Newborn Skin Care: A Simple Guide for UK Parents

Quick answer: Newborn skin needs very little: use plain water only for the first few weeks, with no soap or bath products, and avoid lotions, oils and emollients in the first month unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise. Bath your baby 2–3 times a week and top and tail in between. Peeling, milia and baby acne are normal and clear on their own.

What parents need to know

Newborn skin may look perfect, but it's going through a huge transition in the first weeks of life. Before birth, your baby was surrounded by amniotic fluid; now they're exposed to air, clothing, and temperature changes. Understanding what's normal — and what your newborn's skin actually needs — can save you a lot of worry and unnecessary product purchases.

What's normal on newborn skin?

You may notice several things on your newborn's skin that look unusual but are completely normal:

• Vernix: The white, waxy coating some babies are born with. It's protective — the NHS recommends rubbing it in rather than washing it off immediately.
• Peeling: Almost all newborn skin peels in the first 1–2 weeks. This is normal and doesn't require treatment.
• Newborn spots (milia): Tiny white bumps, usually on the nose and cheeks. Common and self-resolving.
• Baby acne: Pimple-like spots that can appear at 2–6 weeks due to maternal hormones. Usually clears on its own within weeks.
• Stork marks / salmon patches: Pink patches on the neck, eyelids, or forehead. Usually fade over time.
• Mongolian blue spots: Bluish patches on the lower back or buttocks, common in babies with darker skin. Benign and usually fade.
• Erythema toxicum: A blotchy rash with yellow-white spots that affects up to half of newborns in the first few days. Looks alarming but is harmless.

The latest NHS guidance on newborn skincare (2023)

In 2023, NICE updated their recommendations on newborn skincare. The key points:

• Use plain water only for the first few weeks — no soap, no bath products.
• Avoid all skin products including baby lotion, oils, and emollients in the first month unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• This includes olive oil and sunflower oil, which were previously recommended but have now been found to potentially damage the skin barrier in some newborns.
• If you want to use moisturiser after the newborn period, choose unfragranced, baby-specific products.

Bathing your newborn

Your baby doesn't need a bath every day — 2–3 times a week is plenty. The rest of the time, "topping and tailing" (cleaning the face, neck folds, hands, and nappy area with plain warm water) is sufficient.

When you do give a full bath:

• Use a small baby bath or sink with warm (not hot) water — test the temperature with your elbow
• Never leave your baby unattended in water, even for a second
• Keep baths short (around 5 minutes) in the early weeks
• Pat the skin dry gently rather than rubbing, paying attention to skin folds

Nappy area care

Change nappies frequently — at every feed in the early weeks. At each change:

• Clean the area with warm water and cotton wool (or alcohol-free, fragrance-free baby wipes)
• Allow the skin to dry completely before putting on a fresh nappy
• A barrier cream (zinc oxide-based) can help prevent nappy rash if your baby is prone to it

When to choose baby skincare products

Once past the newborn stage (4–6 weeks+), if you want to use products, choose those that are:

• Fragrance-free
• Formulated specifically for babies
• Minimal ingredients
• Free from known irritants (parabens, SLS, artificial colour)

Infatot’s range includes teething, feeding and sensory-play products. Check each item’s material details and care instructions; for advice about a skin concern, speak to your health visitor, pharmacist or GP.

Signs to watch for

See your GP or health visitor if your baby's skin:

• Has spreading redness or feels hot (possible infection)
• Has blisters or fluid-filled spots
• Develops a rash with a fever
• Is excessively dry, inflamed, or itchy (possible eczema)

Frequently asked questions

How often should I bath my newborn?

Two to three times a week is plenty. In between, topping and tailing — cleaning the face, neck folds, hands and nappy area with plain warm water — is enough. Keep early baths short, around five minutes.

Can I use olive oil or sunflower oil on my newborn's skin?

No. These were previously recommended but have now been found to potentially damage the skin barrier in some newborns. Avoid all skin products, including lotions, oils and emollients, in the first month unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Is it normal for a newborn's skin to peel?

Yes. Almost all newborn skin peels in the first one to two weeks. It is normal and doesn't require treatment.

When should I see a GP about my baby's skin?

See your GP or health visitor if the skin has spreading redness or feels hot, has blisters or fluid-filled spots, develops a rash with a fever, or is excessively dry, inflamed or itchy.