin, and it's up to you to nurture it just as you do for their whole beautiful being.
Feel confident taking care of your baby’s skin by keeping it protected, hydrated, and soft. Our Hydra Bébé Body Lotion and Certified Organic Hydrating Cream with Olive Oil and Aloe are great choices to try for a soothing experience that your baby will enjoy.
If you’re looking for a lotion specifically for your baby’s face, try our Soothing Moisturizing Face Cream. Massage them into your baby’s skin — and then put them on yourself too!
