3 Best Baby Lotions

You don’t need to have a bun in the oven to enjoy a good baby product here and there. With a comforting scent and a pure approach, a baby lotion will help keep their skin safe and you feeling calm.

Babies tend to bring out your soft side. And speaking of soft: their skin! So plump. So squishable.

With a new mum giving her baby’s skin more attention than a facialist gives their favourite client, it’s not surprising babies always feel so good.

There’s something so calming about the scent of a baby lotion cream. Fresh, clean, and a reminder of a simpler, pre-social media time (the calm … the peace). There’s a lot to be said for using a baby skin lotion as an adult. While a baby shampoo might dry your hair out (who knew?), there’s nothing wrong with borrowing some baby bath lotion products.

If you struggle with sensitive skin and irritating patches, baby lotion products generally contain fewer ingredients, so there’s less for you to react to. Go ahead and slather some on.

Of course, rather than stealing from the baby (tsk-tsk), you might just be hunting for a baby lotion for winter to suit your newborn’s tender skin.

Whether you're shopping for yourself or treating a newbie, we’ve done some research and found some products that everyone will want to get stuck into.

But before we get to that we want to answer some of your questions...

What is the best lotion for baby dry skin?

The best lotion for baby dry skin will moisturise their little limbs and help protect them from cold snaps, air conditioning, and anything else life can throw at them. Unlike most of us "grown-ups", a baby’s skin needs to be treated seriously gently. No harsh chemicals round here, please! Their skin is deliciously soft (note to self: don’t nibble the baby), but that doesn't mean it will stay moisturised on its own.

An organic baby body lotion will help nourish tender skin. If you like the idea of using natural ingredients but need something more than the best organic baby lotion, you could treat your skin to Pai Organic Skincare. When it comes to babies, look for ingredients like Calendula, Buttermilk, Beeswax, and Shea Butter to keep their dry skin soothed and cared for. We’ve picked out our faves and listed them below for you to check out.

When to apply baby lotion?

Knowing when to apply baby lotion is hard! Babies are hard! And they don’t even come with an instruction manual. It’s OK; you’ve got this (insert motivational Instagram post here). Generally, you want to apply a baby lotion whenever the bubs has got a bit wet. So, think after bath time and anytime they’re damp.

Every time you change a baby’s nappy, you want to apply some specific nappy cream. But it’s not just their cute little cheeks (baby talk is kinda gross, isn’t it?) that need looking after. A baby’s skin is thinner, which leaves it open to irritation. To keep tender, young skin in the best condition, moisturise after bath time and any time you notice a little dry spot. Keep an eye on their elbows and wrists, as these areas tend to dry out faster. A baby lotion with sunscreen will protect their skin, so that’s something to consider too—but ask your paediatrician when to start using SPF on babies.

What lotion is good for baby eczema?

A good lotion for baby eczema is one that contains natural, non-irritating ingredients. Don’t freak out, though, if your baby gets eczema. According to Mother and Baby, one in five children reportedly struggles with eczema. Although it’s upsetting for the little one, it’s actually pretty common, so you can breathe a little.

Sensitive skin is something that babies and adults can struggle with. If your skin flares up at the slightest whiff of an irritant, you might want to check out our best skincare for sensitive skin guide. Whether you’re battling acne prone skin or you’re in need of the best skincare products for rosacea, don’t worry. There’s something out there to help you achieve that baby-soft skin.

If your baby is struggling with eczema, consult with a healthcare professional before you slather on a specific cream. Once that sensitive skin has calmed down a bit, try one of our gentle, top-rated formulas listed below.

When can I use lotion on my baby?

You can start using lotion on a baby as soon as their skin starts to get a bit dry. As delicate and fragile as a newborn seems, they’re often a bit tougher than they look. They’ve certainly got a set of lungs on them!

When a baby is born, it’s covered in something called a ‘vernix’, which is basically a leftover protective layer from when they were in the womb. The vernix keeps them moisturised until it starts to fall away. When can babies use lotion? Once the vernix layer starts to peel away, you might want to keep any especially dry patches moisturised. Check out their hands, feet, knees, and ankles in particular.

As the baby grows, you’ll want to start applying the best organic baby lotion as they become more exposed to the elements and the splash-fest that is bath time. Try not to overdo it though. Use just one good, mild product on your baby’s skin and leave it at that. They’re not ready for a 12-step Korean skincare regime quite yet!

Does baby lotion expire?

As much as you want to keep that half-full bottle of baby lotion on the shelf until it's all run out, you’re probably best throwing it out after a couple of years. Yep, that’s right: you can keep a half-empty bottle of baby lotion on your shelf long after it’s stopped sparking joy!

If you’ve never opened the bottle and it’s sitting there all sealed up and unused, you might even be able to make it last for three years. Im. Pressive. If you open the lotion and it smells funky or feels unnaturally gooey, then it’s time for it to hit the bin.

As it gets older (the lotion, not the baby), you might notice it’s not as effective as it once was. If that’s the case, it’s time to let that lotion go. Don’t worry; we’ve got some great replacements for you listed below. Keep lotions in a cool, damp-free spot to keep them in tip-top condition.

How to use baby lotion?

This is NOT a silly question. If you’ve never looked after a baby before, how are you meant to know?!

Bath the baby in lukewarm water and use a shampoo to cleanse their hair and scalp. Wash your hands thoroughly, and gently towel-dry the baby. Start applying a mild, fragrance-free lotion to their soft and squidgy skin. Pay special attention to any dry spots they might have around their ankles, wrists, and hands.

Don’t rub too vigorously when applying the lotion. Always use a formula that’s suitable for tender baby skin. Use soft, circular motions, stroking towards the heart. Easy.

Is baby lotion water based?

If you’re wondering whether a baby lotion is water-based, it all depends on the baby lotion you choose to use. The best baby lotion for dry sensitive skin is usually light enough for everyday use. It’ll always be hypoallergenic and keep moisturising for 24 hours.

If a product is especially designed for babies, it’ll usually contain few ingredients and, yes, it may be water-based. Also, look for ingredients like Beeswax, Shea Butter, Calendula, and Chamomile to help keep skin fresh and smooth.

Can I put lotion on my baby's face?

No, you don’t need to put lotion on your baby’s face. Not unless you’ve been advised by a medical professional to do so. As tempting as it is to preen and pamper your baby, really, you just need to keep things simple. A bath every day or every other day will keep their skin and hair clean. A mild, delicately scented lotion will help keep dry patches at bay.

Can you use baby lotion on newborns face? The answer is that you’ll want to consult a doctor or healthcare professional first. You’re not expected to know everything when you’re a new mum! Babies do often get eczema and rashes, so it could be good to apply a gentle formula to their rosy little cheeks. You just need to do your research first.

From milia to baby acne, a baby’s skin goes through a lot of changes. Pick up nourishing lotions and products to help protect their skin so you can (try to) stop worrying.

What is the best lotion for newborn baby?

The best lotion for newborn babies contains very few ingredients. Their skin is new and other-worldly (nah, we’re not jealous of babies' skin … not one bit), so they don’t need a lot in the way of products. All a little one needs is a soothing formula now and again to help keep any rough, irritating patches away.

The best lotion for baby dry skin won’t contain artificial fragrances. It’ll be pure, nourishing, and as natural as a freshly plucked apple. Here are our favourite lotions for making bath time less of a struggle.

If you have dull, dehydrated, dry, or sensitive skin, you can enjoy this lotion alongside baby. Extremely gentle, with a milky texture, Weleda Calendula Body Lotion slathers on easily at a moment’s notice. Containing 100% natural ingredients and 99% organic ingredients, this gentle formula has been expertly crafted to keep your skin feeling soft and hydrated. If you don’t like heavily fragranced products, you might be into the very light scent this lotion has.

Made with Organic Calendula and Chamomile, Weleda Calendula Body Lotion works to protect sensitive skin from dryness and irritation. If you’ve had an unexpected nappy incident (you know the kind), this lotion can be used on the nappy area to help keep it healthy and protected. If you’re using this formula on a baby, make sure their skin is dry before you apply. Massage a light layer of the lotion all over the skin, using circular motions to rub it in properly. Run out of makeup remover? Use a bit of this lotion on a cotton pad to cleanse your skin when you’re in a pinch.

Made especially for babies, Burt's Bees Baby Bee Original Nourishing Lotion doesn’t contain any hidden nasties. You won’t find phthalates, parabens, or petroleum in the blend. That means it’s ideal for keeping your and your babe’s skin safe. The best time to tend to your little one's skin is after bath time. Lukewarm water can dry their tender skin out and cause irritation. This natural moisturiser will help prevent dryness before it happens. An easy size to carry around when you’re out and about, this tube won’t take up too much room or weigh you down.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Original Nourishing Lotion has been carefully made with 99.0% natural-origin ingredients. Safe to use on your baby’s body and even face (not a claim for a lot of baby lotions, so that’s impressive), this hypoallergenic formula has a calming, clean, fresh scent. Paediatrician-tested, this baby lotion has been scientifically proven to nurture baby’s skin. Apply the lotion as often as you feel is necessary. Use it yourself if you’re looking to keep your skin smooth and silky-soft. Keep a tube at your baby’s nappy-changing station to help keep their skin soft and cared for.

Made with 99% natural ingredients, this formula softens skin and leaves it feeling smooth and silky. A gentle lotion that everyone can enjoy, Burt's Bees Baby Bee Calming Body Lotion has a subtle Vanilla and Lavender scent that won’t detract from your baby’s natural newborn smell. The perfect antidote to hand sanitiser, this handy tube is ideal to carry in your bag and apply when your skin is craving hydration. A sweetly soothing formula, it’s made with natural ingredients and completely cruelty-free. It even makes bedtime a little less cruel for everybody!

Formulated without phthalates, parabens, or petroleum, Burt's Bees Baby Bee Calming Body Lotion is paediatrician-tested, so you know you’re in safe hands. Shea Butter softens and moisturises. Beeswax keeps everything hydrated and smooth. Rosemary, Lavender, and Vanilla blend to create a scent you’ll want to smell again and again. Apply generously to your baby’s skin before bed to help encourage a good night’s sleep—no promises though! Use after bath time to help soften any dry patches that might be popping up.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

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