Newborn Skin Care

A newborn baby’s skin is delicate and may look different from what you expected. Dryness, peeling, small spots and temporary rashes are common during the first few weeks as your baby’s skin adjusts to life outside the womb.

Most newborn skin changes are harmless and improve without treatment. Keep your baby’s skin clean and dry, use as few products as possible and speak to your public health nurse or GP if you are concerned about a rash or skin change.

Caring for Your Newborn’s Skin

For approximately the first 4 weeks, the HSE recommends using plain water to wash your baby. Many soaps, bath products and skincare products contain fragrances or other ingredients that can irritate sensitive newborn skin.

Newborn babies do not need to be bathed every day. Between baths, you can gently clean their face, neck, hands and nappy area with warm water and cotton wool or a soft cloth.

When washing your baby:

Keep the room warm.
Use warm rather than hot water.
Clean carefully between skin folds.
Gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.
Make sure the neck, underarms, groin and nappy area are thoroughly dry.

Do not use talcum powder, bubble bath or heavily scented products on your baby’s skin.

Vernix

Some babies are born with a creamy white coating on their skin called vernix. Vernix protected your baby’s skin while they were in the womb.

It does not need to be scrubbed or washed off. It will gradually absorb into your baby’s skin during the first days after birth.

Dry and Peeling Skin

It is common for newborn skin to appear dry or flaky, particularly around the hands, ankles and feet. Babies who are born after their due date may have more peeling.

This usually improves naturally and does not need treatment.

Once your baby is around 4 weeks old, you can use a simple emollient or moisturising cream on dry areas if needed. Choose a hypoallergenic product that is free from perfume, alcohol, colours and dyes. Speak to your public health nurse, pharmacist or GP before using products on younger babies or if your baby has very dry, cracked or inflamed skin.

If your baby was born prematurely, the HSE advises waiting until they are at least 6 weeks old before using skincare products, unless your healthcare team recommends otherwise.

Milk Spots

Milk spots, also known as milia, are tiny white spots that commonly appear on a newborn’s face, particularly around the nose, cheeks and chin.

They are harmless and usually disappear by themselves within a few weeks. Do not squeeze or pick the spots and do not apply acne treatments or medicated creams.

Baby Acne

Some babies develop small red spots or pimples on their cheeks, forehead or chin during the early weeks.

Baby acne is usually temporary and does not require treatment. Wash your baby’s face gently with plain water and avoid oily or heavily fragranced products. Speak to your GP or public health nurse if the spots are spreading, weeping, crusting or causing concern.

Heat Rash

Heat rash may appear as small red or raised spots, particularly around the neck, chest and skin folds.

It can happen when a baby becomes too warm. Remove unnecessary layers, move your baby to a cooler environment and keep the affected area clean and dry. Heat rash usually fades once your baby has cooled down.

Seek medical advice if your baby is unwell, has a temperature or you are unsure what is causing the rash. The HSE recommends having unexplained rashes checked, particularly when a baby appears unwell.

Nappy Rash

Nappy rash is a red, sore, moist or broken area of skin around your baby’s bottom and genital area. Most babies experience it at some stage.

It can develop when your baby’s skin remains in contact with urine or poo, when a nappy rubs against the skin, or when the skin reacts to wipes, soaps, bath products or detergents. Thrush and recent antibiotic treatment can also contribute to nappy rash.

Preventing Nappy Rash

To help protect your baby’s skin:

Change wet or dirty nappies promptly.
Change your baby after feeds and as soon as possible after they have done a poo.
Wash your hands before and after every nappy change.
Clean the area gently from front to back.
Use cotton wool and plain water during the early weeks.
Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.
Give your baby some nappy-free time each day.
Make sure the nappy fits comfortably and is not too tight.

Young babies may need up to 10 or 12 nappy changes each day.

The HSE advises avoiding baby wipes during approximately the first 2 to 4 weeks. When you begin using wipes, choose alcohol-free and fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin.

Treating Nappy Rash

If your baby develops nappy rash:

Change their nappy more frequently.
Clean the skin gently with cotton wool and water.
Pat the area completely dry.
Leave the nappy off for up to 30 minutes when practical.
Apply a thin layer of protective barrier cream.

Your pharmacist, public health nurse or GP can recommend a suitable barrier cream. Avoid putting on a very thick layer unless advised, as this can make cleaning the skin more difficult.

Do not use talcum powder, bubble bath, scented products or home remedies such as raw egg or other food products on irritated or broken skin.

When to Get Advice About Nappy Rash

Contact your GP, public health nurse or pharmacist if:

The rash is painful or severe.
The skin is blistered, broken, bleeding or weeping.
The rash is spreading.
It is not improving with regular nappy changes and barrier cream.
Your baby appears distressed.
You think your baby may have thrush.
Your baby has a temperature or seems unwell.

A bright red rash affecting the skin folds, sometimes with smaller red spots around it, may be caused by thrush and may require antifungal treatment prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common condition that causes dry, flaky, greasy or yellowish scales on a baby’s scalp. It is caused by a build-up of natural oils and skin cells.

Cradle cap is not usually itchy or painful, is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. It normally clears by itself over time.

Caring for Cradle Cap

During the first few weeks, gently brushing your baby’s scalp with a soft baby brush may help loosen flakes.

When your baby is around 6 weeks old, the HSE advises that you can:

Wash the scalp with a mild baby shampoo.
Gently brush the scalp with a soft baby brush.
Apply a small amount of natural baby oil to soften the scales.
Leave the oil overnight if needed.
Wash the oil out with mild baby shampoo the following morning.

Do not pick, scratch or pull at the scales, as this may damage the skin and increase the risk of infection.

Speak to your pharmacist or public health nurse if gentle washing and brushing do not help.

When to Contact Your GP About Cradle Cap

Contact your GP if the cradle cap:

Becomes itchy or painful.
Looks swollen or inflamed.
Bleeds, weeps or develops an unpleasant smell.
Spreads onto your baby’s face or body.
Does not improve with gentle care.

These symptoms may indicate eczema, infection or another skin condition that needs assessment.

When a Newborn Rash Needs Urgent Attention

Newborn babies can become unwell quickly. Seek urgent medical advice if your baby has a rash and:

Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher.
Is difficult to wake or unusually sleepy.
Is feeding poorly.
Has fewer wet nappies than usual.
Has breathing difficulties.
Has pale, blue, grey or blotchy skin.
Has a red or purple rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass.
Seems seriously unwell or you are very worried.

Call 112 or 999 if your baby is having difficulty breathing, is unresponsive or has a non-fading rash and appears seriously unwell.

Key Points

Newborn skin is delicate, and temporary dryness, peeling and small spots are common. Use plain water for approximately the first 4 weeks and avoid unnecessary or scented products.

Change nappies frequently, allow regular nappy-free time and use a thin layer of barrier cream when needed. Cradle cap usually clears naturally and can be managed with gentle brushing and mild baby shampoo once your baby is old enough.

Always ask your public health nurse, pharmacist or GP for advice if a rash is persistent, painful or accompanied by signs that your baby is unwell.