We've Found the 3 Best Baby Lotions
I am a beauty enthusiast with a slight obsession with face masks. Beauty for me is a form of self-care, to remind us to take the time to look after ourselves throughout our busy day. Most days I keep my makeup minimal, try to tame my mane of curls and throw in a cheeky bold lip at night. I am a self-confessed SPF pusher (sorry friends!) and my go-to is always Ultra Violette.
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.
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.
Here Are Our 3 Best Baby Lotions NZ
Rather than slather a potent formula all over your baby’s skin, keep things simple with this softening formula. Certified organic, cruelty-free, and sulphate-free, Weleda Calendula Body Lotion doesn’t mess around. And you don’t have to have a baby on your hip to enjoy this nourishing treat! Ideal for sensitive souls with skin to match, you can keep easily irritated skin in check with this milky body lotion. If you have a baby rolling around on the bathroom floor, you’ve only got a matter of minutes before you feel the full force of their lungs. This lotion absorbs quickly, so you can get them up and dressed before the tears start rolling.
Cruelty-free and artificial fragrance-free, this softening lotion helps soothe skin and reduce the appearance of redness. It will also help take care of any problem areas on the skin. Made with a blend of Organic Calendula, Sesame Seed Oil, and Lanolin.
Bring on some calm bedtime vibes with this gentle body lotion.
No one likes tears before bed. Made with a calming blend of ingredients, Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Calming Body Lotion is the perfect pre-bedtime lotion to get babies in the mood for a full night's sleep (maybe). Made with a blend of nourishing ingredients, this formula won’t irritate delicate skin. The soft aroma will help keep you calm, even if they’re kicking up a fuss! Like a lullaby in a bottle, this nourishing lotion has been carefully blended with a soothing scent to help bring down emotions when things are starting to get out of hand. The gorgeous, light, fresh fragrance isn’t overpowering, and the non-greasy formula won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Want more great products for babies? We've gone and gathered all the best baby products, so you don't have to! Check them out here...
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.
