Newborn skincare guide: these are the only natural baby skin products you need

Why your newborn’s skin needs extra care

Did you know that your newborn’s delicate skin is up to 30% thinner than an adult’s? That means it needs a little extra protection from dryness, irritation and environmental stressors - which is why choosing natural and organic skincare is so important. It can be tough knowing where to start, and no doubt you’ll be getting conflicting advice about how and when to bathe your baby, let alone which products to use.

With our range of Certified Natural Kit & Kin baby skincare, you can care for your little one’s skin using gentle, plant-based ingredients - and every product is hypoallergenic and approved by dermatologists. We’re proud to say that our collection of baby skin products is Certified Natural and completely free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, so every change, bath and baby massage will be kind to your little one, and more conscious of our planet too.

Essential newborn skincare products

Here are our must-haves in your bathroom cabinet for a gentle natural skin care routine for babies.

Baby oil

Baby oil not only hydrates and soothes dry skin after bathing, but it’s also a great tool for bonding with your newborn through massage. Our Kit & Kin baby oil blends sunflower and jojoba oils to soak quickly into your baby’s skin, while leaving it soft and nourished.

Baby shampoo and body wash

Newborn scalps can be prone to flakiness and cradle cap. Kit & Kin baby shampoo and body wash gently cleanses without stripping natural oils. Free from sulphates and parabens, it’s a safe choice for sensitive skin, and is one of the best baby shampoos for everyday use.

Baby lotion

Hydration is key to keeping their delicate skin barrier healthy. Our organic baby lotion is light, non-greasy, and perfect for locking in daily moisture.

Magic salve

Protect against irritation and nappy rash with Kit & Kin magic salve. With natural, calming extracts, it’s a true skincare staple to use with every change - and even helps to soothe irritations like eczema, chapped skin and dry spots.

When and how to use baby skincare

When to give baby their first bath

It’s usually best to wait until after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off (around 1-2 weeks) before giving your newborn their first full bath. Until then, sponge baths with just water are the safest option to keep them clean and comfortable. Once they’re ready for bath time, always use lukewarm water (around 37-38 degrees celsius), and limit bathing to a few times per week to avoid drying out their skin.

When can you start putting lotion on a baby?

You can begin using baby lotion from birth, provided you choose a gentle, natural formula made specifically for newborn skin. Their skin loses moisture more quickly than adults’, which is why a lightweight lotion can help protect against dryness and flakiness. Our Kit & Kin organic lotion is dermatologist approved, making it safe to use from day one.

When to start using shampoo on a baby

Babies don’t need shampoo every day. In the first weeks, a gentle infant shampoo can be introduced 1–2 times a week, especially if you notice a build-up of dry skin or cradle cap on their scalp. Choose a sulphate-free option, like our Kit & Kin body wash and shampoo, which cleanses without stripping natural oils and helps care for sensitive skin.

Your simple newborn skincare routine

Creating a gentle routine helps keep your baby’s skin clean, hydrated and comfortable. Using Kit & Kin’s natural and organic baby skin products, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Bubble bath – First up, add a small amount of our Kit & Kin gentle bubble bath to warm water for a soothing, tear-free soak. It’s made with natural foaming agents that won’t dry out delicate skin.
Shampoo & body wash – Use our sulphate-free baby shampoo and body wash to cleanse your little one’s hair and body. Our tear-free formula will be kind on their eyes and scalp, whilst washing away dirt.
Body lotion – After bath time, gently massage in our organic baby lotion to lock in moisture and protect their skin barrier.
Baby oil – For extra hydration or bonding time, use our newborn baby oil to soothe dry patches and relax your baby before bedtime.
Magic salve – Keep our multitasking magic salve on hand for any dry spots, rough patches or areas that need extra care. It’s packed with nourishing natural ingredients that comfort and protect.

With this routine, your newborn’s skin will stay nourished, soft and protected.

Explore our natural newborn skincare range

Ready to stock up on your baby’s skincare essentials? Shop the whole range here.

TL;DR : Here’s your super-simple newborn skincare routine

Put a couple of drops of baby bubble bath in lukewarm water
Gently wash hair and body with a natural baby shampoo
When dry, hydrate their skin with baby body lotion
For an extra boost use a gentle baby oil
Use a little magic salve to prevent nappy rash or soothe dry skin patches

FAQs

When can I start using baby products on my newborn?
You can begin using products right from birth, but it’s important to choose products that are specifically designed for newborns. Their skin barrier is still developing, so harsh ingredients can easily irritate or disrupt it. Go for natural and organic skin care products, like Kit & Kin’s, that are hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.

What order does skincare go in for babies?
Just like adults, babies benefit from a simple routine that follows a gentle order. Start with cleansing during bath time (using a mild baby shampoo or wash), then move on to moisturising with a lotion or newborn massage oil. Finally, protect their most delicate area with a soothing barrier cream. This three-step process helps to keep their skin clean, hydrated and protected.

How do I choose safe baby skincare?
When shopping for baby skin products, always check labels carefully. Avoid artificial fragrances, parabens, sulphates and dyes, which are common irritants. Instead, look for organic skincare made with plant-based ingredients and certified natural standards. Products that are paediatrician approved and dermatologically tested, like Kit & Kin’s, give extra reassurance that they’re safe for daily use.

Do I need to use nappy cream every time?
Not necessarily, but applying a thin layer of nappy cream at every change is one of the best ways to prevent nappy rash. Moisture, friction and bacteria can quickly irritate your baby’s skin, so regular use of a protective barrier cream helps keep it calm and comfortable. Kit & Kin’s non-toxic magic salve uses natural extracts to soothe and protect without any harsh chemicals - making it the perfect replacement for Metanium nappy cream.

Can I use baby wipes on my baby’s face?
Absolutely, as long as you choose gentle, hypoallergenic baby wipes. Kit & Kin’s plant-based baby wipes are made from 99% water and are approved by Allergy UK - as well as being gentle, biodegradable and free from alcohol and harsh chemicals. They’re safe to use not just on bottoms, but also on little hands and faces, making them perfect for quick clean-ups at home or while out and about.

Do newborns really need skincare?
Yes. Even though babies are born with naturally soft skin, their skin barrier is much thinner and more vulnerable than an adult’s. This means it loses moisture more quickly and is more prone to irritation. A simple, consistent routine using natural organic skin care products helps strengthen and protect their skin, keeping it soft and healthy from the very beginning.