Baby skin care: Caring for sensitive baby skin

The expression ‘as smooth as a baby’s bottom’ isn’t always true: even a baby’s bottom isn’t smooth all the time, especially when diaper rash appears.

That’s because baby skin is tricky to care for. It is soft and delicate, and in the early days it’s especially fragile and susceptible to damage as it adjusts to life outside. Plus, some babies have more sensitive skin than others.

“The best way to take care of sensitive skin is to use products made specifically for baby skin,” explains paediatric dermatologist Dr Zilda. So take advantage of Dove’s 60 years of experience in gentle skin care and try the Baby Dove Sensitive Moisture range of baby skin products.

Our experts – real parent dermatologists such as Dr Zilda – offer this advice on caring for your baby’s delicate skin…

1
More moisture.
Your baby’s skin is thinner than a sheet of paper and loses moisture much faster than yours. Using a mild baby soap and baby lotion is important, but try to use those that will also replenish moisture in the skin
2
Gentle cleansing.
Baby skin also has a higher pH than an adult’s, making it even more delicate. Choosing a pH-neutral soap for baby, like our Baby Dove Rich Moisture Bar, which is gentler and more nourishing than ordinary baby soap, will help to keep it healthy
3
Tailored skin care.
Not knowing what’s irritating your baby’s skin can be hard. You may have given up dairy while breastfeeding or washed their clothes in different detergents to no avail. Switching to our pH-neutral Sensitive Moisture Hair to Toe Wash could be the solution. Tested by dermatologists and paediatricians, it’s developed specially for sensitive skin
4
Being protective.
It’s easier said than done, but try not to stress if baby diaper rash does develop: let a good cream for diaper rash do the work. Find a good baby rash cream that neutralises pH in seconds, provides immediate relief, and forms a protective layer to help the healing process. Plus, it spreads easily so you don’t need to rub, which could cause more discomfort
5
Patting dry.
Finally, gentle patting is kinder to your baby’s delicate skin, so try to avoid rubbing them dry after a bath