Baby lotion and baby oil

[Madratlady]

Do babies need moisturising and oiling? Are these things you actually need?

DH's Nanna brought us a load of baby stuff this evening including baby powder (which i won't use) baby lotion, baby oil and baby soap as well as a sponge and flannel.

She also brought a bunch of teddies and a hot water bottle whih obviously isn't suitable for the baby at all.

Very nice of her, and all the marketing in the shops probably made her think it's normal to use this stuff.. But we used nothing on Dds skin for 6 months, just water and olive oil for cradle cap.
Also nappies were done with water and cotton wool.

They don't get dirty enough to use soap, and you don't need to wash them every day so their skin doesn't dry out so they don't need lotion.
Ultimately like everything with being a mum, go with what you think's right.
HTH

I don't think I will use them to be honest but it was lovely of her.

Hot water bottle can be useful when trying to get the baby to sleep in a crib - we used to put one in there while I was feeding DS so there was a nice warm patch to lay him down on (obviously we'd then remove the hwb). Helped with transitions greatly! He was born in winter so if you are due soon then it may not be appropriate.

Baby oil - you can use this for massage although olive/almond oil fine and purer.

Baby lotion - you can squirt a bit into some water for reusable wipes if you feel like it.

Otherwise just use them on yourself!

My MW said that she doesn't recommend using anything other than water at the beginning and maybe olive oil for moisturising. But ok to use baby toiletries when they're a bit older.

Depends on the skin of your baby and if he/she has got any hair.

Usually just water is enough.
Some babies will need oil or body lotion after they had a bath. It's usually when they have a very dry skin. After the bath they just need a bit of oil.

Some babies don't really need it, but they just love having an oil massage or also known as baby massage. Not every baby, but I think most of them love it.

Some babies have got a lot of hair on their head. About once a week it's good to wash their hair and if needed brush it.

Some have a very dry scalp. You'll see bits of white things on their head. (not sure what's called)
You can remove it with baby oil and something soft like a soft cloth. To gently rub their scalp in with baby oil. The white bits will come off.

Keep them for when the baby is older.
I've been given loads of Johnson's baby toiletries too which i won't use on a newborn but have put away for later providing there are no sensitive skin issues.

I used just water for the first 6 months, with a dab of coconut oil when they had any dry patches and sometimes for just stroking into them to relax. The smell of milky new baby with a hint of coconut will be forever engrained in my memory

Yes to water and olive oil. We never used anything else until at least 6 months.

Mine is 2.4 and we still only use water, except for one day a week when DS has a bubble bath :)

Hey all,
I think most washes and baths are a little harsh on baby's skin, but it is worth remembering that only soaps will break down fats and bacteria effectively so I would use soap as plain water will not remove this as effectively. Try to avoid products with sodium laryl sulphate.
As for oils, it really frustrates me that midwives continue to recommend olive oil...olive oil is full of unregulated acids which can actually cause skin breakdown..it's outdated advice. The evidence based oils to use are either mineral oil (which is baby oil) or vegetable oils, ideally sunflower oil (best cold pressed and organic).
www.askamum.co.uk/Baby/Search-Results/Health/Baby-skin-myths-explained/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3112109/
www.iaimbabymassage.co.uk/baby-massage-questions-and-answers.html