How Can I Help My Baby's Dry Skin?

Updated on April 07, 2010
H.H. asks from Painesville, OH
15 answers

my baby is 3 weeks old. he has really dry, flakey skin all over his body. i've been using johnson's lotion, but it doesn't seem to be helping. i have baby oil, but i read that you aren't supposed to use that. a friend recommended doing nothing, which i tried for a few days, but saw no improvement. any suggestions?

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L.G.

answers from Columbus on

When my babies were real little I used either Aveeno baby lotion or anyother baby lotion that had shea butter and/or coco butter in it. My daughter and son had really dry skin when they were little and it really helped. They also have some new lines out there in the Aveeno lotions that have shea butter in it.

I still use Aveeno on my children (ages 3 and 4) when they have dry skin and it works. Good luck.:)

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K.H.

answers from Cleveland on

My oldest son age 16 now lol and my twins age 4 months now had the same problem.I used Olive Oil on them and did a sponge bath with Cetaphil my Dr said that was ok and gave me the cetaphil you can find it at your local wal-mart or any drug store.They have the lotion and the wash.It works wonders and you will love it very much so.Using the Olive oil and the cetaphil pronounced like (set-a-fil) also the olive oil is good for the cradle cap that babies have

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M.N.

answers from Cincinnati on

When my little ones exzema (spelling?) acts up i buy pure shea butter to put on it and that helps. Other times when it's not so bad I use Aveeno and keep a humidifior on in her room. Good luck!

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K.P.

answers from Columbus on

The doctors and dermatologists I talked to oh so many years ago when my children were babies always recommended Cetaphil and Lupriderm because they aren't heavy lotions, but help moisturize. Hope this helps.

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D.

answers from Toledo on

Hi H., I have read babies aren't irritated by dry skin like we are. If you truly can't stand it, Aquaphor (an ointment)and Cetaphil (a gentle lotion) are both amazing. You can use the Aquaphor on skin, lips, anywhere. You can add a bit of lotion to make it easier to spread. I use these on my kids, if necessary. Johnson's baby lotions aren't gentle at all. Take a look at the ingredients, there are several unnecessary irritants. Fragrance is extremely irritating to our skin, especially newborn babies delicate skin. Hope this is helpful.

D.

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J.F.

answers from Cleveland on

Have you tried Aveeno Lotion? It works really well. My son has always had dry skin and when he was little I used Aveeno and it worked.
good Luck!

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H.G.

answers from Columbus on

Something else to consider-at just 3 weeks old it may be just the normal skin shedding of newborns. All newborns go through a "crusty period" right after birth. Theres no harm in keeping him lotioned up but it just may take some time for his skin to slough off before he's the shiny smooth skinned babe.

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M.G.

answers from Cleveland on

Definitely DO NOT use the Johnson's lotion or anything by Jonson's. The cheap stuff you get at Walmart, Target, etc. is so bad for their skin. It dries it out terribly. I used Burt's Bees (which Target now carries) on my daughter when she was born and she did good with that. It's all natural. Most newborn skin can't handle the "normal" lotions and soaps because of all the toxic and synthetic ingredients in it. If you want to know what is in skincare products and if it's harmful or not, check out www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

M.

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K.B.

answers from Cleveland on

My daughter had dry skin as an infant: try bathing only 2-3 days a week, also try eucerin or aquaphor(made by eucerin), it is fragrance free and it helps with dry skin.

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B.T.

answers from Cleveland on

I recently had my daughters 6 month check up and for her dry skin the doc recommended only bathing every 2nd day with just plain water and dove soap. After the bath, gently pat dry and use cetaphil all over. This is a great light cream that I now use for my whole family with the cold weather upon us. New babies are also known to have dry skin as they get used to the new environment so I would try not to worry too much just yet. Hope this helps :)

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M.H.

answers from San Diego on

hey don't stress out this is normal for new born babies.dry skin is shown right after taking his or hers first bath.my baby has dry flakey skin. what was suggested to do was using aloe lotion if you have a aloe plant even better it is nature and secure to use.

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P.Z.

answers from Cleveland on

Arbonne's ABC Baby Care is great! It even helps babies w/ eczema! If you'd like a sample, let me know, I'll send one to you! my email is ____@____.com

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V.D.

answers from Toledo on

My friend was just having the same problem 2 weeks ago. Someone told her to use baby non frangrance aveeno, and it worked. his belly, legs and arms are no longer flaky. I would give that a try! Good luck!!

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G.H.

answers from Cleveland on

The best thing that I have found is Aquaphor by Eucerin or just original Eucerin. You have to rub it in well. It also helps when they get baby acne and cradle cap.

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E.M.

answers from Youngstown on

Hey H.-

This happened with my newborn too. Sounds like you're doing ok though, trying something and when that doesn't work- move onto the next! Aveeno Baby, unscented lotion was a rec from our Pediatrician and along with a bath every night it seemed to work (A&D for those really rough patches.) The dry skin cleared up within two weeks. However- if after you try lotion after lotion and nothing has helped your little monkey - it totally might be an allergy to pets, detergent, perfume in your lotion, or even diet. Just keep trying and you'll find a solution! Just remember- it's Ohio in November! I hope this helps a little and Good luck!

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