When Can You Put Lotion On A Newborn?

Putting on lotion is my favorite post-shower routine, and I encourage my kids to do it, too. It helps trap the moisture still lingering on the skin for ultimate hydration and just feels good. But can the littlest family members join in on this routine? Yes, you can put lotion on your newborn baby. Just keep a few things in mind before you do.

You could start by giving your baby a bath, which they only need about three times a week during their first 12 months, since any more often could cause dryness (kinda defeating the whole purpose!). Gently dry your baby with a towel, then use a small dollop of lotion on their arms, legs, torso, back, and face. Avoid putting any on the baby's scalp, since this can clog their pores. Experts recommend using a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion to avoid irritating your baby's sensitive skin. 

In the winter, it's even more crucial to apply lotion to your baby, as the cold can make their skin dry out faster. While rubbing lotion on their skin after a bath will help them stay moisturized, you can also slather lotion on your infant if you see dry or peeling skin at any time. One study even found that newborns who were massaged with lotion every night before bed woke up less often during the night and slept more hours in total — that alone is enough to convince me!

When it comes to babies' delicate skin, not all lotions and creams are made the same. Many experts say Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment is generally safe to use on infants if you want to go that route instead of using lotion or moisturizer. However, some organizations advise against it.

Consumer Reports conducted a study with the nonprofit organization Made Safe to take a closer look at the ingredients in popular baby lotions. Researchers organized the lotions into categories, depending on their health and environmental risk levels. While lotions like California Baby Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion and Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion were among those ranked the safest, others like Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment didn't fare as well. The study noted that the ointment contains the active ingredient petrolatum (commonly known as petroleum jelly), which CR pointed out poses environmental risks and may contain substances linked to cancer. Other "worst choices" included Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion and Burt's Bees Baby Ultra Gentle Lotion, among others.

In general, experts recommend avoiding baby oil, mineral oil, Jojoba oil, and Vaseline, since they may be harsh on your baby's skin. Additionally, never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin or bath water, and diluted oils should only be used in small amounts on babies who are at least 3 months old. On the other hand, unrefined coconut oil is considered safe for babies and can even help reduce eczema symptoms, loosen cradle cap flakes on their scalp, and moisturize their skin.