Quick Tips to Prevent Dry Skin in Babies
Gentle care for delicate skin
Dry skin is very common in babies, especially during the first few months. Newborn and infant skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, which means it can lose moisture quickly.
Frequent baths to weather changes, can cause a baby’s skin to lose moisture. These quick, practical tips to help prevent dry skin in babies.
1. Don’t Bathe Too Often
While bath time can be soothing, too many baths can dry out baby skin.
What to do
✔ Bathe babies 2–3 times per week
✔ Use warm water (not hot)
✔ Keep baths around 5–10 minutes
On non-bath days, gentle wiping of the face, hands, and folds is enough.
👉 Read more here: How to Calm a Fussy Baby During Bath Time
Short baths using lukewarm water help reduce dryness and irritation. The NHS supports limited bathing for newborns:
2. Use Gentle, Baby-Specific Cleansers
Adult soaps and fragranced washes can strip natural oils from baby skin.
What to look for
✔ Mild, baby-safe cleansers
✔ Products made specifically for babies
✔ Simple formulas without harsh ingredients
Less foam doesn’t mean less clean. Gentle cleansers are more than enough.
👉 You may also like:
Internal link: Choosing Gentle Skincare Products for Babies
3. Moisturise Right After Bath Time
Timing matters when it comes to moisturising.
Best practice
✔ Apply moisturiser within a few minutes after bathing
✔ Skin should be slightly damp
✔ Use a small amount and spread gently
This helps lock in moisture and reduce dryness.
For expert advice, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moisturising immediately after baths:
External link: American Academy of Pediatrics – Baby Skin Care
Applying moisturiser right after a bath helps lock in moisture, according to Healthychildren.org
4. Dress Babies in Soft, Breathable Fabrics
What your baby wears can affect their skin more than you think.
Helpful tips
✔ Choose cotton or breathable fabrics
✔ Avoid rough seams and tight clothing
✔ Wash clothes in baby-friendly detergent
Harsh fabrics and strong detergents can contribute to irritation and dryness.
A Simple Daily Routine to Prevent Dry Skin
You don’t need a long routine. Consistency is key.
🛁 Bath (2–3x weekly)
🧴 Moisturise after every bath
👶 Spot moisturise dry areas daily if needed
Final Thought from Soababy
Dry skin is common in babies, and often temporary. Simple habits like bathing less, choosing gentle products, moisturising at the right time, and dressing babies in soft fabrics, can help protect your baby's delicate skin. This paired with baby-safe products go a long way in keeping your little
Sometimes, simple changes make the biggest difference 🤍