First Baby Care – What You Really Need
3 min reading time
Discover what your baby's skin really needs. Learn how gentle cleansing, hydration, and natural ingredients ensure a soft, healthy start.
Your baby's first skincare routine – what's really necessary?
A newborn's skin is soft, pure, and incredibly delicate. In the first few months, it's still developing its natural protective layer and needs time to adjust to the world outside the womb.
Yet, the sheer number of baby products often leaves parents stumped by the sheer number of essentials. The experts at Diana Beauty & PRO HAAR explain how to care for your baby's skin safely, gently, and effectively—without overdoing it.
Baby skin: thin, sensitive and developing
Baby skin is up to five times thinner than an adult's. It contains less sebum and fewer natural lipids, which means it loses moisture more quickly and is more sensitive to temperature, friction, and irritants.
The acid mantle (pH) has not yet fully developed, which makes the skin extra vulnerable to dehydration, perfume or aggressive cleansers.
The golden rule: less is better – gentle cleansing, mild hydration and protection are enough.
What a baby's skin really needs
✔ Gentle cleansing – use a fragrance-free, pH-neutral baby wash or cleansing oil. One to two baths per week are sufficient.
✔ Gentle moisturization – after bathing, apply a thin layer of baby cream or lotion to slightly damp skin.
✔ Protection – in cold or windy conditions, apply a barrier cream (with zinc or natural oils) to your cheeks and lips.
✔ Airy clothing – cotton or bamboo prevents irritation and allows the skin to breathe.
Pro tip: Don't use scented wipes or talcum powder – they can disrupt the skin barrier.
The bath ritual – rest, warmth and touch
The daily bath doesn't have to be a cleaning, but a moment of connection.
Use lukewarm water (37°C) and a small amount of mild baby wash or oil. Pat the skin dry gently, do not rub.
Applying baby oil to damp skin helps maintain the natural oil layer. Finish the ritual with a gentle massage – this not only promotes circulation but also strengthens the bond between parent and child.
Common mistakes in baby care
❌ Washing too often – removes natural oils.
❌ Using adult products – too high pH and too much perfume.
❌ Apply thick creams daily – skin must be able to breathe.
❌ Confusing dry skin with eczema – observe first, don't treat too quickly.
How to recognize healthy baby skin
✔ Soft and supple, without flaking.
✔ Light pink tint and natural shine.
✔ No persistent redness or dry patches.
Some flaking in the first few weeks is normal – this is the transition from fetal fat layer to the skin's own protection.
Natural ingredients that are safe
🌿 Calendula (marigold) – soothes and repairs minor irritations.
🌿 Sweet almond oil – nourishes and strengthens the barrier.
🌿 Coconut oil – natural protection against dryness.
🌿 Shea butter – softens and deeply hydrates.
🌿 Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) – supports recovery from red spots or diaper rash.
Choose products with a clear ingredients list —the shorter the better. Avoid SLS, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
Conclusion – simplicity is the best care
A baby's skin doesn't need a complicated routine, just love, softness and protection .
With a mild cleansing, sufficient hydration and natural ingredients, you give the skin everything it needs to grow healthy and strong.
