Those first few precious weeks at home with your newborn are magical and special. However, they can also feel pretty overwhelming! Remembering all the instructions the nurses gave you, staying on top of your feeding schedule, trying to establish a sleep schedule, and caring for your little one’s new skin are just a few of the adjustments that come with being a new parent and can feel like too many details to keep track of.

One of the most common questions we hear is about when to start using lotion on your little one's delicate skin. We’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to get your baby's skincare routine up and running in no time. Let's break it down together!

Your Newborn's Skin: What to Expect

Those first days after birth are full of important changes. Your little one's skin goes through quite the transformation! In the womb, your baby's skin was protected by a special waxy coating called vernix, which helped keep them safe and cozy. Once they meet the outside world, their skin begins an incredible adaptive journey from the womb into your new world together.

During the first few weeks, you might notice several changes happening:

• Immediately After Birth: Right after delivery, your newborn's skin might look slightly purple or blue in some places before turning that rosy pink color we all love. This happens as their circulation adjusts to life outside the womb. Their hands and feet might stay slightly bluish for a few days – this is completely normal as their circulatory system matures.
• The First Week: That protective vernix coating will gradually disappear, and you'll likely notice your baby's skin starting to peel, especially on their hands and feet. This isn't like regular dry skin – it's a natural process as your little one's skin adapts to the drier environment outside the womb.
• Color Changes: You might notice your newborn's skin tone changing several times in these early days. Their skin might look mottled (almost marble-like with pink and white patches) when they're cold or crying. This is because their blood vessels are still learning to regulate temperature – another perfectly normal part of development.
• Moisture Adjustments: Your baby's skin is learning to produce its own moisturizing oils and building its natural protective barrier. During this time, their skin is especially delicate and can lose moisture more easily than adult skin. This is because newborn skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, which is why it needs such gentle care.

All these changes are your baby's skin adapting to its new environment and learning to protect itself. This is why it's so important to be gentle with skincare in these early days. While it might seem concerning to see peeling or dryness, remember that this is your little one's skin going through its natural transition process.

As their skin continues to develop its protective barrier, you can support this process with gentle, appropriate skincare. The key is to work with these natural changes, not against them. It can be a good rule of thumb to wait until after the umbilical cord falls off before starting any regular skincare routine, giving your baby's skin the time it needs to begin this incredible transition.

When to Start Putting Lotion on Newborn

Here's the good news, Mama: you can start moisturizing your newborn's skin right after their first full bath! As you’re working up to that moment, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Wait until after the umbilical cord stump falls off before fully submerging that area in water
• Make sure to use products specifically formulated for newborn skin
• Start with clean, gentle products that are hypoallergenic and non-irritating
• Watch for any signs of sensitivity or reaction

Tubby Todd Fam Tip: Remember, every baby is different! While many dermatologists recommend starting a skincare routine within the first few weeks be sure to consult with your little one’s healthcare professional if you have any specific questions.

Creating a Gentle Skincare Routine

Our absolute favorite time to apply lotion is right after bath time when the skin is still slightly damp. (Side note if you’re looking for guidance around how to bathe your newborn, we can help with that too). This helps lock in that essential moisture! Here's a simple skincare routine that works wonders:

Step 1. Start with a gentle, hypoallergenic wash during bath time

Starting with a gentle, hypoallergenic wash is crucial because newborn skin is significantly thinner than adult skin. This means it's more susceptible to losing moisture and becoming irritated. A mild cleanser helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier while removing dirt or irritants.

Step 2. Gently pat skin dry with a soft towel

Patting skin dry (rather than rubbing) is more than just being gentle – it helps preserve the skin's delicate moisture barrier. Leaving skin slightly damp before applying moisturizer is key because this allows the lotion to lock in that essential hydration more effectively.

Step 3. Apply a light layer of lotion while the skin is still slightly damp

This timing helps trap moisture against the skin, creating a protective barrier that keeps your little one's skin hydrated longer. Remember, one to two pumps of lotion is usually plenty – a little goes a long way!

Step 4. Pay special attention to any dry patches

Pay special attention to any areas that tend to get extra dry, like elbows, knees, and ankles. These spots might need a bit more moisture to stay comfortable and we recommend spot-treating with an extra layer of thick, hydrating ointment.

Tubby Todd Fam Tip: Your skin needs moisturizer too! As a new mama, you’re washing your hands a lot more often now and you’ll need to be moisturizing frequently to keep your skin soft for your little one. Use the leftover ointment or lotion from baby’s application to give your hands a little TLC.

Special Considerations for Sensitive Skin

We make it our business to understand as much as we can about caring for newborn skin. You might need something more targeted than regular lotion if you notice any extra dry patches, redness, or irritation.

Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Rougher or scaly patches

• Persistent dryness even after applying lotion

• Red, irritated areas

• Any changes in skin texture

Supporting Your Baby's Sensitive Skin

When it comes to those extra-sensitive spots or persistent dry patches, you might need something more targeted in your skincare routine. Our All Over Ointment Eczema Treatment has become a go-to solution for thousands of families dealing with newborn skin sensitivity. Dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin, it's specially formulated with 1% Colloidal Oatmeal to help soothe irritation, rash or redness while building your little one's natural moisture barrier.

What makes it perfect for newborns? It's hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and free from common irritants that can bother delicate skin. Plus, you can use it alongside your regular lotion routine – just apply it as a final step to any areas that need extra attention. Think of it as that extra layer of protection for your precious one's sensitive skin!

Important note: While we're here to support you with gentle skincare solutions, always consult your pediatrician about any skin concerns, especially in those early weeks. They can help determine if your baby needs special care or treatment.

Choosing the Right Products

Mama, we know that choosing the right products for your little one isn't just about skincare – it's about giving them the gentlest, most comforting start in life. When those precious newborn snuggles are on the line, only the best will do! That's why when selecting skincare products for your newborn, we recommend looking for these key features that help ensure you're giving your baby's delicate skin exactly what it needs:

• Hypoallergenic formula
• Dermatologist and pediatrician tested
• Free from harsh ingredients
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Non-irritating

Read more on how to choose the best baby lotion here.

Building Confidence in Baby Care

Creating a consistent skincare routine isn't just about keeping your baby's skin healthy – it's also about building lasting bonds. Those quiet moments after bath time, when you're gently massaging lotion into your baby's skin, can become precious opportunities for connection and comfort.

Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts, pay attention to how your baby's skin responds, and don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician with questions.

The most important thing is creating a gentle, consistent routine that works for you and your little one. Start simple, stay consistent, and adjust as needed. Before you know it, you'll be a pro at keeping that precious skin happy and healthy! You've got this, Mama!