Newborn skin: what's normal, what's not and how to take care of your baby's skin

Babies have much more sensitive skin than adults, which makes them prone to issues like dryness, irritation, rashes and flare-ups. 

For new parents, it can be worrying to spot a rash or flare-up, but many common baby skin concerns are easy to manage with the right approach.

So, what’s normal when it comes to baby skin - and when is it time to seek advice? 

What’s normal with newborn skin?

A baby’s skin can go through a number of changes from birth and beyond. Many conditions are common and easy to treat:

Peeling skin

This is very common in the first few weeks of a baby’s life due to vernix, which is the white, waxy coating that protects babies’ skin in the womb. It's best left to absorb naturally but don't be alarmed if it flakes off within the first week or so. 

If your baby’s skin is peeling a lot, you could reduce their number of baths, bathe them in cooler water than usual, avoid harsh products and gently pat them dry to keep their skin soft and happy.

Baby acne

Spots that appear on a baby’s skin within the first six weeks are usually called baby acne or neonatal acne. This is a common condition which happens when the baby’s hair follicles get blocked, leading to a build-up of natural oils produced by their skin. 

While it may be a worry for new parents, baby acne is harmless and typically clears up on its own without treatment between three to four months old.

Milia

Milia refers to tiny white bumps that commonly appear on a baby’s nose, cheeks, or chin. It's the result of dead skin cells getting trapped in small pockets under the surface. It's harmless and not painful or itchy for a little one. 

It will usually show up a few weeks after birth and clear up without the need for treatment. It's important to not squeeze or pick at the bumps as this can lead to irritation. You can try to keep the skin cleansed using warm water. 

Cradle cap

Cradle cap can appear as crusty or greasy patches of yellow scaly skin. It's the result of oil glands producing excess oil and trapped dead skin cells. It isn't typically painful or itchy and usually disappears within the first few weeks. 

Parents can treat with a mild and gentle baby shampoo and try to exfoliate the scalp with a soft brush or cloth.

When to seek advice over your baby’s skin

As parents, you know your baby better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your GP or health visitor. 

Some skin conditions that require further attention are:

Eczema

This skin condition can be managed at home through a gentle skincare regime and the avoidance of common triggers, such as harsh chemicals, dust, tobacco smoke and hot weather. 

But you should seek medical help if your baby’s eczema has become infected. Common signs include increased redness, warm skin, swelling, crusting or weeping.

Viral infections

Signs of a viral infection on your baby's skin include small, fluid-filled blisters that look like cold sores. Be on alert if they spread rapidly and look painful and crusty. 

Always check for symptoms of fever, lethargy or swollen glands around the neck.

Infected rashes

A rash is typically a sign of irritation. Some cases, such as heat rash or baby acne, can clear up on their own or things like nappy rash may be aided with a soothing topical cream. 

You can usually tell a rash is infected if:

• You see pus or oozing

• The area becomes more red or warm

• The rash appears to spread rapidly

• It becomes swollen, raised or firm

• Your baby develops a fever

• Your baby gets blisters or open sores

Non-blanching rash

If your baby has a rash that won’t disappear under the ‘glass test’ - a simple way to check for a non-blanching rash - this can be a sign of meningitis or sepsis and requires immediate medical attention. 

To perform the glass test, press the side of a glass firmly against the rash. If the rash remains visible and doesn’t fade, this is a non-blanching rash.

What’s a good daily skincare routine for a baby?

A baby’s skin can have different needs depending on its sensitivity. For all babies, it’s advised you use products that are gentle and free from fragrance. 

AVEENO’s range is popular amongst our Mumsnet community as it uses the anti-oxidant power of oats to soothe.

- Recommended product by Mumsnet user oustedbymymate

For all newborn babies, the NHS advises to just bathe with warm water and avoid frequent baths that may strip the skin of natural oils. As some products can disrupt a baby's pH levels, it's vital you choose products that are specially formulated with a neutral pH.

When ready, AVEENO Baby's Daily Care Hair & Body Wash is a great option for normal to dry skin and can be applied to a baby's hair and skin for a simple one-product routine. It's designed to protect the skin's barrier, and contains a mild fragrance, is pH balanced and is free from soaps, dyes and sulfates. 

Afterwards, you can use Aveeno Baby’s Daily Care Moisturising Lotion, which is non-greasy, quick to absorb and offers 24 hours of protection from dryness.

For dry or irritation-prone skin, the Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Emollient Wash will gently cleanse the skin and soothe any dryness or itchiness. You can apply using your hands or a cloth, lather and rinse.

- Recommended product by Mumsnet user crocodilesandwich

Finally, for babies with dry, itchy or eczema-prone skin, AVEENO Baby’s Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream has been clinically proven to nourish, soothe and moisturise using an oat complex and ceramides.

How to choose baby skincare products

1. Make sure the product is hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic products are formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, which is ideal for sensitive baby skin. 

Labelling of products in the UK should make things clear, so always check packaging for the world ‘hypoallergenic.’

2. Check it's dermatologically-tested

If you can’t see a label for hypoallergenic, it’s reassuring if a product is approved by a dermatologist - as this means the ingredients have been reviewed by a skincare expert who believes it’s unlikely to cause irritation or harm.

3. Avoid fragrances

Fragrances may make a product smell nice but they can also use chemicals that are far too harsh for a baby’s skin. Check the label for products that are fragrance-free or lightly fragranced to reduce the risk of a reaction.

4. Find products suitable from birth

As a newborn baby’s skin is thin and still developing, it’s important to find products that are age-appropriate and formulated to protect. 

Many newborns can be bathed using just warm water, but if you want an extra layer of moisture, something like Aveeno Baby’s Daily Care Moisturising Lotion is fast acting and great for all baby skin types.

When should I start using skincare products on my baby?

For bathing, it’s typically advised that you use warm water for the first four to six weeks, according to the NHS. 

After that, make sure to use products that are formulated to be gentle on a baby’s skin, such as AVEENO’s impressive range that utilises the power of oats. 

How often should I bathe my newborn? 

As babies don't sweat much, you don't need to bathe your baby every night. Their skin is delicate, so daily baths may also increase the risk of drying out the skin. 

Bathing two to three times a week will suffice, and if bath time is part of your bedtime routine, try to use gentle products to soothe.

What should I do if my baby has a rash?

Rashes can be common with babies and some may go away on their own. Observe the texture and colour and see if you can determine if it’s painful or itchy. Keep the area dry and clean, and be sure to apply a gentle moisturiser to soothe any flakiness. 

Contact your GP or health visitor if you’re concerned, especially if you fear a rash has become infected or it is a non-blanching rash.

About AVEENO Baby®

AVEENO Baby® is the UK’s No.1 baby skincare brand. It's recommended by pharmacists and tested by paediatricians and dermatologists. The formulas are designed to nourish, soothe and protect sensitive baby skin from the first use, and are crafted using high-quality oats. The unique science works to preserve the oats’ natural moisturising and soothing benefits, offering your baby gentle daily care that will keep their skin soft and hydrated.

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the best products for families. As a mum herself, she knows how much thought goes into taking care of a baby’s skin. That’s why her guides are always written with parents in mind.

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance. Her favourite activity to do with her son is to visit London’s incredible museums and immerse themselves in new exhibits or installations.