When Can You Put Lotion on a Newborn?

Creator: Anisha Nair
Published: 2018-09-07 10:55:13

Learn when it’s safe to use lotion on a newborn, how to choose gentle products, and tips to keep your baby’s delicate skin soft and healthy.

By Anisha Nair | Updated: 29/04/2026

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arti Sharma (Paediatrician)

In this Article

When Can You Put Lotion on Infants?
Why Does a Newborn Baby’s Skin Need Lotion?
Where Can You Apply and Not Apply Lotion on Newborns?
Tips to Apply Baby Lotion on Newborns
Safety Measures to Take While Applying Lotion
How to Choose the Best Lotion for Your Newborn?
When to Consult a Doctor?
Safe Alternatives to Lotion for Newborn Babies
FAQs

Once you welcome your newborn into the world, caring for the little one becomes a top priority. Many first-time mothers ask, “Can you put lotion on a newborn?” Newborns have delicate skin that is vulnerable to irritation and dryness. Although newborn skin does not require additional moisturisation very often, the skin does get dry after baths and may require a small amount of moisturiser to replenish the natural skin oils lost due to bathing or dry air. So, do newborns and lotion make a good pair?

As a parent, caring for your newborn’s skin is just one of the many ways to show your love and protect them. With some extra care and attention, your baby’s delicate skin will stay soft, healthy, and snuggly! Let us look at some dos and don’ts regarding the application of lotion on your baby’s skin.

When Can You Put Lotion on Infants?

Ah, the joys of caring for a newborn baby! As a new parent, you probably wonder when it’s safe to start using lotion on your little one’s delicate skin. Most paediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is 2-3 weeks old before introducing lotion to their skincare routine.

But here’s the catch – not all lotions are created equal! Make sure to choose a lotion specifically designed for babies that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, and that does not contain fragrances or dyes (1). You don’t want to risk irritating your baby’s skin with harsh chemicals or overpowering scents.

Newborn babies have a covering over their skin called ‘vernix’. This is a waxy layer of protection that covers their body in the womb to protect their skin from the amniotic fluid (2). This layer starts peeling off in the first few weeks after birth, giving the appearance of dry and flaky skin. The skin below this layer is moist enough and does not need extra moisturisation.

dry and flaky skin on baby

However, you can use a moisturiser if the baby seems to have very dry skin, especially around the ankles, elbows and hands. It is safe to use petroleum jelly, olive oil or Vitamin A-D cream to help with the appearance of the skin when the vernix is peeling off. If you want to use store-bought moisturiser, it is best to use a mild, fragrance-free one or one that has been recommended by your newborn’s paediatrician (3).

Why Does a Newborn Baby’s Skin Need Lotion?

Do babies need lotion? A newborn baby’s skin is quite moist under the outermost layer. However, it does need lotion or a moisturiser as it can dry when exposed to dry air in the room and after a bath. It is best not to bathe your newborn baby more than thrice a week, as this can strip the baby’s delicate skin of all the oils that keep the skin soft and supple.

The baby’s skin is sensitive and prone to irritation and eczema. Hence, you may need to use lotion or moisturiser to soothe skin irritation and combat baby eczema. You can use mild and fragrance-free lotions to keep your newborn’s skin from drying.

baby feet

You can use lotions that are mild and fragrance-free to keep your newborn’s skin from becoming too dry. You can also use olive oil or petroleum jelly if you do not wish to use commercially available baby creams and lotions.

Where Can You Apply and Not Apply Lotion on Newborns?

After bathing your baby, applying lotion to their body is safe to replenish natural skin oils that may have been lost due to bathing or dry air (4). However, being cautious about where you apply the lotion is crucial. Applying lotion to the face, hands, and diaper area is not advisable. This is because newborn skin is delicate and susceptible to irritation, especially on the face. Rather than using lotion on the face, gently cleaning it with a soft, damp cloth is recommended.

Newborns have a habit of putting their hands in their mouths, so it’s essential to avoid applying lotion to their hands. If the hands need to be moisturised, a gentle, unscented product specially formulated for babies can be used. In the case of the diaper area, applying lotion can form a barrier that restricts breathing and causes diaper rash. A diaper cream specifically designed for diaper rash is a better alternative.

Always use a small amount of lotion and select a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic product specifically created for babies.

When not to use lotion on babies? If your baby’s skin is cracked or open, do not use creams or lotions as it could cause infection (5).

Tips to Apply Baby Lotion on Newborns

Here are some tips on how to use baby lotion on newborns:

1. Apply Lotion After Bath

Baths can dry the baby’s skin, so apply a fragrance-free, gentle lotion. Clean your hands thoroughly. Take a small amount and spread it on the palms and fingers of your hands. Gently massage the baby’s body so that the lotion spreads evenly all over.

2. Use Lotion on Areas That Look Dry

Apply lotion to areas of the baby’s body that appear very dry, such as the ankles, elbows, and hands.

3. Avoid Using More than One Product

Do not use more than one product on your baby, as the chemicals in commercially manufactured lotions can harm the delicate newborn skin. Choose one that has been recommended by your paediatrician and continue with it.

4. Gently Massage the Lotion into Your Baby’s Skin

When applying lotion to a newborn, use a gentle touch and massage it into your baby’s skin in circular motions. This not only helps to spread the lotion evenly but also promotes healthy circulation.

5. Don’t Forget the Folds and Creases

Newborn babies have plenty of folds and creases in their skin, especially around their neck, elbows, and knees. Make sure to apply lotion to these areas to prevent dryness and irritation.

6. Consider the Time of Day

Applying lotion in the morning and after a bath is great, but you can also apply it at night before bedtime. This can create a soothing bedtime routine for your baby and help them sleep better.

Following these tips and using a gentle touch can keep your baby’s delicate skin soft and healthy. After all, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a soft, sweet-smelling baby!

Safety Measures to Take While Applying Lotion

Here are some safety tips to follow while applying lotion to your newborn:

Choose a mild lotion, free of harmful chemicals.
Clean your hands thoroughly before applying lotion to your baby’s body.
Make sure you do not have sharp nails, as you could scratch the baby’s skin when you apply the lotion.
Avoid using several baby products as this can harm the newborn’s skin.
Wash new clothes before the baby wears them to reduce the risk of skin irritations or allergies.
Do not bathe your baby more than thrice a week, as it strips the baby’s skin of natural moisture.

How to Choose the Best Lotion for Your Newborn?

To find out what is the best lotion for a newborn baby, follow these tips:

Pick a mild and gentle lotion that is free of perfume, colours, parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, preservatives, and organically extracted plant oils.
Choose a lotion that is doctor-recommended, rather than buying one at a store.
If you prefer not to buy lotion, you can use olive oil, petroleum jelly or doctor-recommended vitamin A-D cream.
Use a lotion that is hypoallergenic on your baby’s skin to avoid any allergic reactions.
Always read the label carefully to ensure that the lotion is free of any ingredients that can be harmful or irritating to your baby’s skin.
Avoid lotions with alcohol, dyes, or artificial fragrances, as these can be drying and irritating.
If your baby has particularly dry or sensitive skin, look for a lotion specially formulated for those skin types.
You may also want to choose a lotion that contains ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera, which can soothe and moisturise dry, irritated skin.

How to Choose the Best Lotion for Your Newborn

When to Consult a Doctor?

If your baby has very dry, itchy, peeling skin along with redness, it could be eczema, and you should see a paediatrician right away. Baby eczema is usually seen on the hands, face, and back of the knees. You should also consult a doctor if the baby continues to have very dry skin despite using a moisturiser.

Safe Alternatives to Lotion for Newborn Babies

If your little one’s skin is extremely delicate and is not going well with store-bought lotions, you can try some other baby-safe alternatives, such as:

Coconut Oil: Boasting properties like antifungal and antibacterial, coconut oil offers deep moisturisation to babies. It is a baby-safe oil and can be used for chapped skin, cradle cap, and even baby heat rash. Use virgin cold-pressed coconut oil for massaging your baby (6).
Shea Butter: Loaded with essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E, shea butter is very good for babies’ skin. It is perfect for both summer and winter months and effectively treats eczema-prone skin (7). Make sure to buy unrefined shea butter free from colours and preservatives. To apply it, warm some butter between your palms and gently massage it on your baby’s skin.
Aloe Vera Gel: Pure aloe vera gel is a soothing, calming gel for babies that effectively treats itchy skin and heat rash. Make sure to buy only pure aloe vera gel with no extra additives, like alcohol, fragrance, preservatives, and colour. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can use the fresh gel from it too. Before taking the gel, soak the aloe vera in water for some minutes so that its toxins get released in water, wash it thoroughly, and scoop the fresh gel for application.
Colloidal Oatmeal: Colloidal oatmeal is a great remedy for babies. It is made from ground oats and soothes dry, irritated skin. It is suitable for babies with sensitive skin (8).
Sweet Almond Oil: A beautiful moisturising agent containing vitamin E, which works great on babies’ skin. Sweet almond oil is a popular oil for massaging babies as it soothes inflamed skin and keeps it soft and supple (9).

FAQs

1. Can you apply lotion to a newborn every day?

Yes, you can apply lotion on a newborn every day, but it’s important to use a mild and gentle lotion formulated for babies. Additionally, you should avoid using too much lotion and apply it only to areas that are dry or prone to dryness. Over-applying lotion can lead to clogged pores and cause irritation or other skin issues. Generally, it’s best to apply lotion sparingly and only as needed.

2. Can you apply lotion to a 3-day-old baby?

Applying lotion on a 3-day-old baby is generally safe, but you should always check with your dermatologist first to ensure your baby’s skin is healthy and doesn’t require special care. In the first few days of life, a newborn’s skin is still adapting to life outside the womb, and their skin may be sensitive or prone to dryness or other issues.

3. What are some gentle ingredients that should be in a baby lotion?

Aloe vera, sweet almond oil, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, chamomile, shea butter, calendula extract, coconut oil, beeswax are some nature-friendly and baby-friendly ingredients that work great in a baby lotion and on a baby’s skin.

4. What are some harmful ingredients that should be avoided in a baby lotion?

Ingredients, like parabens, fragrances, phthalates, dyes, and alcohol, should be strictly avoided as they could harm your baby in the short and long run.

It’s important to remember that every baby is different and may require different skincare routines. Always consult with your paediatrician before trying out any new products. Although your baby’s skin is moist enough and does not require lotion, it is not really unsafe to use a gentle lotion. Consult a doctor before using any new product on your baby.

Also Read:

Baby Skin Care
Baby Dry Skin
Newborn Skin Peeling

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