Here are the quick facts on baby care.
You’ll find plenty of safe products for baby care, but be sure to talk with a pediatrician about skin care and nutritional supplements.
Please see the bottom of this page to see the scientific research.
Skin Care
Soaps, Cleansers, Shampoos
- Choose natural, nonirritating varieties made specifically for babies, and use them sparingly to avoid drying skin.
- Opt for baby laundry detergents and dryer sheets with no perfumes or dyes, as regular detergents are too harsh for infants’ skin.
Moisturizers
- Ointments are the most moisturizing, followed by lotions.
- Baby oil works better as a massage oil than as a moisturizer.
- Diaper rash ointments create a barrier to protect skin from wet diapers.
Powders
- Look for talc-free baby powder.
- Use it sparingly and be careful not to apply it on or near the baby’s face or genitals.
Sunscreen
- Not recommended for babies less than six months old, unless shade/adequate clothing cover are not available.
- In that case, use a minimal amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher.
- Choose a mineral-based product that blocks UV light rather than a chemical product that blocks UV rays.
Vitamins
Vitamin D
- Critical for bone and teeth health in babies.
- Needed for brain development and immune system function.
- Breast milk does not provide amount babies need; formula has vitamin D, but not enough for very young babies.
- American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU daily.
- Comes in liquid form, often called baby vitamin D drops.
Other Vitamins
- Babies with some medical conditions or those born prematurely may need vitamin supplements—these are typically prescribed when the baby leaves the hospital.
- Breast-fed babies whose mothers are vegan may need vitamin B12 and D supplementation.
Probiotics
- Designed to aid the growth of healthy bacteria in babies’ guts or to restore healthy bacteria.
- Shown to be safe and well tolerated by infants and children.
- Show promise in managing allergies, treating eczema symptoms, and reducing frequency and duration of diarrhea.
- Talk to a healthcare practitioner before giving probiotics to your baby.
