When it comes to caring for your little one’s sensitive skin, the right baby face cream or moisturiser can make all the difference. With countless options on the market, we’ve rounded up some of the top baby face creams and moisturisers that are not only mum-approved but also loved by little ones.
When to introduce baby moisturisers and lotions?
The NHS suggests waiting a few weeks before using lotions and creams on your baby’s skin to allow it to adjust naturally. Once your baby is a bit older, introducing a gentle face cream or moisturiser can make a big difference. These products not only protect and soothe their skin but also turn bathtime into a special bonding time. Just imagine massaging your little one while applying lotion—it's a beautiful moment for both of you!
Research shows that baby massage helps parents feel more attached to their babies and more eager to care for them. It can also have a positive impact on a mother’s mental health.
Understanding your baby’s skin
A baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than that of adults, which means it loses moisture quickly. This can lead to itching, rashes, and dryness, making a good moisturiser essential. Always check the label and choose products specifically designed for your baby’s age.
We spoke leading skin experts Dr Paris Acharya and Lesley Gilchrist expert tips on how to keep your baby’s skin protected all year round, especially as we enter the colder months. They shared tips on what to look for in baby skincare and explains why sunscreen remains important, even in winter.
Dermatologist-approved baby winter skincare tips
Winter can be tough on your baby’s delicate skin, but with the right care, you can keep it healthy and protected. Dr Paris shares her top tips.
Impact of cold weather
“Cold weather can significantly impact a baby or toddler’s skin, leading to dryness and irritation. A baby's skin is thin and can lose heat quickly; therefore, dry, colder temperatures can cause more skin issues than for adults. Common issues that you may see during winter include dry patches, chapped cheeks and lips, red, irritated skin, and sometimes windburn.”
Prioritising hydration
“The contrast between the cold air and indoor heating can strip the moisture from their sensitive skin, making it important for parents to pay close attention to hydrating their little one’s skin.”
Choosing the right ingredients
“When choosing a moisturiser or cream for the colder months, parents should look for ingredients like ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier for deep hydration, and glycerin to draw moisture into the skin. With the use of these ingredients, your baby's delicate skin will be nourished and protected during winter.”
Managing eczema
“For babies with eczema, winter can be particularly challenging for them—the cold weather can make skin conditions like eczema worse. It is vital to keep their skin well-moisturised by using fragrance-free thicker creams or ointments at least twice a day. One effective way to avoid drying out a baby's skin is to limit bathtime and ensure that you use lukewarm water.”
Bathing recommendations
“Keep baths between 5–10 minutes long and avoid scrubbing the skin. Babies also don't need to be bathed every day—3–4 times a week is perfect. Once they are clean, you can immediately apply a hydrating urea-based moisturiser that will lock in any moisture and help relieve any flare-ups.”
Outdoor protection
“Dependent on the temperature, your baby's time outside should sometimes be limited. If the temperature is below freezing, limit time outside to between 15–45 minutes at a time to protect their skin from the harsh elements.”
Using protective balm
“No matter rain or shine, it’s extremely important to protect your baby’s skin from the elements. Using a protective balm on exposed areas like cheeks and lips will help to prevent any chapping and discomfort.”
Never skip baby SPF
“Although you may not think it, sunscreen is also necessary in autumn and winter—it's the most important skincare product for everyone from six months old all year round. UV rays can still be harmful, especially with reflection off snow. Therefore, a baby-safe sunscreen should be applied to any exposed skin daily to prevent skin damage and blistering.”
The best baby face creams and moisturisers
nalasbaby.com
The Nala's Adventure Bundle was awarded Gold for Best Baby Skincare Range/ Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024.
Skincare brand Nala’s Baby features 99% naturally derived ingredients such as oats, coconut, aloe, lavender and more. Nala's Baby Adventure Bundle combines the full skin and hair care range including Body Wash & Shampoo, Body Lotion and Body Butter in a 100 per cent cotton drawstring bag to keep everything together.
It's no wonder that this product was awarded Gold in the M&B Awards 2023, with parent testers raving about Nala's Adventure Bundle in their reviews. Mum testers loved the presentation aspect and believed that it would also make a beautiful gift.
Our parent tester said: "I would not change anything about these products, everything seems perfect to me and I am super pleased with them. These products are wonderful, far beyond my expectations and I think they should be known by more people so that all children can enjoy their benefits."
Read our full Nala’s Baby Adventure Bundle review.
| Suitable from: | Newborn |
| Suitable for: | Sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin |
| Contents: | Body wash, shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath, body lotion, body oil, body butter |
- Suitable from new-born
- Leaves skin soft
- Made from natural and gentle ingredients
- Beautiful and recyclable packaging
- Can help clear up rashes
www.childsfarm.com
The Childs Farm Toiletries Range for Baby and Child was awarded Silver for Best Baby Skincare Range/ Product and Gold for Best Product For A Newborn 0-4 Months at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024.
This best-selling, mildly fragranced moisturiser contains deeply moisturising ingredients that soothe and hydrate all skin types, even the most sensitive and eczema-prone skin from head to toe. Our real mum testers were happy to review the Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser along with the Childs Farm Toiletries Range for Baby & Child, and most loved the fact that the products were safe for delicate skin and approved by paediatricians.
Our parent tester said: "Child Farm's moisturising cream is a lifesaver when your little one's got some dry skin or even eczema patches. Its gentle fragrance is soothing and reassuring, its texture is light, and fully absorbed when rubbed in, unlike some other similar products. It is widely available in supermarkets across the country, which makes life a lot easier when you've already got 101 other things to be doing! And at this price, you can't go wrong!"
Read our full Childs Farm Toiletries Range for Baby & Child review.
Read our full Childs Farm Baby Skincare Range review.
| Suitable from: | Newborn |
| Suitable for: | Sensitive and eczema-prone skin |
| Contents: | Vegan friendly, cruelty free, paediatrician and dermatologist tested ingredients |
- Suitable from newborn
- Gentle and organic ingredients
- Gorgeous scents
- Wide range of products
The Kokoso Baby Skincare was awarded Bronze for Best Baby Skincare Range/ Product at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Kokoso Baby Coconut Oil is a natural and gentle skincare solution for your little one. Sourced from organic, premium-grade coconuts, this hypoallergenic and fragrance-free oil nourishes and protects delicate baby skin. Packed with moisturizing benefits, it's ideal for soothing dryness, eczema, and cradle cap. The lightweight formula absorbs easily, leaving your baby's skin soft, smooth, and beautifully nourished.
Our parent tester said: "Wow - loved this product. The smell is just gorgeous and I loved that the ingredient is purely coconut oil. A little goes a really long way which makes it good value for money. The oil didn't feel greasy or oily which I was worried about. My newborn had some dry patches of skin on her face and this cleared it up almost immediately. It makes for a really nice massage oil too which I used to try to ease my little one’s colic. This product really has so many uses. I love that this one product can be used for so many things - by the whole family!"
Read our full Kokoso Baby Skincare review.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Lovely smell
Cons
- A scoop would be useful
Award: Silver - Best Baby Skincare Range/ Product
Colief Baby Scalp Oil is formulated with Rosehip Oil, Chamomile and Vitamin E to gently moisturise and soothe your baby’s skin and scalp to prevent it from becoming dry and flaky. Our parent testers were more than happy to review Colief Baby Scalp Oil, and found that this product was easy to use, did exactly as it said on the bottle, and softened dry skin conditions such as cradle cap.
Our parent tester said: "The product came in a small bottle, so great for keeping in the changing bag or our nappy caddy at home. The application was smooth and I was able to apply it straight onto my babys head and massage gently as directed. I could smell the rosehip, and it left my baby's head smooth and soft."
Read our full Colief Baby Scalp Oil review.
Pros
- Suitable from newborn
- Made with nourishing ingredients
- Doesn't make baby's hair greasy
- Pleasant smell
| Suitable from: | Newborn |
| Suitable for: | Dry, combination and sensitive skin |
| Contents: | Rosehip Oil, Chamomile, Vitamin E |
groceries.asda.com
Award: Bronze - Best Baby Skincare Range/ Product
As much as we love their gorgeous curls, it's easy for babies' hair to get knotty, which is why the Little Angels Detangle Spray is a must for parents as shown through our real mum reviews. Paediatrician-approved and dermatologically tested, the no-tears formula is suitable from birth and gets to work instantly on wet or dry hair.
Our parent tester said: "Really impressed by how the spray has kept my daughter's hair under control throughout the day, even after running around, sleeping on it and generally being played with!"
Read our full Little Angels Detangle Spray review.
Pros
- Suitable from newborn
- Very good price
- Easy to use
- Effective
- Large bottle
| Suitable from: | Newborn |
| Suitable for: | Wet and dry hair |
| Contents: | Vegan friendly, paediatrician and dermatologist tested ingredients |
The Aveeno Baby Daily Care Range was awarded Silver for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product at the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Aveeno Daily Moisture Lotion applies to baby’s skin without feeling sticky and relieves any symptoms of dehydration. This lotion is also fragrance-free and has minimal ingredients, mainly containing natural colloidal oatmeal blended with rich emollients.
Our parent tester said: "Very pleased with this moisturiser. Bought it for my one year old baby as his skin was a bit dry. After using this only for a few days, I saw a great difference. I have been applying this every night and once the winter started, also during the day on the face and hands before going out for a walk. Size of the bottle is ideal, not too big and heavy, but also big enough to last for a while. This lotion lasted us just little over two months, we have been using it daily for the whole body. Smells lovely and it’s very easy to apply, absorb smoothly and moisturises well. Will definitely recommend and will be buying another one!"
Read our full Aveeno Baby Daily Care Range review.
www.boots.com
Ever wished you had a little help winding down your little one at the end of the day? Nala’s Sleep Baby Lotion brings bedtime to a new level of calm. Formulated with a soothing blend of passionflower, lemon balm, and lavender, this lotion is designed not only to nourish delicate skin but also to help create a peaceful bedtime atmosphere. Made with 99% naturally derived ingredients, allergen-free fragrance, and perfect for newborns and beyond, it's safe, gentle, and effective for even the youngest in the family.
Our parent tester said: “This one would probably be my favourite among my son’s baby skincare products. After using Nala’s Sleep Baby Lotion for a week, I noticed a big difference in my son’s bedtime routine. The calming lavender scent works wonders to settle him after a busy day. His skin feels so soft and hydrated, and it’s become a little ritual we both enjoy—the scent is just divine!”
Does your baby’s skin flare up with even the lightest touch? If you're always on the lookout for a truly gentle lotion, Green People Organic Babies Softening Baby Lotion could be the answer. Fragrance-free and super gentle, this lotion is ideal for babies with sensitive skin, offering lightweight hydration without irritating their delicate skin. Made with organic aloe vera and calendula, it helps soothe and soften, making it a great choice for little ones prone to eczema or dryness.
Our parent tester said: "This lotion is my must-have for the nappy bag. I always keep it within arm’s reach so my little one’s skin stays hydrated when we’re out and about. It’s truly been a lifesaver, especially when his eczema flares up in chilly weather. The formula is so lightweight and gentle—it absorbs right away and keeps his skin soft, smooth, and irritation-free.”
www.boots.com
Have you ever struggled to wind your little one down after a busy day? Johnson’s Bedtime Lotion with NaturalCalm™ essence might just be the perfect addition to your nightly routine. This lotion is specially crafted to help soothe and relax your baby, making bedtime a smoother experience. Its gentle moisturising formula, combined with calming aromas, creates a cosy atmosphere that encourages sleep.
As a trusted name in baby care, Johnson’s has nailed it with this bedtime lotion.
Our parent tester said, “I use it every night after bath time, and the calming scent really helps signal to my son that it’s time to sleep. His skin feels so soft, and the hypoallergenic formula is a huge bonus.”
Incorporating this into your nightly ritual can transform bedtime into a serene and comforting experience for both you and your little one!
www.boots.com
For parents who are looking for a reliable way to keep your baby's delicate skin soft and protected? Mustela Hydra Bébé Facial Cream, enriched with organic avocado, is specially formulated to provide both immediate and long-lasting hydration for newborns and children. Its lightweight, melting texture makes it perfect for everyday use, ensuring your little one's skin stays supple and nourished.
Our parent tester said: “This cream contains all the essentials that every baby's skin needs. I used it with my toddler, and it left his cheeks smelling great and feeling incredibly soft. It’s fantastic for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, preventing dryness and chapping. Plus, it should be a staple in every mum’s bag! Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and you never know when your baby's skin might need a little extra TLC. Having it on hand is a must!”
If your baby’s eczema flare up during the colder months, then you might want to try Oilatum Junior Cream. It is a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser that locks in hydration to keep your baby’s skin soft, smooth, and comfortable all day long. Its rich texture is perfect for creating a barrier on dry or irritated skin, making it especially helpful for babies with eczema or very dry skin.
Our parent tester said: "I discovered Oilatum through my health visitor’s recommendation when I was struggling with my newborn’s dry skin, and I've been using it ever since. Nineteen months later, it still hasn’t disappoint. His skin can get very dry, and this cream has truly been a lifesaver. It’s thick enough to deeply moisturise but doesn’t feel greasy, and his skin stays soft all day. I especially love that it’s fragrance-free, so there’s no unnecessary irritation! I always use it after the Oilatum Junior Gentle Head to Toe Wash, and they work perfectly together."
www.boots.com
Are those cold, windy days making your baby’s skin feel dry and uncomfortable? Why not try Mustela’s Nourishing Cream with Cold Cream. This cream is specially made to protect and hydrate your little one’s delicate skin during the chilly months. Packed with natural goodies like beeswax, which creates a barrier against the elements, and shea butter, known for its deep moisturising properties, it keeps your baby’s skin feeling soft and smooth. Plus, it’s dermatologically tested and gentle enough for everyday use, making it a perfect go-to for keeping those rosy cheeks and tiny hands happy and healthy all winter long!
Our parent tester said: "This cream is an absolute winter essential! My little one’s cheeks get so dry and inflamed in the cold, but this keeps them perfectly protected and hydrated. It’s rich yet absorbs without any greasy feeling, which I really appreciate. Just a small dab provides lasting moisture and a barrier against harsh weather. I wouldn’t go without it in the colder months!"
myexpertmidwife.com
Totally Immense Dribble Defence is just what your baby needs to stay rash-free through all those drool-heavy moments—from milk and food dribbles to teething-induced excess saliva. The lanolin base provides lasting protection to reduce reapplication frequency, while castor and grapeseed oils gently nourish baby’s skin.
My Expert Midwife Lesley Gilchrist's recommends to apply Totally Immense Dribble Defence when you anticipate your baby is starting teething to help protect their skin from the excess saliva being produced at this time.
Our parent tester said: “I wish I had discovered this sooner! When my son began teething, he was drooling nonstop, and the skin around his chin got so red and sore. Between milk, food dribbles, and teething, he was always battling irritation. This cream has been a lifesaver—it not only protects his skin but heals any redness fast. Now, I reach for it at the first hint of irritation. It's a must-have in our travel bag, too!”
www.boots.com
We love lightweight body lotion from Mustela. It offers both immediate and long-lasting hydration for babies and children, making it perfect for daily use. It’s infused with organically farmed avocado, this lotion not only moisturises but also helps protect and strengthen your little one’s skin barrier. Its rich texture glides on smoothly, providing a delightful treat for their delicate skin. Plus, the unique fragrance has made it a long-time favourite among parents.
In addition to its skin-loving benefits, Mustela is committed to sustainability. This Hydra Bébé Body Lotion comes in an eco-friendly, recyclable bottle, reducing plastic usage by 14% for the 500ml size and 11% for the 300ml size. A great choice for both your baby and the planet!
Looking for a daily moisturiser that’s both gentle and effective for your baby’s delicate skin? ATTITUDE Baby Lotion is designed to keep your little one’s skin soft and healthy, with 98.8% naturally derived ingredients like soothing blueberry leaf extract. This lightweight, non-greasy lotion is ideal all-year-round offering moisture without any heaviness. Plus, the light pear fragrance adds a sweet, comforting scent, making cuddle time even more enjoyable. And for peace of mind, it’s EWG VERIFIED™ and dermatologically tested—free from hidden nasties and perfect for sensitive skin.
Vaseline Baby Gel is a must-have in every household! Made from triple-purified petroleum jelly, this gel is hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, making it perfect for newborns and toddlers alike. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, allowing your little one’s skin to breathe.
This little tub of goodness is fantastic for creating a protective barrier against dryness, chafing, and irritation. Whether you’re dealing with diaper rash or just want to keep your baby’s skin soft and supple, Vaseline Baby Gel has you covered.
Our parent tester said: "I can't imagine being without Vaseline Baby Gel in our home! It’s always in my son’s stash of baby skincare, and I truly consider it an arsenal. It works wonders as a barrier for diaper changes and helps soothe any dry patches. I initially started using it when I was on the hunt for effective baby lotions and creams, and it quickly became a staple. Dermatologists highly recommend it, and I can see why—it’s effective and safe for my son’s sensitive skin. I even use it on my own dry spots!”
www.boots.com
Are you dealing with dry patches, irritation, or rough skin on your baby? My Expert Midwife Super Charged Skin Salve is here to help! Specifically formulated to tackle various skin concerns, this salve is a go-to for everything from diaper rashes to the dry skin that can come with teething.
Recommended by midwife Lesley Gilchrist, this salve is designed to target your baby’s driest spots, providing them with the extra care they need. Packed with nourishing ingredients like calendula, lanolin, and natural oils, it forms a protective barrier that keeps your little one’s skin moisturised and shielded from environmental stressors.
The rich, creamy texture glides on smoothly without leaving a greasy residue, making it perfect for daily use. Whether you're addressing chapped skin from chilly weather or soothing the discomfort of teething rashes, this one is an essential addition to your baby care routine.
Aveeno Baby Dermexa Emollient Cream is formulated to soothe and protect very dry skin, especially for babies with eczema. It contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and provide long-lasting hydration.
Our parent tester said: "In the colder months, my son's skin becomes very dry and itchy, and Aveeno Dermexa has made such a difference. The cream is rich without being heavy, and it has a lovely, subtle oat scent. His skin feels soft and moisturised throughout the day."
The Weleda Baby Calendula Collection was shortlisted for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product at the 2019 Mother&Baby Awards.
The calendula extract in this baby face cream wraps its protective mantle around tender facial skin, while skin-friendly lanolin and organic almond oil moisturise. It's ideal for many baby skin issues, including spots, cradle cap, and more.
Our parent tester said: "Highly recommended! 100 per cent natural. This cream made my baby’s face lovely and soft. I’ve got a nappy change cream from the same series and I’m very happy with it too, so knew this face cream would be great also."
Read our full Weleda Baby Face Cream review.
Read our full Weleda Baby Calendula Collection review.
**The Burt's Bees Baby Bee range won Bronze for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product at the 2018 Mother&Baby Awards.
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Burt's Bees Baby Bee Lotion is a natural emollient for baby's sensitive skin enriched with aloe vera, buttermilk, and vitamin E. You can also find other products in the same line, such as a baby bubble bath, and a nourishing baby oil.
Our parent tester said: "I love this lotion! I use it for myself and my littles! We all have varying degrees of sensitive skin and this doesn't irritate it at all! The smell is not overly strong and is pleasant. It goes on easy and is easy to rub in."
Read our full Burt’s Bees Baby Bee review.
www.escentual.com
Kiehl's Baby Nurturing Cream for face and body will nurture your baby’s skin, resulting in a smooth and soft texture. It’s formulated with shea butter, apricot kernel oil, and purified honey.
One parent tester said: "This is fantastic! Tried a few things prescribed by my doctor (none of which worked). The Double Base cream made the eczema even worse and made my little one's skin look almost burnt! I refused to use a steroid cream on such young skin and having read other reviews for this on various websites thought I'd give it a go - so glad I did! Have used it ever since and the eczema hasn't returned. AN ABSOLUTE MUST!"
The Weleda Baby Derma White Mallow range was shortlisted for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product at the 2015 Mother&Baby Awards.
Another popular buy from Weleda, this face cream combines calming organic mallow and gentle pansy extracts with nourishing organic oils of coconut and sweet almond. The organic golden beeswax creates a mildly resistant layer, protecting your child's skin. Itchy and dry skin is soothed and protected, naturally.
Our parent tester said: "I did a bit of research online and found this stuff and it is amazing! I still have to continue to apply it but it doesnt irritate my son's skin and his skin feels lovely and soft again after just one week. I have since bought the body lotion as well and its just as great as he has also developed small patches of dry skin on his arms and legs. Love that this product is totally natural and is so gentle on his delicate skin. Would love if they done a shampoo and bath cream in the white mallow range. Hopefully it works as well for others as it has for us. I really do think it's a miracle cream!"
Read our full Weleda Baby Derma White Mallow Range review.
Best all-purpose balm moisturiser
www.waitrose.com
This all-purpose balm is a great travel-friendly moisturiser for on-the-go. Crafted from organic sunflower and avocado oils, luxurious cocoa seed butter, candelilla waxes, and skin-caring calendula extract, which intensively nourishes and smooths dry or rough skin and lips, this product works beautifully on babies' delicate skin. It can be used to soothe chaffing and protects against dribble rash too.
Pros
- Nourishing ingredients from bump to baby
Cons
- Travel size
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment works wonders as a daily moisturiser after bathing your little one. This product is hospital-approved, paediatrician-recommended, and fragrance/preservative-free. Its formula comes with 41 per cent petrolatum to allow oxygen to flow and help heal the skin.
One parent review said: "I have been using the normal aquaphor on my son for several months now, and it was the best ointment I had found so far. However the price of it recently skyrocketed on Amazon and so I reverted to using Diprobase for about a month. During this time my little ones eczema which was previously well controlled, slowly got worse and worse. His hands became very dry and scaly and cracks and sores starting appearing in his creases again.
"After buying this baby version his skin has significantly improved in just a few days - his hands are almost back to normal now and all the cracks have healed up and are reverting back to normal skin. I think the baby version might be even better than the normal one. I highly reccomend you give this a try if your littles ones have eczema."
www.notino.co.uk
The HiPP Kids Toiletries range was shortlisted for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product at the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Free from nasties, including allergy-causing fragrances, essential oils, and mineral oils, this baby cream is kind and nourishing to your baby's skin - it's suitable for ultra-sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Plus, we love the adorable tortoise design that, once empty, your little one can play with.
Read our full HiPP Kids Toiletries Range review.
Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Instant Therapy Creme is a product that instantly calms your baby's skin. It comes with natural oatmeal, relieving dry, itchy, irritated skin. The formula also has ceramide to strengthen the skin's barrier and condition and licochalcone to soothe and improve the appearance of irritated skin.
One parent review said**:** "My daughter hasn't had any instances of Eczema in years, but suddenly got patches on her limbs of very painful and 'angry' Eczema during lockdown. Within two days of receiving this cream and applying it, the patches were less angry and after four days they were definitely improving. This may be expensive for the volume, but is worth it."
www.ocado.com
The Good Bubble baby range was shortlisted for Best Baby Skincare Range/Product at the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.
Eco-friendly, vegan, and suitable for newborns onwards: this dermatologically tested, paediatrician-approved moisturiser is suitable for your baby's whole body. It contains nourishing shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil which can help to protect and hydrate their delicate skin.
Original Sprout's Scrumptious Baby Cream contains organic extracts to leave your baby's face and the rest of their body feeling soft, moist and smooth. It's paediatrician-tested and hypoallergenic, so it's ideal for sensitive skin at any age.
One parent review said: "My baby is mixed race and can get quite dry skin. I decided to give this a try after other moisturises were not having much effect.... This product is worth every penny..... It is so creamy and feels like silk as I apply it to my baby. It is non-greasy but gives deep moisturisation. Especially nice for baby massage after bath time. And on top of all that it smell absolutely gorgeous! Will definately be buying more."
Why sun protection is important for your baby in winter?
Winter may seem like a time to set aside sun protection, but it's just as vital for your baby as it is in summer. Did you know that up to 80% of harmful UV rays can reflect off snow? This means your little one can still be at risk for sunburn even on cloudy days.
Babies have delicate skin that burns easily, making it crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even when it’s cold. Plus, the harsh winter elements can dry out their skin, leaving it more vulnerable to damage. Establishing a sun protection routine early on not only keeps your baby's skin safe now but also helps instill good habits for the future. So, as you bundle them up in cosy layers, don't forget to include sunscreen in your winter skincare routine!
Looking for a sunscreen that won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin? E45 Suncare Kids & Baby Sensitive Lotion SPF50+ offers high protection against UV rays while being gentle enough for babies prone to eczema or irritation. It’s fast-absorbing, water-resistant, and non-greasy, making it perfect for playtime in the sun.
Finding a gentle sunscreen that offers solid protection can feel like a challenge, but Green People Organic Children Sun Cream provides SPF50 protection while being kind to sensitive skin. It’s free from harsh chemicals, with a delicate lavender scent, and doesn’t leave that greasy, sticky feeling behind—perfect for active little explorers.
Our parent tester said: "This sun cream is brilliant for days out. It’s a relief knowing my toddler's skin is protected without any nasty chemicals. The best part? It doesn’t leave a white cast or sticky residue, and it’s super gentle on his sensitive skin. Plus, it smells lovely!"
What should I know about my baby’s skin in winter?
As winter arrives and temperatures drop, it’s important to consider how these changes can affect your baby’s delicate skin. While your baby’s skin may be super soft most of the time, it’s also more vulnerable to the harsh winter elements. “The skin of a full-term healthy newborn baby is 30% thinner than that of an adult,” says Lesley. “Premature and unwell babies are at even greater risk of skin damage as their skin can be even thinner.” Because babies lose water faster than adults—up to 3-5 times more due to Trans Epidermal Water Loss—it’s essential to use baby-specific skincare products that hydrate and protect.
Lesley emphasises, “The first few months of a newborn’s life show the highest rate of TEWL, so a good skincare routine implemented from birth is crucial. It not only helps reduce dryness but also supports skin development and better protects your baby’s skin in the future.” That's why the Baby range from My Expert Midwife, developed in collaboration with midwives and dermatologists, is fragrance-free and suitable for eczema-prone skin, ensuring your little one stays comfortable during the winter months.
Choosing skincare products for your baby
When it comes to our baby's skin, choosing the simplest and mildest formula in products is key, given that their precious skin is sensitive to all sorts of irritation and dryness. To make things a lot simpler, we've made a checklist of things to look for when buying skincare products for your little one.
Choose products specifically designed for babies: These tend to be milder and pH-balanced to suit your little one's skin. Baby products are also typically safety-regulated for that particular age group.
Choose paraben, phthalate, dye, and alcohol-free products: Dyes and other chemicals can irritate your baby's skin and even cause trouble breathing. Likewise, parabens are known for their harmful side effects in terms of hormone reproduction, so it's best to keep them away from your baby. Alcohol, listed as ethanol, is common in most adult skincare products but is worth avoiding when it comes to little ones due to its drying effect.
Patch test beforehand: If you're planning on using a cream all over your baby's body, we recommend doing a patch test on their arm or leg first and waiting 24 hours to monitor any reactions. If any side effect is detected, stop using the product immediately.
Use hypoallergenic products: If you have any concerns whatsoever about allergic reactions, hypoallergenic products are your best bet. These are designed for sensitive skin, are fragrance-free, and are least likely to lead to any adverse reactions.
About the experts
Dr Paris Acharya co-founder of Ardour Clinic, is an expert in skin health, injectables, and hormone therapy. With dual certifications in medicine and dentistry, she combines beauty and wellness in her treatments. She also provides specialised skincare advice for babies, toddlers, and mums. Known for her natural results and meticulous care, Dr. Paris is a trusted voice in the industry and an ambassador for leading skincare brands.
Lesley Gilchrist is a registered midwife and co-founder of My Expert Midwife. With extensive experience as a labour ward coordinator and community midwife, Lesley specialises in pregnancy, postnatal care, and baby skin. Her expertise empowers parents with essential information about caring for their little ones’ skin, ensuring they feel confident and informed throughout their parenting journey.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.