Baby care comes in all shapes and sizes. As a new parent, you often don't know what you really need. Do you use bath foam or shampoo for a newborn baby? And when and how often should you apply body lotion? A baby develops quickly and care needs change with each phase. Below we explain which products you need and when.
The first 24 hours
Your baby is born with a natural protective layer: the vernix caseosa. This layer develops during the twentieth week of pregnancy, is full of proteins and nutrients and keeps baby's skin nourished and protected against infections. You want to leave this layer be for as long as possible, but at least the first 24 hours. So in the beginning you don't need anything at all. Still, it's wise to bring some mild care products in your hospital bag in case you need to stay longer than planned. Our mini set contains all Naïf bestsellers in small sizes. Add a pack of baby wipes and a nice shower foam and face wash for yourself and you're all set!
Between 0-4 weeks
In the first weeks your baby will need very few care products. Babies don't sweat and usually don't get very dirty either. They also often have little or no hair, so shampoo is usually not needed. Bathing your baby 2 to 3 times a week is more than enough in this phase. But which products do you use then?
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Water can dry out the skin, which you want to avoid with sensitive baby skin. You can add a few drops of mild bath oil to the baby bath. The oil makes the hard water softer and nourishes the skin directly during bathing.
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Prefer to shower with your baby? Use a mild wash gel. For extra sensitive skin, opt for a fragrance-free version. A large drop of wash gel on a washcloth is usually enough to clean your baby well.
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After bathing or showering, you can apply a mild oil to your baby. If you have a bit more time and want to make a nice moment out of it with your little one, you can also use this to give your baby a massage.
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To keep your baby's bottom, but also hands and face clean throughout the day, you'll need plenty of wipes. Our plastic-free wipes are made from wood fibers and contain 0% alcohol and fragrance. And they come in two varieties: water-based or with a mild lotion for extra hydration. Not sure which you need? Read here more about the difference between the two types of wipes.
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Not dangerous, but very painful: diaper rash. That's why it's recommended to change your baby's diaper regularly and to preventively apply a zinc cream to your baby's bottom. Read here more about the tips and tricks from dermatologist Elodie Mendels.
From 0 to 1 year
You're getting to know your baby and their needs better and better. That's why it becomes easier to determine which products your little one needs after the first few weeks. You can add a number of products where needed:
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Hair care and styling: some kids are born with a full head of hair, for others it takes a while before the first hairs appear. With little hair, a bit of bath oil over the head during bathing may be enough for the first period. But as the locks get thicker, you can switch to a mild shampoo. If the hair is really longer and hard to comb through, you can also use a hair lotion.
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Body lotions, creams, and balms: you can start applying from birth, but after a few weeks you'll probably better know what your baby's skin really needs. A body lotion can always be used, and a rich cream is suitable for when the skin is a bit drier. The difference? A lotion contains more water, a cream more oil. Does your baby now suffer from really dry patches and rough skin or cracks? Then you can also choose for an extra nourishing baby balm.
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Bath and shower fun: the first few months your baby doesn't really need bubbles in the bath, but after 3-6 months you might want to add a bit more fun to bath or shower time. And what's better than a nice full bath foam?
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Sun protection: in the first year you should keep babies out of the sun as much as possible. But since that's not always possible, it's wise to apply sunscreen preventively on sunny days. Choose a high protection and a formula suitable for sensitive baby skin, such as our mineral sunscreen with SPF 50.
Don't feel like collecting everything but want to have all the essentials at home? With our baby starter bundle you're well set for the first period.
Parents' favorites
1. Shampoo: "A wonderful shampoo for all our kids! No mess, smells great, and even with lots of hair you don't need much and it lathers beautifully!"
2. Wash gel: "Very positive, my daughter is allergic to many products. So nice that this wash gel is gentle on the skin and smells great!"
3. Bath foam: "My little one always got a rash but this is so nice for his skin. Soft skin after a bath and it smells great too"
4. Baby cream: "Since I've been applying this generously every day, my kids hardly have any dry patches! Very happy with it. And I want to smell them all day, so nice."
5. Body lotion: "We've been using this for our daughter for a year now. She has very dry skin. These products really help and smell delicious!"
