How Often Should You Moisturize Your Baby?

Babies are born with a perfect moisturizer called vernix, but when it wears off, your baby’s skin is on its own. Baby skin is thinner, more permeable, and loses moisture faster than adult skin — which is why dryness, flaking, and even mild irritation are so common in newborns.

So how often should you moisturize your baby? The answer depends on their skin type, your environment, and how you care for their skin day to day. Here’s what pediatric dermatologists recommend about when to start using lotion, how often to apply it, and what to look for in a truly baby-safe moisturizer.

When to Start Using Moisturizer on Baby

If you’re wondering when to start using lotion on your baby, experts agree that you can begin anytime you notice dry or flaky patches. 

Newborns often experience peeling in the first few weeks, which usually resolves on its own. But if the skin looks uncomfortable or tight, a fragrance-free moisturizer can help.

According to pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth Cilenti, it’s perfectly safe to use lotion on newborns as needed—just choose one made for sensitive skin, free of dyes and fragrances.
And yes, you can put lotion on your newborn’s face, provided you use a gentle formula designed for babies.

Should You Moisturize Daily?

Whether you should moisturize your baby every day depends on how their skin looks and feels. If it’s soft, smooth, and healthy, a few times a week or only after baths may be enough. If you live in a dry climate or your baby’s skin tends to flake or redden, daily moisturizing is best.

If your baby has eczema or another skin condition, your pediatrician may advise moisturizing even more frequently.

When Extra Moisturizing Might Be Needed

You may want to moisturize more often if:

• Your baby’s skin feels rough, flaky, or tight.
  
• You bathe your baby daily (which can strip natural oils).
  
• You live in a cold or low-humidity climate.
  
• Your baby has eczema or very sensitive skin.
  

What Happens If You Don’t Moisturize Your Baby?

If you skip moisturizer when your baby’s skin needs it, you might notice:

• Dryness or flaking
  
• Tiny cracks or irritation
  
• Increased sensitivity to soaps, wipes, or fabrics
  
• A higher risk of diaper rash or eczema flare-ups
  

Baby skin is still developing its barrier function, so hydration helps keep it resilient and comfortable.

The Importance of Moisturizer Ingredients

When you apply a moisturizer, the goal is not for it to just to sit on the skin, but to help support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. Here are two types of formulas to consider:

• Oil-based formulas / occlusives: These trap moisture in by forming a thin barrier on the skin, reducing water loss (evaporation).
• Water-based lotions / lighter creams: These may hydrate the top layer of skin but may not lock in moisture as effectively, especially for dry or compromised skin.
  

Thicker creams or ointments with higher oil content are often more effective for babies with very dry skin or eczema than thin lotions.

When choosing a baby moisturizer, experts recommend gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas that support the skin barrier. Avoid heavy fragrance, dyes, alcohol, and botanicals that may trigger irritation.

Don’t Forget the Diaper Area

Many parents hear that the diaper area should be kept “clean and dry” and assume that means using powder — but baby powders are generally not recommended, since even talc-free versions can pose lung health risks for babies.

Instead, think of the diaper area as one of the most important places to moisturize and protect. Every diaper change exposes your baby’s skin to moisture, friction, and bacteria. Using a safe, oil-based formula helps maintain that “clean and dry” balance naturally — keeping the skin hydrated while forming a breathable barrier against irritation.

NOLEO® 3-in-1 Diaper Care is designed for exactly that purpose. It’s an all-over lotion, gentle cleanser, and protective diaper cream in one, made to nourish and shield delicate skin without disrupting its natural microbiome.

Small choices — like what you use at every diaper change — make a big difference for your baby’s skin.