5 Things Pediatricians Wish Parents Knew About Baby Skin
Baby skin is soft, adorable… and incredibly sensitive. As pediatricians, we see everything from newborn rashes to eczema flares to drool-related irritation. Most of it is normal - but a few key principles can make a world of difference in keeping your baby’s skin healthy and comfortable.
Here are the top five things we wish every parent knew.
1. Baby Skin Isn’t Just “Smaller”—It’s Completely Different
Baby skin is thinner, more delicate, and loses moisture much faster than adult skin.
This means:
It gets irritated more easily
It absorbs ingredients more quickly
It needs simpler, gentler products
Newborn skin is still building its barrier, so fragrance-free, essential-oil-free products are always the safest choice.
2. Less Is More When It Comes to Products
Parents often feel like they need a whole shelf of baby skincare items—but the truth is, the simpler the routine, the better.
Pediatricians recommend:
One gentle cleanser
One moisturizer (fragrance-free, thick, and barrier-supportive)
One diaper cream
That’s it. Babies don’t need toners, oils, “baby perfumes,” or multi-step routines. Overusing products can actually causeirritation.
3. Most Newborn Rashes Are Normal
Peeling skin, baby acne, flaky scalps, red blotches, little bumps—these are all common and usually harmless.
Normal newborn skin conditions include:
Baby acne
Milia
Erythema toxicum (blotchy newborn rash)
Peeling hands and feet
Cradle cap
The key is knowing when a rash isn’t normal - like eczema patches, infected skin, persistent redness, or anything causing discomfort. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician.
4. Moisture Is the Secret to Healthy Baby Skin
Because babies lose moisture quickly, daily hydration is essential—especially after baths.
Pediatrician-approved moisturizing tips:
Apply a moisturizer within 2–3 minutes after bathing
Use thicker creams or balms instead of lotions
Reapply during the day on dry spots, cheeks, or drool-prone areas
Use barrier balms on the face before meals or drooling episodes
A strong skin barrier prevents dryness, irritation, and even some eczema flares.
5. “Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the belief that plant oils, botanicals, or essential oils are automatically gentle.
For infants, many of these can actually be irritating.
Common triggers include:
Essential oils (lavender, tea tree, citrus)
Botanical extracts
Coconut oil (often worsens eczema)
Perfumed products
Harsh surfactants
Choose products specifically designed for babies with sensitive skin—and always patch-test new items.
The Pediatrician Takeaway
Baby skin is beautifully delicate and changes constantly in the first year of life. The good news? With simple, gentle routines and a focus on barrier protection, you can prevent most irritation and keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy.
At Roo Organics, we formulate every product with pediatrician insight, sensitive skin in mind, and absolutely no fragrance, essential oils, or common irritants—because your baby’s skin deserves the safest start.