Healthy Start

Newborn Skincare 101 with Dr. Mona Amin and Aveeno^® Baby

SPONSORED

Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your newborn’s skin from day 1

Introducing Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start, a proactive approach to newborn skin

A newborn’s skin is the first line of defense from germs and irritants, so moisturization is important in supporting the skin barrier so it doesn’t become susceptible to dryness, germs, and allergens. NEW Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start is a newborn regimen formulated with ingredients that safely meet the special needs of newborn skin and helps set the standard for how to safely cleanse, moisturize, and nourish your newborn from day one. The newborn balm is clinically-proven to nourish and maintain your newborn’s natural skin barrier, and increase hydration in one use.

Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start products are crafted with care for newborns

Your newborn’s skin deserves all the love and care in the world, and with Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start products, it’s easy to pamper them. As a pediatrician-recommended brand and the leader in oat science for sensitive skin, you can trust Aveeno^® Baby’s Healthy Start regimen to gently hydrate and support skin barrier development. Most products are hypoallergenic and free from parabens, phthalates and harsh cleansers. With products crafted with care—by parents, for parents, and consistently recommended brand by pediatricians—you can enjoy newborn bath time, snuggles, and comfort every day, knowing they’re getting the very best.

How to Cleanse & Moisturize Newborn Skin

2-3x

Give your newborn a gentle sponge bath 2-3 times per week, and moisturize their skin twice per day, even on non-bath days.

Day 1

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying bathing until 24 hours after birth, or at least 6 hours after birth, allowing the newborn’s vernix to remain on the skin for an extended period of time. Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start Newborn Balm is inspired by the vernix to help support newborn's skin moisture barrier, their first line of defense against external aggressors, from day one.

100° F

Since newborns have extra delicate skin, they need cooler bathwater than adults. Aim for around 100° Fahrenheit for your newborn’s bath. Remember to double-check the water temperature with your elbow or wrist, even if you’re using a bath thermometer. You want it to feel comfortably warm, not hot.

Head to Toe

Keeping their head covered with the corner of the towel, unwrap your newborn and remove their diaper. Wet and lather your hand or washcloth with a safe, gentle cleanser like Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start Newborn Wash, and begin to wash the rest of your newborn's body. Wash the neck to their waist, taking special care with their neck folds, behind their ears, and fingers, and thoroughly rinse and pat dry. Cover their upper body with a towel to keep them warm and move down to their legs, feet and toes.

Dry Off

Remember to rinse and dry well in all the creases, because excessive moisture can lead to skin irritation.

Moisturize

Newborn skin is 30% thinner than adult skin, so hydrating to lock in moisture is a crucial step in their skincare routine. Opt for mild products like Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start Newborn Balm, formulated with Triple Oat Complex, ceramides, and humectants. It is proven to nourish and maintain the newborn’s natural skin barrier, and is clinically proven to increase hydration in one use.

Massage

With clean hands, add Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start Newborn Balm between your palms. Start with a resting hand to help newborn feel secure and enjoy your touch. Use slow and positive strokes, not spending too much time in one area. You can use the skin-to-skin contact to enhance the bond between you and your newborn.

Aveeno^® Baby Healthy Start products are crafted with care for newborns

Your newborn’s skin deserves all the love and care in the world, and with Aveeno® Baby Healthy Start products, it’s easy to pamper them. As a pediatrician-recommended brand and the leader in oat science for sensitive skin, you can trust Aveeno^® Baby’s Healthy Start regimen to gently hydrate and support skin barrier development. Most products are hypoallergenic and free from parabens, phthalates and harsh cleansers. With products crafted with care—by parents, for parents, and consistently recommended brand by pediatricians—you can enjoy newborn bath time, snuggles, and comfort every day, knowing they’re getting the very best.

Daily Moisture Healthy Start Newborn Balm

Daily Moisture Healthy Start Newborn Wash

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Sources

Guide to baby bath time. Aveeno. https://www.aveeno.com/journal/baby/guide-baby-bath-time. Accessed April 20, 2024.

How to bathe your newborn. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/newborn-bathing. Accessed April 20, 2024.

WHO recommendations on postnatal care of the mother and newborn. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/97603/9789241506649_eng.pdf Accessed April 20, 2024.

Stamatas, G. N., Nikolovski, J., Luedtke, M. A., Kollias, N., & Wiegand, B. C. (2010). Infant skin microstructure assessed in vivo differs from adult skin in organization and at the cellular level. Pediatric dermatology, 27(2), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2009.00973.x