Childs Farm's Complete Guide to Baby Skincare for Parents

This article is sponsored by Childs Farm, a supporter of Peanut and women alike.

Welcome to the ultimate guide on baby skin care, where we spill the beans on how to keep your babe’s skin as soft and smooth as, well, a baby’s bottom.

We explore everything you need to know about baby skincare products and share some tips and tricks, courtesy of Childs Farm.

Childs Farm was born out of a mother’s love and dedication to finding a solution to her daughters’ sensitive skin, and now, she’s passing it on to you!

Quick caveat before we start: if you’re ever in doubt about your baby’s skin or their health at all, always consult with healthcare professionals first.

In this article: 📝

Why is my baby’s skin so sensitive?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of products and routines, let’s get to know baby skin a bit better.

Baby skin is delicate, sensitive, and deserves extra TLC ‒ after all, it’s their biggest organ, it’s brand-new and still developing!

It’s thinner than adult skin, making it more prone to dryness, irritation, and yes, those dreaded nappy rashes.

And baby’s skin hasn’t fully developed its protective barrier, so it’s more vulnerable to things like weather, clothing, and even the products you use on your skin, according to dermatologist Karan Lal DO, MS FAAD.

How long is newborn skin sensitive?

Newborn skin can be pretty sensitive for the first few months of their life.

And since baby’s skin is adapting to the outside world after being protected in the womb, it’s essential to treat it with extra care throughout their first year.

While sensitivity can vary from baby to baby, the general rule of thumb is that their skin will gradually become less sensitive as their skin matures and they develop a stronger protective barrier.

Can you put skincare products on a baby?

Absolutely you can!

And you should put skincare products on your baby!

Baby skin care plays a crucial role in keeping your babe’s skin healthy and nourished.

But you can’t just put any skincare product on your baby’s delicate skin.

It’s essential to choose products specifically designed for babies, like the award-winning Childs Farm baby range.

These products are formulated to be gentle, nourishing, and safe ‒ even for newborns.

They’re dermatologist and paediatrician approved and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

So, with the right baby skincare products, you can give your baby’s skin the care and protection it needs right from day one.

What skincare products do babies need?

It’s all about keeping things simple.

No 12-step, complex skin care routines with scrubs, toners, and serums!

Baby’s delicate skin benefits from a minimalistic approach, with products that provide hydration and protection in a few simple steps.

For your baby’s skincare routine, it’s recommended to use a mild, hypoallergenic baby wash for gentle cleansing, like the Childs Farm fragrance-free baby wash, which uses natural cleansers to gently nourish your baby’s precious skin.

Follow it up with a nourishing baby moisturiser to keep their skin hydrated.

We recommend the Childs Farm mildly fragranced baby moisturiser, which is soft on the skin and leaves your babe smelling good enough to eat!

And when it comes to the best baby skincare products for your nappy-changing routine, their fragrance-free nappy cream, enriched with aloe vera, does the job without the irritation.

Avoid harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, and unnecessary additives, as they can cause irritations and, in some cases, could cause an allergic reaction.

So when it comes to baby’s skin care, simple is best.

Which skincare products are best for a newborn baby?

The best skincare products for newborns are made just for them.

But which specific products are best?

Picture this: a brand created by a mum for other mums, driven by a desire to help her children feel comfortable and happy in their own skin.

That’s the heart and soul of Childs Farm.

Founded by Joanna Jensen in 2010 (and now an international brand), a mum on a mission to help her daughters, Mimi and Bella, with their sensitive and eczema-prone skin, Childs Farm is all about supporting parents facing similar challenges with their baby or child’s sensitive skin.

Because everybody deserves to feel happy in their skin, no matter what their skin type.

So if you ever feel lost when it comes to understanding what to use on your baby’s skin, know that you’re not alone ‒ Childs Farm is here to reassure you and pass on their expertise: you’ve got this!

Do babies need a skincare routine?

Well, babies don’t need a skincare routine, but they can benefit from a gentle routine tailored to their delicate skin.

According to the NHS advice from September 2020 on newborn skincare, it’s recommended to take a minimalistic approach to skin care for newborns.

That means allowing your baby to first benefit from their vernix (the “creamy white coating” they’re covered in when they’re born) and keeping bathing at bay for the first 24 hours.

As for preemies, the NHS recommends first enlisting gentle cleaning with plain water since their skin’s protective barrier takes longer to mature, from about three weeks after birth.

Once the skin has developed its protective barrier, you can use baby-safe skincare products, like the Childs Farm baby range, that honour its sensitivity while keeping it safe.

A good move, too, since a newborn’s skin barrier is much thinner than an adult’s, making it far more vulnerable to moisture loss — cue dry, itchy, irritated skin.

Really, the best baby skin care is about promoting and maintaining your babe’s skin integrity as early as possible.

And the best way? By keeping its natural barriers topped up and moisturised with gentle baby skin products.

What’s the best skincare routine for my baby?

Childs Farm understands that routines are lifelines for new parents.

Their baby range has been loving crafted with simple, relaxing routines in mind ‒ with mildly fragranced or fragrance-free baby skincare products suitable for all skin types:

If your little one has particularly dry, itchy, or sensitive skin, you might want to try a routine with Childs Farm’s OatDerma™ range as it’s specifically formulated for the most dry and itchy skin:

1. Start with a warm bubble bath, using their OatDerma™ baby bubble bath
   
2. Lather their OatDerma™ baby wash into baby’s skin, then rinse off
   
3. Finish with a gentle massage using their OatDerma™ baby moisturiser

The perfect baby skincare routine just before you put baby down for a restful night’s sleep!

Should I moisturise my newborn?

Moisturising your newborn’s skin can be beneficial, especially if their skin appears dry or sensitive.

Using mild moisturisers can even help babies with “a family history of atopic dermatitis”, according to this 2019 study.

And, according to another study, moisturising can show “beneficial effects” in babies with eczema ‒ or even reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis or eczema, with daily application.

You can moisturise your newborn, but it’s crucial to choose a baby-specific moisturiser that’s gentle and hypoallergenic, like the award-winning Childs Farm baby moisturiser, formulated to nourish the most delicate baby skin.

Keep the moisturising routine simple, applying a small amount after bathtime or as needed to dry areas.

Avoid using adult skincare products because they’re likely to contain ingredients that are too harsh for baby’s sensitive skin.

And as always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your newborn’s skincare routine.

When can I start using baby products on my newborn?

So, we know that using the right skincare products boasts major benefits for baby, so how soon after birth can your newborn get in on that optimum skin nourishment?

Well, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying bathing your newborn for at least 24 hours after birth.

As for what baby’s first bath should look like, the NHS suggests a sponge bath (until the umbilical cord falls off).

Typically, the NHS recommends bathing newborns with warm (not hot) water only until they’re a month old (around 4 weeks).

But for newborns with dry skin or eczema, gentle baby products designed for newborns can be used from day one.

These products should be free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, since they can irritate sensitive skin ‒ the Childs Farm baby range is our top pick, as they use only the finest ingredients to soothe and nourish your baby’s skin.

When using baby products on your newborn, make sure your hands are clean, and be extra cautious around their eyes and mouth.

Which product is best for baby’s sensitive skin?

It’s an easy pick for us: the Childs Farm baby range.

It’s formulated using natural and sustainably sourced ingredients that care for your baby’s sensitive, delicate skin.

It’s not just us who love Childs Farm ‒ the award-winning range has garnered praise from parents and experts alike!

Dermatologist and paediatrician approved, it’s suitable for all skin types, including dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin.

Childs Farm’s top baby skin care tips for sensitive skin

Since starting in 2010, there’s no doubt that the team at Childs Farm has picked up a few tips and tricks along the way, and so they wanted to pass these on to you!

So we asked for their top three tips for how to take care of sensitive skin ‒ start taking notes, mama!

1. Ingredients matter

When it comes to baby skincare, ingredients are everything.

Look for products with nourishing elements, like soothing oats, which boost hydration.

The Childs Farm OatDerma™ range is a great choice for helping to soothe and nourish your baby’s sensitive skin.

2. Routines are everything

Make bathtime a soothing ritual with Childs Farm’s OatDerma™ baby bubble bath and OatDerma™ baby wash.

Remember to check the water temperature with your wrist, so it’s not too hot for baby.

3. Lock it in

After a gentle cleanse, lock in the hydration and add some nourishment with the OatDerma™ baby moisturiser ‒ reapply as needed for that extra baby softness.

Or follow with a soothing massage, using their organic coconut baby oil to relax baby and get them ready to drift off to sleep.

So there you have it, your complete guide to baby skincare, from the experts at Childs Farm.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.

And if you’re after more advice from real mums and the team at Childs Farm, they’ve created a Group where mums can pass on their top tips, tricks, and advice on baby skin care: Pass It On!