Does your baby have sensitive skin? Here are 7 ways to manage it.

I don’t want you to think I’m “that” type of mum, but I did google “can you Photoshop daycare photos” last week. 

My three gorgeous girls are a sensitive bunch. Emotionally yes, but mostly physically. The lucky little things inherited sensitive skin from both my husband and I. 

With the baby battling her first winter, my oldest now in school, and my middle daughter throwing herself into daycare quite literally face-first, managing their sensitive skin is an ongoing commitment. 

Luckily I’ve learnt a few things over the years, here are seven practical tips to manage and care for your baby’s sensitive skin:

1. Use a gentle moisturiser.

Babies' skin loses moisture faster than adults, making it more prone to irritation and dryness, and leading to those dry looking patches. Ensuring your baby’s skin remains well-hydrated isn't just a superficial routine; it's an essential way to support their skin's moisture barrier. A barrier they really need once they start crawling. 

When our youngest started showing signs of sensitive skin, I turned to my old faithful La Roche-Posay for a moisturiser. It’s a cult brand amongst skincare fans for a good reason – it’s the no.1 dermatologist recommended dermocosmetic brand worldwide, and in Australia. 

The new La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ is particularly good for sensitive skin in babies and children (as well as us sensitive adults). With an improved formula powered by microbiome science, it includes key ingredients like vitamin B5, tribioma and madecassoside to support and hydrate the skin moisture barrier. 

Best of all, it’s gentle enough that I can use it on my baby, without needing to keep track of numerous products. I keep a tube on the change table, one in the nappy bag and another by the bath. 

Image: Supplied. 

2. Opt for soft and breathable fabrics.

With two full-blown drama queens (and another in training), every day is a dress up day. Unfortunately, harsh fabrics and scratchy tags can be uncomfortable against their sensitive skin so for normal outfits I opt for soft cotton, which allows their skin to breathe. 

3. Keep bath time basic.

I've learned the hard way that using mild, fragrance-free baby washes are the best way to keep skin happy. Much to the disgust of my older children who are currently obsessed with fizzy bath bombs which might look cool but can be harsh on skin (and will stain the bathtub too). So boring baby wash it is, or just water. 

Other things to keep in mind for sensitive skin at bath time:

• Use lukewarm water in the bath or shower, hot water will dry the skin out.

• Gently pat skin dry rather than rubbing with the towel.

• Wash hair in the shower not the bath so the relatively harsher shampoo suds don’t sit on the skin.

• Make sure each family member has their own towel so any special products or skin conditions aren’t passed around.

Image: Supplied. 

4. Choose the right nappies and change them often.

When it comes to sensitive skin, nappies are about more than just keeping mess contained. Every parent has their ride-or-die brand of nappies, but in reality there are lots of solid options (pun intended). A key term to look for on the packaging: hypoallergenic lining. This means there are layers that will not only prevent leaks but also create a barrier between your baby’s delicate skin and any potential irritants.

Changing a wet or dirty nappy promptly is another secret to maintaining the wellbeing of sensitive skin because you’re avoiding the moisture build up that can lead to discomfort. Luckily, babies are pretty skilled at telling you when they’re ready for a change. 

5. Wipe and wait.

It can be tempting to rush through a nappy change or clean up session, especially once your baby has reached that wriggly, rolling stage. However it’s really important to let their skin dry after you wipe them, before applying creams or putting their nappy or clothes back on. 

Moisturisation is good, but dampness can lead to skin irritation. 

Aim for 30 seconds minimum drying time after wiping (just enough time for a round of Baby Shark) before applying a hydrating and soothing skin barrier balm like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ to support natural skin renewal and skin dryness. 

6. Space out possible allergens.

Introducing new foods to the kids has been fun. However, having sensitive skin ourselves, my husband and I have been cautious about potential food triggers. Rather than restricting, we just introduce one new food per day, observing how their skin reacts. 

Image: Supplied. 

7. Keep things in perspective, and on the camera roll.

Self-deprecating jokes and ethical debates about Photoshop aside, it’s hard to see your perfect baby with any discomfort. As parents we want to fix everything for our children and that includes their skin. But it’s important to remember that not every little imperfection warrants panic. Babies, just like us, can have bad skin days. Their new bodies are adjusting to the outside world and it's all part of their growing process.

With six years and three kid's worth of experience, I've learned the value of perspective. Rather than turning to Dr Google for every tiny skin change, I recommend keeping a visual record. Take photos of your baby's skin when you notice something new to track any changes. This not only helps you stay calm but also provides a visual reference for any medical professionals you might consult.

Speaking of professionals, trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to seek professional advice. Ask for help when you feel you need it, because after all, you're the expert on your baby.

How do you manage and care for your baby’s sensitive skin? Tell us in the comments.

Check out the new and improved formula of La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5+ for better skin moisture barrier repair in adults, kids and babies (from 3+ months of age) from day 1.

Survey conducted among the dermocosmetic market carried out by APLUSA and other partners between January 2023 and May 2023, involving dermatologists in 34 countries, representing more than 80 per cent of the worldwide GDP. 

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.