Hypo Allergenic Baby Lotion

Updated on July 29, 2009
J.Y. asks from Helena, MT
51 answers

I have a 1 1/2 week old little boy who has very very dry skin. I tried using johnson's baby lotion on him, but he broke out by the next day. Any suggestions for a baby lotion and baby wash that won't make him break out?? Thanks!!

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K.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi J. congratulations the new arrival I know this is late but here goes my little girl is 21 months old and has exema really bad so I took her to a dermatologist he said to use cetaphil cleanser and lotion my grandson was only a week old at the time and he said they were safe for him. The lotion helped him out tremendously and you can buy it at walmart. Good luck

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K.T.

answers from Boise on

It's way too early to put any kind of lotion on his skin. He's only 1 1/2 weeks old, it is normal for him to have dry skin.

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J.L.

answers from Provo on

Usually at 1 1/2 weeks they are just shedding skin, and they will appear dry and/or waxy for a little bit. They usually don't need anything. I have used baby oil and lotion though, and neither has had any negative side effects. I just like to use it because they like to be rubbed down a lot of the time. Baby massages. But really all babies will look like that after they are born. I remember when my first was born, not being able to wait to put lotion on her, and then my doctor told me it was normal and would go away. My almost 4 week old boy still has it a little bit around the eyes, everywhere else is clear now though.

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L.C.

answers from Denver on

Hi J.,
California Baby are great products and safe. I trust this site and found I was using unsafe products on my son. I alway reference this site for the safety of products we put on our skin. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?maincat=skinc...
L.

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T.W.

answers from Denver on

My oldest son was exactly the same way and still has very dry skin and still gets rashes and such. So you may be up for a long time of sensitive skin. The best thing for us is a skin ointment called Boudreaux's Baby Butt Smooth Dry Skin Ointment. Boudreaux actually has the BEST stuff for diaper rash also called Butt Paste. Good luck with your first - enjoy the ride. = )

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A.B.

answers from Provo on

Melaleuca has a baby line that I love! it is all PH balanced like Johnson and Johnson but it just works so well and there aren't any fillers or chemicals that my kids react to. It has been such a Godsend. The best part is that if you don't like it it is 100% returnable and refundalbe so It doesn't cost you anything to try it.
Good luck.

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A.M.

answers from Denver on

I haven't read all of the responses, but just discovered the Hugo Naturals Baby line. They can be found at Whole Foods. Wonderful natural products, but a bit pricey. My daughter has dry skin as well and I found Weleda's Skin Food lotion last year. It's not part of their baby line, but it's a thick, absorbent cream, and is the only product I've found that moisturizes her skin. I love it for my skin too! Stay away from Johnson's and Johnson's-their ingredients are awful for little ones - I wouldn't even want to use it on my own body! Lastly, I wouldn't bathe him more than once or twice a week at this age. Colorado weather is already dry enough. Good luck and congratulations!

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A.I.

answers from Missoula on

Hi! my baby was similar at that age. I tried a lot of different types and found that Aveno Baby worked the best! It didn't make my baby break out at all. She is 6 months now and I still use it! Hope it helps!

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S.S.

answers from Denver on

Cetaphil for skin and Vanicream (we buy it at our doctor's office but you can find it online) for the body. Both of my kids have super sensitive skin and this combination works great. Our allergist got us hooked and the difference in my kids' skin is amazing. Both are safe for newborns. Also, to sooth his rash, you could try putting Aveeno Oatmeal Bath in his tub (once he is ready for a tub bath) -- it too is a miracle product as far as I am concerned. They make a baby version and a regular version... I think the regular adult version works better than the baby version and since it is 100% colloidal oatmeal there is no reason you can't use it on a little one. Good luck!!

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P.F.

answers from Boise on

I have recommended Arbonne's baby wash, oil & lotion to many moms & adults with skin issues as well & have had amazing results! Even moms able to get their kids off Elidell & other steroids & Rx's!!!

Email me if you want more info.
Typical baby roducts ( like the one yup mentioned) actually have some of the highest levels of preservatives & artificial fragrance on the market! Who knew?
Blessing!
P.

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A.P.

answers from Denver on

My nephew has bad exima and most stuff makes him itch and hurt my mom got some coppertone baby stuff for super sensative skin that seemed to work well on him. Befor that he had to wear long sleeves and brimmed hats to keep out of the sun.

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J.P.

answers from Denver on

Hi J.--
The skins absorbs anything you put on it directly in to the body, so little one's are especially sensitive. Most baby lotions have chemicals, preservatives, and fragrance in them, all which can upset their little skin. My son got a rash from everything when he was first born so my midwife suggested coconut oil---it has the essential fatty acids in it that the skin uses to repair itself. It's also anti-fungal and anti-viral, so it's great for diaper rash. You can also use a little olive oil. Earth mama Angel Baby makes a baby oil that has no nut oils or allergenic oils and no fragrance that was great in the bath for both my boys. You can get it online at www.earthmamaangelbaby.com, or vitamin cottage and whole foods carry it. Also, let him nurse has much as he wants to soothe his skin from the inside out. If you are breast feeding you can also take some omega 3 fatty acids and that will help his skin. As for baby wash, Dr. Bronner's makes a baby mild soap that is great--I know you can get it at vitamin cottage, whole foods, and I think even King Soopers carries it in the natural section. Both my boys have allergies, but this one didn't cause problems for either one of them. I also like the angel baby wash, but it has some essential oil in it which might be a little bothersome to your little one right now.
One other note....a lot of people have suggested aquaphor. I would have to strongly disagree. Aquaphor has vaseline in it---mineral oil. Mineral oil clogs pores. It works to get rid of rashes because the baby's skin cannot "breathe". However, the skin can not cleanse itself properly either and that can cause internal problems because toxins cannot be dumped. If your little one is sensitive I would say avoid anything with mineral oil.
Congratulations on your new baby!!
J.

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S.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Congrats on your new little man!
I think Paula's Choice products are the very best out there. they are very no-frills, no fragrance, evidence-based formulations that are designed for people with very sensitive skin. I used to be a Clinique or Mary Kay girl, and now that I've tried Paula's Choice I won't ever look for anything else, for myself or for my children. We fight dry skin in the winter and I think the moisture treatment cream is the best feeling and most effective moisturizer I've ever used. You can look at the products at www.paulaschoice.com. Best wishes!
P.S. Keep breastfeeding-- it will keep your baby's skin looking its glowing best with all the perfect, natural fats and proteins!

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P.M.

answers from Great Falls on

First, have you spoken to your pediatrician?

Second, I use ReNew Lotion on my children, both who have sensitive skin and eczema. I also have excessively dry skin because I'm continuously washing my hands in a lab I work at. The lotion is perfect for baby's skin. It holds in the moisture and helps in allowing the skin to repare. Drop me a line if you'd like to know more, or get a free sample.

I hope you find the solution that works for you!

Tricia

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C.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I second the cetaphil recommendation. Love it for every member of our family and we use it from face to toes. don't forget to kiss his delicate soft skin before and after applying . . . i think that helps!! :-)

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K.D.

answers from Colorado Springs on

CeraVe is the only way to go. Its a lot like Cetaphil but less greasy. you can find it at walgreens and they have wash and cream. Can't say enough good about it. my son is now 2 and it has done wonders for his skin.

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M.M.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I use Mustella products on my son. Very pricey but works well. Another suggestion is Calendula-based products (can get at Target)or simply Aquaphor baby. Most importantly, no soap in the tub!

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L.A.

answers from Denver on

Vanicream....can be bought OTC at Walgreens. It is THE best....no fragrances, dyes, perfumes or anything that will harm his skin. Really - this is the one to start and end with :)

R.C.

answers from Denver on

Definately don't use Johnson. Use one with NO Mineral Oil, Artificial fragrances or colors. Arbonne International has a natural baby line. My youngest had severe skin conditions and Arbonne was the only thing that worked on her skin.

Best of luck.

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K.S.

answers from Fort Collins on

HiJen-
Congratulations on your new baby boy! It seems like yesterday I was holding my newborn in my arms, but he is turning 3 tomorrow!My son also has very sensitive skin..your newborn will go through kind of a peeling first, very normal for newborns...I would try not to bathe him everyday, and use a lotion like Aveeno, or unscented lotions, i know, johnsons' smells sooooooo good and makes them smell good, but their skin is very sensitive at their young age.if aveeno or eucerin don't work, i would try to find somethingat your local health food store. Good luck, and enjoy that baby, they grow very fast! K.

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S.T.

answers from Denver on

Melaleuca's Renew lotion really helps with dry skin and they took out all the parabens. Email me an email address I can send attachments to and I'll send you a toxic 12 list of things to avoid in your personal care products. Look at your laundry detergent as well. Can help you order anything Melaleuca as well. More info on environmental toxins at livinghealthiernow.com.
Good luck!
S.

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D.C.

answers from Denver on

J., I highly recommend Arbonne's baby products. Their baby lotion and other products are botanically based, no animal products, no mineral oil (puts a barrier on the skin) -- it is pure, safe, and beneficial. I am happy to get you a sample to try - just contact me through my website, www.feelpure.myarbonne.com, and Contact Us. All Arbonne's products have a 45-day money back guarantee, too. D.

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D.G.

answers from Boise on

Hey J., I had the same problem with my now one year old baby boy. He was allergic to any baby lotion... Huggies, johnsons, you name it but especially on his face. I tried Aquaphor which is also the same that I use for diaper rashes. It works and it leaves their skin really smooth. U may not want to use too much sine it's an oinment but you can give it a try. hope that works. Good luck!

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S.S.

answers from Denver on

I have use Arbonne baby products and Aveeno baby products with much success. Hope you find something. Good luck!

Make it a GREAT weekend!

S.

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J.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I second the Cetaphil advise. You can use the cleanser with or without water, and the cream or lotion are very mild and great for sensitive skin. It's pretty normal for them to have dry skin around this time too. I remember both of my sons having super flaky skin, and having some baby acne/rash for the first few weeks. Pretty normal. The Cetaphil cream worked wonders for them. I love it for me too!

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L.C.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Hi J.,

I and three of my boys have extremely dry skin as well. We actually have a skin condition called ichthyosis. We have found Keri lotion to work the best for us! Its thick enough, drys off the hands quickly and lasts longer than the others out there.

I hope that helps!

A little about me:

I'm a sahm with 5 children, 1 girl and 4 boys. My loving husband travels for work. I love to have girlsnights out, take my kids on fieldtrips, read great books, and laugh!

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H.W.

answers from Provo on

Do a search for "baby eczema" here on Mamasource and you'll find lots of people with the same problem and LOT of conflicting advice.

My family has been big fans of Cetaphil for many years because it's so insanely gentle. My sis used it when she went through her acne years. And when the pediatrician recommended it for my baby we tried it on him and it worked wonders. It comes in a cleanser (although that sounds a lot harsher than it is) and a lotion and it really is amazing.

Also, bathe your baby only 1 or 2 times a week, lotion immediately after (I've heard Aveeno baby is awesome too but haven't tried that one), and lotion up to 3 times a day.

Good luck!

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A.H.

answers from Denver on

My son just turned 3 years old and he also has very very very dry skin that often peels. I originally took him to a dermatologist and he prescribed an ointment to mix 50/50 with Aquapahor. He told me to coat this on my son after bathtime when he is wet. This mixture worked pretty good, however, due to the fact that we are afro american it lightened his skin color in some areas,especially on his face and so I stopped. I took him to his regular doctor and he told me to use Eucerin Plus intensive repair lotion twice a day very liberally. So far so good. The Eucerin seems to be more gentle then the Aquaphor and the doctor specifically told me NOT to use Johnson and Johnson which would make the skin worse. For bath time I was told only to use soap in the groin area, underarms, and feet. Eucerin also has a calming bath treatment that I believe is non-soap and I am going to try using that in his bath. Just remember soap drys their skin even more, so a non-soap is better. I just thought to myself to state that I am not sure what a doctor would tell you based on your nationality so you may want to go ahead and consult one, however, are doctor is Caucasian and his name is Dr. Adam Palazarri at Broomfield Pediatrics and he seemed to think Eucerin was great for kids with very dry skin and he did not preference a certain skin color. He did however state that some prescribed creams and ointments lighten skin color on kids that have a darker tone. Thought I would throw that in just in case. Hope this helps.

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C.M.

answers from Denver on

omg, 1 1/2 weeks - don't use anything!!! his top layer of skin is "sloughing off", not dry. use a little olive oil or other pure oil on the really flaky places (ankles, wrists, etc) and just wait. he will have beautiful skin very soon. also, you can apply breast milk or put some in his bath water. this also very good for his skin and can help to heal the belly button area. good luck!

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L.D.

answers from Dallas on

I remember our pediatrician recommending no lotion for the first few months. Our kiddo of course turned out to be a dry skin/eczema baby, so we started using CeraVe (now Cetaphil 'cause it's cheaper) after every bath. I used California Baby unscented baby wash. (Don't know if it still does, but I read that Johnsons uses BPA as part of it's fragarance - the stuff we're all trying to avoid in plastic bottles!) Enjoy your new baby!

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S.D.

answers from Fort Collins on

Hi J.,
I agree with Jodi- most of the other commercial stuff ladies are recommending have petroleum products in them- something I try to avoid on myself, much more so on my baby.
We only bathe her twice a week (even at four months she doesn't get very dirty) and use Bert's Bees shampoo/ body wash and apricot kernel oil, they also have a baby lotion that's got natural ingredients; I have only used it once and it worked well. They molt at about 1-2 weeks because they've been emersed in liquid for months, mine just had skin flakes on her face and her cuticles.
They advise not to put anything on babies under a month, so I would try to not wash him as much, as this drys him out more, and use a natually dervied oil if you must.

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J.F.

answers from Denver on

Cetaphil is the best and can be found everywhere....
We have used it since our daughter was about 2 weeks old- all her skin issues cleared right up.
She is now 13 months and still gets it put on her every night after her bath!
I will say to start off our doc said to use the Cetaphil cream vs the lotion because it was thicker, but once her skin issues evened out we went to the lotion which was a bit cheaper and it still worked.
Good luck...

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Z.L.

answers from Denver on

For his dry skin try olive oil.

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L.K.

answers from Fort Collins on

I would recommend Jasons or possibly Kiss My Face. They are both all natural brands that you can buy at whole food type stores.
I have two boys 5 and 4 months and just recently read Gorgeously Green and started looking at ingredients in products about two weeks ago. The Johnson & Johnson products actually had the most harmful ingredients out of everything we had at the house so we got rid of it immediately.

I hope the other two brands help. I have also heard of Aquapor from a friend whose baby had very dry skin.

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A.C.

answers from Denver on

I've actually heard that Johnson and Johnson's has formaldehyde (spelling?) in it - yuck. My daughter has eczema, and we use Vanicream which you can get a Walgreens. It's really thick and is free of all dyes and chemicals. Also, go to Vitamin Cottage - they have several lines of stuff made for babies:)

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C.P.

answers from Denver on

I have used the Aveeno Baby products since my 3rd child( who is now 19 months old) was two weeks old for the same problem. He also had eczema and it has totally cleared up. My 6 year old son also uses it because of dry skin.

Good luck!

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A.N.

answers from Denver on

My son supposed to have eczima, so when we talked to doctor, they said don't use Johnson's since they tempted to have fragnance which makes skin dry or irritate. They told me to use Dove but I use Dr. Bronner's magic soap since it is all natural. It washes well but it might irritate the baby's eye if it gets into. For lotion, we use Aquaphor sometimes and some natural lotion from Arbone, which I don't know it is working. If you go to Whole foods and other natural food store, there are quit bit of natural lotion, which are good. I don't know if this helps but good luck!

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D.A.

answers from Denver on

Hi,
You can try Organic Coconut Oil. It's great for skin, it's organic, and NO chemicals unlike other products. It will melt at room temp, so just rub a little in your hands. A little goes a long way!

Safe, natural and completely safe for your little one.

Congrats!!

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S.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My baby, who is now 3 months, had very dry skin. His doctor reomended cetiphil. There is a cleanser, which can be used without water to clean between baths, and a cream that we use and it cleared up his skin fast. We also try to give him an actual bath just twice a week because babies don't need it every day. Hopefully this helps.

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M.A.

answers from Boise on

Hi J.,

Congrats on your brand new little man! :)

We've used Weleda products with success -- they're made in Germany and typically found in health food stores, or you can find them online at a place like www.iherb.com. (Highly recommend iherb - they give great discounts. Use code ERI804 for $5 off your first order if you do use them.) Anyway, they have a very nice, light calendula lotion. Aubrey Organics also has a good baby/children's shampoo that is very natural, though not a no-tears formula. As a lot of the ladies mentioned, most of the mainline products like J&J use a lot of chemicals like parabens, etc. that aren't the greatest for any of us, esp. young babies. Thankfully alternatives aren't that difficult to find anymore. :)

Also, as a couple of the ladies have said, at that age they are sloughing off skin and it's normal (though somewhat alarming!) for peeling to happen on hands and feet esp. Our dr. advised to put nothing on peeling areas, as it would only make it worse, and the areas would correct themselves. He was right.

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J.M.

answers from Pocatello on

My little ones have gone through bouts of dry skin. To wash the dermatologist recommended cetaphil, and for lotion Aquafor or Eucerin. Your baby's skin may change as he gets older and may not be so sensitive. Sometimes when they are that little they can struggle. Good luck.

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A.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Try using grapeseed oil. you can get it from a natural food store

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L.I.

answers from Denver on

Eucerin or Aquaphor, both have less additives and no fragrance.

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J.V.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Congrats on your baby boy. I'm a new mom of a six month old girl. I had the same exact problem. The best product I found was Mustela. It was amazing. You can get it at Babies R Us. I even tried switching detergents for the break outs. It didn't work. Get Mustela!

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C.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

my little girl had very dry feet/ankles when she was born, it is totally normal, but my concern was when she was wearing the hospital bands they cut up her ankles because her skin was so dry. They told me to use Aquaphor. so that is what we use for a moisturizer and then we use a no tears hypoallergenic baby wash. (Target brand) and we haven't had any problems. She is almost 15 months now!

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C.G.

answers from Grand Junction on

Congradulations on your new baby. I have seven children, my oldest is 14 and my baby is 1. I have found every child is different but I have started to use natural olive oil on my babys. If you get the natural kind it has a very pleasant smell to it as well. It has no harsh chemicals and it is very good for babys skin.

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A.M.

answers from Denver on

My daughter had very sensitive skin and we used Vanicream. You can get it at Target or at your pharmacy (sometimes its behind the pharmacy counter for some reason). Its thick and doesn't have anything irritating in it. We also like California Baby wash for the bath. Again, there is nothing irritating in it and its completely natural. Good luck!

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

Our allergist recommends Vanicream for eczema. It's completely hypo-allergenic. We also liked Gentle Naturals Baby Eczema Cream and the wash, too, when our little ones were babies. Congratulations! Enjoy your new bundle of joy!

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

My pediatrician recommended Cetaphil lotion (in the tub) and body wash - they are awesome - I use them too. Can buy at Target, Wal-mart etc.
Good luck and congratulations on the new little man - Enjoy!

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M.H.

answers from Pocatello on

We have good luck with Aveeno products. Helps all of our skin & lacks the fragrances that make me sneeze!! LOL I also theorize about the fragrances being tough on skin......
A baby that tiny, you might want to double check w/ your ped/nurse.....
Good luck finding what works for you.

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J.L.

answers from Denver on

Try olive oil. Don't use any body wash either. My pediatrician told me with my 9 month old that just using water to wash them is good enough,all my kids had ecxma. Bath once per week too.

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