Is it Safe to Use Lotion on Newborns? Choosing Suitable Moisturizers and Following Safety Precautions

Safe to Use Lotion newborns Suitable Moisturizers Safety Precautions baby mom

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Mar 29, 06:50 am

Photo: (Photo : Diana Bagnoli/Getty Images )

New parents often question the safety of applying lotions on newborns. However, tender cleansing and moisturizing play an essential role in preventing germs, dryness, and rashes from impacting the dainty skin of babies.

While baby lotions aid in maintaining soft and healthy skin, specifically in dry seasons, it's crucial to ensure that the chosen moisturizer doesn't hurt the baby's skin or cause enormous moisture or sweating. Adhering to suitable measures when choosing and applying baby lotion can assure the safety of newborns.

These precautions include avoiding contact with the eyes, applying lotion immediately after bathing to prevent dryness, avoiding moisturizers containing food or plant products to prevent skin disruption and irritation, refraining from contaminating the lotion by using fingers or spoons, opting for flip-top or twist-up lotion tubes to minimize contamination risk, using lotion more frequently if persistent dryness occurs, and consulting a doctor if necessary.

Tips for Applying Baby Lotion on Newborns

Here are some guidelines for using baby lotion on newborns.

Apply Lotion After Bathing

Baths can dehydrate a baby's skin, so use a fragrance-free, gentle lotion afterward. Assure hands are washed. Take a little amount and spread it evenly on your hands before gently massaging it onto the baby's body.

Target Dry Areas

Apply lotion to areas of the infant's body that look extremely dehydrated, such as the ankles, elbows, and hands.

Stick to One Product

Prevent using numerous products on baby as the chemicals in commercially produced lotions can hurt their dainty skin. Choose a lotion suggested by a pediatrician and stick with it.

Massage the Lotion Gently

When applying lotion to an infant, use a mild touch and massage it into their skin using circular motions. This not only assures even distribution but also helps healthy circulation.

Attend to Folds and Creases

Newborns have multiple folds and wrinkles in their skin, specifically around their neck, elbows, and knees. Be certain to apply lotion to these areas to avoid dehydration and hurt.

Consider Timing

Applying lotion in the morning or after bathing is excellent, but it can also be helpful to apply it at night before bedtime. This can build a calming bedtime routine and improve better sleep for the baby.

Following these suggestions and employing a gentle touch can help maintain your baby's delicate skin, which is soft and healthy, providing a delightful experience of cuddling with a soft, sweet-smelling infant!

Safety Measures for Applying Lotion

Here are some safety precautions to observe while applying lotion to your newborn.

Choose a mild lotion free of hurtful chemicals.
Carefully wash your hands before applying lotion to the baby's skin.
Assure your nails are not sharp to prevent scratching the baby's skin during application.
Prevent using numerous baby products as this may hurt the newborn's skin.
Wash new clothes before the baby wears them to lessen the danger of skin sensitivity or allergies.
Restraint bathing babies to no more than thrice a week to avoid stripping their skin of natural moisture.

Selecting the Best Lotion for Infants

To identify the best lotion for infants, consider these tips.

Choose a mild, tender lotion free of fragrances, colors, parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, preservatives, and organically extracted plant oils.
Select a lotion suggested by a doctor rather than buying one off the shelf.
If liked, alternatives like olive oil, petroleum jelly, or doctor-suggested vitamin A-D cream can be used rather than lotion.
Choose a hypoallergenic lotion to lessen the danger of hypersensitive reactions on the infant's skin.
Cautiously read the label to ensure the lotion is free of any probable hurtful or delicate ingredients.
Prevent lotions containing alcohol, dyes, or artificial fragrances, as these can dry out and hurt the skin.
For babies with dry or sensitive skin, choose a lotion specially formed for these skin types.
Consider lotions containing calming elements like oatmeal or aloe vera for moisturizing and soothing dry, hurtful skin.

Furthermore, it's essential to be vigilant of ingredients to prevent in baby lotions, such as parabens, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and isothiazolinones, as they can probably hurt the baby's skin and well-being.

If dry skin continues or develops into redness, flakiness, and itching, visiting a doctor or dermatologist is suggested to address possible skin circumstances like eczema and receive suitable medication and skincare guidance.