You’re a newish mum, finally getting more time in your day to keep on top of your (stripped-back) skin-care routine now that the tiny baby you brought home is a little more independent. If a little too active. We get it. One eye’s on your social feed for the latest beauty product; the other’s on that crawling, tumbling, bundle of fun.
What if we told you that your bub’s skincare routine is just as important as yours. Yes, it’s no surprise we aspire to have skin ‘as smooth as a baby’s bottom’ because those delicate cheeks (all four of them!) are fresh and, mostly, untouched by the elements. But when you think about all that running around they do with nappies on, and clothes that rub against their sensitive skin, a daily skincare routine makes sense.
Here we ask dermatologist Dr Shreya Andric for her expert recommendations on how to look after your baby’s skin. Including her top tips to avoid irritation.
Dr Shreya Andric Talks Skincare For Babies
As parents, we put so much thought into our own skincare routines, but how important is daily skincare for babies, especially around the nappy area?
Daily skincare for babies, particularly around the nappy area, is extremely important. A baby’s skin is thinner, more permeable, and more sensitive than adult skin, making it more prone to irritation, redness, and breakdown. The nappy area is especially vulnerable due to constant exposure to moisture, friction, and enzymes in urine and stool. Just as adults take steps to protect and maintain their skin barrier, babies benefit from consistent care — including gentle cleansing, thorough drying, and the use of barrier creams — to keep their skin healthy and comfortable.
Like adults with sensitive skin, babies need products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and formulated to support the skin barrier. Key principles, such as avoiding irritants, maintaining moisture balance, and using barrier protection apply to both. In fact, many of the same skincare principles used to manage adult conditions such as eczema or dermatitis are directly relevant to baby skin.
What are the biggest skin concerns for active babies and toddlers who are constantly moving, crawling or exploring?
For active little ones, the most common skin concerns are chafing, friction rashes, and moisture-related irritation, especially in areas such as the thighs, knees, and around the nappy. Constant movement combined with tight clothing or damp nappies can lead to friction, which breaks down the skin barrier. Minimising friction with well-fitting, breathable clothing and keeping the skin dry with absorbent nappies or moisture-wicking fabrics can significantly reduce irritation.
We’ve heard that keeping the skin dry is one of the most important things for preventing irritation. Can you explain why moisture management, especially in the nappy area, matters so much for baby skin?
Moisture management is critical because prolonged dampness softens the skin, making it more fragile and prone to breakdown. In the nappy area, this is compounded by exposure to irritants in urine and stool, which can quickly lead to irritation or even painful nappy dermatitis. Keeping the area as dry as possible helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, reducing the risk of irritation and infection. This is why a well performing nappy that keeps your baby’s skin dry is so essential. As is frequent nappy changes.
Huggies Ultra Dry Nappy Pants are designed to rapidly absorb moisture to keep skin dry. What are the key skincare benefits to this kind of ‘rapid-dry’ approach for babies?
A rapid-dry system offers several key skincare benefits. Firstly, it helps minimise the time moisture is in contact with the skin, which directly reduces the risk of irritation. Secondly, by maintaining a dry environment, it helps support the natural pH and barrier function of baby skin. Finally, it can reduce the need for frequent changes overnight, helping babies (and parents!) sleep more comfortably, all while keeping the skin protected.
Winter can be particularly harsh on baby skin. Cold air and indoor heating can lead to overall dryness, making the skin more susceptible to irritation. At the same time, bulky clothing and less frequent nappy changes during cold nights can increase moisture exposure. Using highly absorbent nappies during this time helps keep the skin dry and resilient, reducing the likelihood of irritation.
A lot of new mums are time-poor but skin-aware. Are there any dermatologist-approved baby skincare tips that are simple, effective, and easy to integrate into the daily change routine?
Definitely. Here are a few dermatologist-approved tips:
- Use fragrance-free, pH-balanced wipes for cleaning.
- Gently pat dry, especially in skin folds, don’t rub.
- Apply a thin layer of barrier cream (such as zinc oxide-based creams) with each nappy change to protect against moisture.
- Change nappies frequently, but a well performing nappy should leave skin dry for 12 hours.
- Choose breathable, well-fitting nappies such as Huggies Ultra Dry Nappy Pants with ‘hug fit’ protection for superior dryness.
These simple steps can go a long way in maintaining healthy, irritation-free skin, even in the busiest household.
Find Huggies Ultra Dry Nappy Pants in your supermarket nappy aisle today.
