In short: With baby skin, less is more. In the first weeks, plain lukewarm water is enough, with a mild baby cleanser if needed. At nappy changes, clean the skin with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes and apply a thin layer of barrier cream. Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun – shade and clothing come first, sunscreen later.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 September 2026
The basic rule: as few products as possible
Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. The NHS advises washing a newborn with plain water or a mild liquid cleanser suitable for babies, and washing the hair with plain water. If you use oils or lotions, check they are suitable for babies. Introduce new products one at a time so you can quickly spot any reaction.
What to use: overview by situation
| Situation | What the guidance says | More |
|---|---|---|
| Bath time and washing | Lukewarm water, a mild baby cleanser if needed; hair with plain water (NHS) | Baby toiletries |
| Nappy changes | Water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free baby wipes (NHS) | How to choose baby wipes |
| Red skin in the nappy area | A thin layer of barrier cream at every change; no talc or antiseptic creams (NHS) | e.g. Mariuccina nappy cream or SOS Baby zinc cream |
| Massage, dry skin | An oil or lotion labelled as suitable for babies (NHS) | Linea MammaBaby |
| Sun | Under 6 months: out of direct strong sunlight (NHS); AAP allows a little sunscreen on small areas only if shade and clothing aren’t available | Sun protection for babies and children |
What to check when choosing a product
- Age guidance: the product should be explicitly made for babies or children.
- Short ingredient list: fewer ingredients means fewer chances of irritation.
- Fragrance: in the ingredient list (INCI) it appears as “Parfum” or “Fragrance”. For very sensitive skin and nappy changes, choose fragrance-free.
- Alcohol: not needed in nappy-change wipes.
- One new product at a time: so you quickly learn what suits your baby’s skin.
A comfortable, wipe-clean mat also makes changes easier – read more about the Leander Matty changing mat.
When to see a doctor
- If nappy rash doesn’t improve despite care, ask a pharmacist or your paediatrician.
- A rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass against it, especially with a fever, is an emergency – call 112 in the EU (999 in the UK) (NHS).
- A baby or young child with sunburn should see a doctor urgently (NHS).
FAQ
Is plain water enough for bathing a newborn?
Yes. The NHS says you can use just water or add a mild cleanser suitable for babies. Wash the hair with plain water.
Do I need to moisturise my baby after the bath?
Not necessarily. If the skin is dry or you’d like to give a massage, use an oil or lotion labelled as suitable for babies.
What should I put on a red nappy area?
Clean with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes, let the skin dry and apply a thin layer of barrier cream. The NHS advises against talc and antiseptic creams.
When can I start using sunscreen?
Keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sunlight (NHS). The AAP allows a small amount of sunscreen on small areas such as the face only when shade and clothing aren’t available. Older children need at least SPF 30.
Is fragrance in baby products harmful?
Not for every child, but it can irritate sensitive skin. For nappy changes, the NHS recommends fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes.
Sources
- NHS: Washing and bathing your baby
- NHS: Nappy rash
- NHS: Fever in children
- NHS: Sunburn
- NHS: Sunscreen and sun safety
- AAP / HealthyChildren: Sun Safety
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
