Those tiny toes, endless cuddles, and the intoxicating scent of a brand new baby, it’s a truly magical time. But along with the wonder comes a new set of questions, especially when it comes to caring for your baby’s delicate skin.
One of the biggest concerns for many new mums with sensitive little ones is skincare. “What kind of products can I use that won’t irritate their skin or cause flare-ups?” you might be wondering. It’s a valid concern! Luckily, there are a range of gentle, fragrance-free products specifically designed for sensitive baby skin. But before we dive into those options, let’s take a quick look at what exactly “sensitive skin” means for our little ones.
Signs of Sensitive Skin
Ever notice your baby’s cheeks getting a little red after a bath or a dry patch around their mouth? These could be signs of sensitive skin. Unlike grown-ups, babies’ skin is thinner and more delicate, making it more prone to irritation from things that wouldn’t bother us.
Here are some common signs to watch out for:
Dryness • This is a classic sign of sensitive skin. You might notice rough patches, especially on cheeks and arms.
Redness • Patches of red, irritated skin can appear anywhere on your baby’s body, but often show up on the face.
Eczema • This is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy patches. It can flare up due to sensitive skin.
Irritation • Sensitive skin can react to anything from harsh chemicals in products to even changes in weather. You might see bumps, redness, or even a little bit of weeping.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t worry! There are plenty of things you can do to soothe your baby’s sensitive skin. Including choosing gentle skincare products specifically formulated for our delicate little ones.
Before slathering a new lotion all over your little one, apply a tiny amount to a small area on their inner arm or behind their ear. Wait 24 hours to see if there’s any redness or irritation.
OUR PICK OF THE CROP
13 Best Baby Skincare Products Mums Recommend
As baby product experts with 16 years experience, and a community of over 100,000 Australian mums, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect skin care product for your little one’s next bath.
Below, you’ll find 13 of the best baby skincare products as recommended by the mums from our online Grapeviner community, listed in no particular order.
Calming Comfort
GAIA Natural Baby Skincare (from $8.95)
The baby range from GAIA has all bases covered. With formulas free from soap and enriched with natural and organic ingredients to protect delicate skin. Choose from silky smooth moisturisers made with shea butter and avocado oil to a dreamy massage oil that calms baby bears ready for bed.
“We have had only positive experiences using Gaia products on our babies. They are gentle on their sensitive skin helping with their cradle cap, eczema and any irritations they may have and gentle on the eyes when washing out. With a great smell and lasting effect on their soft skin.” Said one very happy mum online.
Nature’s Nurture
Weleda Baby Skincare (from $10.95)
The Weleda baby skincare range is packed with the goodness of organic calendula (or marigold), which is known and loved for its skin healing properties. Products include shampoo and wash for cleansing the skin, baby oils for delicious massages and nappy change creams to look after the delicate nappy area.
A reviewer wrote “This is a very trustworthy brand. I love how your skin absorbs it pretty quickly. Not greasy and smells good.”
Aussie-Made
Mikash Baby Skincare (from $19)
Discover the wonder of Mikash skincare! Crafted in Melbourne, it’s certified organic and packed with 100% natural plant-based goodness. These baby products aren’t just luxurious and effective; they’re versatile too, perfect for all sorts of uses. Treat yourself or someone special with individual items or grab a convenient gift set!
“I rave about this product so much because it actually works! It leaves my babes hair feeling soft and smelling amazing. Most importantly, it doesn’t dry her skin out or irritate the eczema-prone spots. Highly recommended.” One happy customer commented.
Farm Fresh
Four Cow Farm Baby Range (from $8.90)
Ever wished there were super gentle, all-natural skincare products for your little one? Well, Four Cow Farm is all about that! Founded by a super experienced midwife (think baby whisperer!), they make creams and balms in Australia with only the good stuff – no harsh chemicals, just pure and organic ingredients.
It comes highly recommended by parents, such as this one who left a five-star review saying, “Bought the smaller version for Bub and loved it so much we got the larger one for the whole family. It’s gentle with a delicate velvety lather, and no nasties.”
Micro Magic
Bunjie Probiotic Bath Products (from $7.99)
Bunjie is a line of prebiotic and probiotic immune boosters specially made for delicate skin. Proudly Australian-made, Bunjie uses patented microbiome boosters to keep those soft little bodies protected around the clock. Whether it’s a barrier cream, baby oil, or moister lotion, Bunjie has us covered.
One reviewer said, “Absolutely love this product as it is the only bath wash that doesn’t react to my daughter’s eczema. We found it when we were in Bendigo Hospital when my daughter was just a newborn and have loved it ever since.”
Natural Goodness
Jack N’ Jill Bath and Body (from $8.99)
Dermatologically tested and crafted to be mild and safe, Jack N’ Jill’s bath and body range is a natural addition to your kids’ routine. With ingredients like Lavender, Chamomile, White Cypress and Clary Sage oils, the formulas are gentle on sensitive skin and come in too-cute recycled pastel packaging.
One parent left the comment, “My daughter’s skin is quite sensitive and this ticks all the boxes being derma tested and free of anything too harsh. We’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now and it doesn’t induce any bad reactions at all.”
Soothing Care
Pigeon Natural Botanical Baby (from $12.95)
Safe for delicate newborn skin, Pigeon’s natural botanical baby products nourish and moisturise with Argan, Olive and Chamomile extracts. Dermatologically tested and pH balanced, the range consists of a body wash, water gel, massage oil and body lotion, each with sweet packaging to boot.
A reviewer said, “This is by far the best baby wash out there, and I have tried them all! It’s gentle on the skin, isn’t that “gloopy” texture, and the smell is absolutely amazing. This will be my only choice from now on!”
More of our faves here …
FAQs Your Questions Answered
Bath time with your little one can be a bonding experience, but navigating the world of baby skincare products can feel overwhelming. Here are answers to some common questions new mums have:
Do I really need all those fancy baby products?
Not necessarily! For healthy babies with normal skin, the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) recommends using lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser for bath time.
How often should I bathe my baby?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but daily baths aren’t necessary. In fact, frequent bathing can actually dry out your baby’s skin. The Raising Children Network suggests aiming for a bath every 2-3 days.
Know a natural baby wash, baby shampoo, gentle moisturiser, lotion or baby oil we should add to our list? Contact us and let us know, we’ve been curating Australia’s best baby products into helpful lists for over 16 years and we’re always happy to support new brands and businesses.
Read next …
- 13 Baby Baths (and Alternative Options)
- 50 ways to soothe Baby’s Sensitive Skin
- 16 Thick & Soft Hooded Bath Towels
- Q&A: How Often Should I Bath My Baby?
Ask other mums
Looking for skincare for your bub and still not sure if any of these are right for you? Join the huge Grapeviner community in one of our private Facebook Due Date Groups and ask thousands of other mums with babies the same age as yours which ones they recommend. Get answers today!
We want you to know
At Mum’s Grapevine, we’re a team of passionate mums (with 19 kids!) and over 15 years of experience researching and writing about all things baby and parenting. Our reviews of recommended products, like the ones in this post, may include paid inclusions, but we promise to only feature products that we truly believe in and have used or seen ourselves. We want to ensure that you, our Grapeviner mums have access to the latest and greatest products in the parenting world, and we’re committed to maintaining our high standards of quality and honesty. See our Disclosure Policy.
Thank you for trusting us to be your go-to source for all things baby-related.
xoxo
