Bath & Skincare

Baby skin care, without the marketing

Tubs, cleansers, emollients and sun protection — assessed for irritant load, fragrance and evidence rather than packaging claims.

38Skincare guides published
MDReviewed, every guide
6 moMax review interval
0Paid placements
What we cover

What actually matters for infant skin

01

Bathing routine

How often, how warm, how long — and why over-bathing does more harm than under-bathing in the first year.

02

Cleansers and emollients

Fragrance, essential oils and preservative systems that commonly irritate, and the short list that does not.

03

Rashes and eczema

Distinguishing diaper rash, heat rash, cradle cap and eczema, with the treatment each one actually needs.

04

Sun protection

Shade and clothing before six months, mineral SPF after, and how much to apply to get the number on the bottle.

Medical authority

Who reviews this section

Skin, allergy and rash content is edited by our dermatology-adjacent reviewer.

Full review board
Portrait of Dr. Martinez, MD, pediatrician

Dr. Martinez, MD

Pediatrics

Pediatric skin, allergy and everyday illness.

Every guide in skincare carries a named pediatric reviewer and a dated sign-off, re-checked at least every six months. Read the ChildBloom promise.

How we rank

What decides a place in a skincare ranking.

  1. Full ingredient lists are read. Fragrance, essential oils and common sensitisers count against a product.

  2. National Eczema Association and AAP guidance sets the baseline for anything recommended for compromised skin.

  3. Mineral sunscreens are preferred for infants and young toddlers, and we say plainly when a product is not for under-sixes.

  4. Claims like “natural” and “dermatologist tested” carry no weight here without an ingredient list to back them.

Common questions

Skincare questions parents ask us most

How often should I bathe my newborn?

Two or three times a week is enough for most newborns. More frequent bathing strips the skin barrier and can trigger dryness or eczema. Clean the face, neck folds and diaper area daily between baths.

What water temperature is safe for a baby bath?

Around 37–38°C (98–100°F) — comfortably warm on the inside of your wrist, never hot. Set your home water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scald injuries.

Can I use sunscreen on a baby under six months?

Shade, clothing and a wide-brimmed hat come first. For small unavoidable areas, a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is acceptable. Above six months, mineral SPF 30+ applied generously is appropriate.

Is cradle cap something I need to treat?

Usually not. It clears on its own over weeks to months. Softening the scale with a plain emollient and loosening it with a soft brush during a bath is enough. Ask your pediatrician if it spreads, weeps or looks infected.

Still deciding?

Ask our editorial team

If a guide looks out of date or you cannot find an answer for your child’s situation, tell us and a reviewer will look at it.

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