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Baby Creams, Lotions and Oils – Daily Baby Skin Care - page 8
Baby creams, lotions, oils and powder are used for daily care of a baby's skin after bathing, protecting the face from cold and wind, massage and caring for skin folds. This category, part of Baby Cosmetics, includes body lotions and milks, face creams, massage oils, powder, protective barrier creams, lip balm and a cradle cap cream – from Mustela, Chicco Baby Moments, Sebamed Baby, Bioderma ABCDerm, Becutan and Dr Plant Baby & Kids.
For skin prone to atopic dermatitis there is a separate category, Care for Atopic and Sensitive Baby Skin, and for redness in the nappy area see nappy rash and chafing creams.
Which product for which purpose?
| Type | Examples in our range | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Body lotion and milk | Mustela Hydra Bébé body lotion, Chicco Baby Moments body lotion and Sensitive lotion, Sebamed Baby body lotion and body milk, Bioderma ABCDerm moisturising milk, Becutan milk, Dr Plant Baby & Kids milk | After bathing, to moisturise the whole body. Lotions are lighter and absorb quickly; milks are richer and better for dry skin. |
| Face cream | Chicco moisturising face cream, Sebamed Baby protective face cream, Bioderma ABCDerm face cream | For facial care and protection from cold and wind before going outside. |
| Rich cream | Sebamed Baby extra soft cream (50 and 200 ml), Becutan children's cream, Dr Plant Baby & Kids universal soft cream | For dry patches, cheeks and skin folds, especially in winter. |
| Protective barrier cream | Dr Plant Baby & Kids protective rich cream | As a barrier on skin exposed to moisture and friction. |
| Baby oil | Sebamed Baby soothing massage oil, Becutan baby oil | For massage and care of dry skin; apply to clean, dry skin. |
| Powder | Chicco Baby Moments powder | To absorb moisture in skin folds on healthy, completely dry skin. |
| Cradle cap and lips | Mustela cradle cap cream, Sebamed Baby lip balm | For flaky scalp care and protecting lips from wind and dummy irritation. |
How to care for your baby's skin after bathing
- Pat the skin dry with a soft towel without rubbing, and dry the folds of the neck, armpits and groin carefully
- Apply lotion or milk while the skin is still slightly damp – it spreads more easily and helps retain moisture
- A light lotion is enough for normal skin; for dry skin choose a richer milk or cream
- Choose fragrance-free products for sensitive skin and in the first weeks of life
- An oil massage can be part of the evening routine – warm a small amount of oil in your palms and apply with gentle strokes
Winter care and face protection
In cold and wind, a baby's cheeks and lips quickly become red and chapped. Before going outside, apply a richer protective face cream (e.g. Sebamed Baby protective face cream or Bioderma ABCDerm face cream) and protect the lips with a balm. Light water-based moisturisers are not the best choice right before going out into severe cold.
Powder and cradle cap – what to watch for
- Do not shake powder directly onto your baby – put a little on your own palm, away from the face, so your baby does not inhale the dust
- Do not apply powder to damp, red or broken skin; for chafing choose a protective cream
- For cradle cap, apply the cream as directed by the manufacturer and gently remove flakes with a soft brush after washing – do not pick them
- If redness, flakes or dry patches spread, become weepy or itchy, consult your paediatrician
Pharmacist's adviceA baby's skin usually does not need many products: a mild bath product, one body lotion or milk and, in winter, a protective face cream. Introduce each new product on its own and test it on a small area of skin first. If dry skin does not improve with regular care, or you notice itchy red patches, flaking or weepy changes, consult a paediatrician or dermatologist – these may be signs of atopic dermatitis, which needs special care. |
Useful guides
- See the whole Baby Cosmetics category
- Care for atopic and sensitive baby skin
- Nappy rash and chafing creams for babies and adults
Frequently asked questions
Should I apply lotion to my baby after every bath?
If the skin is normal and does not feel tight, lotion is not necessary after every bath. For dry skin, in winter and for babies prone to flaking, regular application of lotion or milk after bathing helps keep the skin soft.
What is the difference between baby lotion and baby milk?
Lotion has a lighter texture and absorbs quickly, so it suits normal skin and warmer weather. Body milk contains more lipids and is richer, making it better for dry skin and winter.
Is baby powder safe?
Powder should only be used on healthy, dry skin and in small amounts. Apply it from your palm, never by shaking it near the face, so your baby does not inhale it. On damp or irritated skin use a protective cream instead.
How do you remove cradle cap?
Apply a cream or foam shampoo made for cradle cap as directed, wash the hair with a mild shampoo and gently remove the flakes with a soft brush. If the changes spread or are red and weepy, consult your paediatrician.
