A Simple, Safe Skincare Routine
for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids

This routine is intentionally simple and gentle. It works for babies 3 months and older, toddlers, and older children. For newborns (0–3 months), see How Do I Choose the Best Baby Skin Care Products?

Cleanse

Use a gentle, fragrance‑free cleanser during bath time. Avoid over‑bathing, since frequent washing can strip natural oils. For babies and young children, cleansing 2–3 times per week is usually enough unless they get visibly dirty.

Look for:

• oil‑based cleansers with simple ingredients
• water‑based cleansers labeled “tear‑free,” “fragrance‑free,” or “for sensitive skin”
• no essential oils
• no harsh surfactants (avoid SLS/SLES)

Note on active flares: If your child is experiencing an active flare or broken skin, avoid oil cleansing. Instead, wash the area using only lukewarm water or a very gentle, soap-free, water-based baby wash. Pat dry very gently—never rub—and immediately follow with a safe moisturizer or ointment.

Moisturize

After bathing, apply a thin layer of a simple, fragrance‑free plant oil or cream to lock in moisture and support the skin barrier. Oils protect against dryness, cold, heat, and wind without requiring preservatives. Good options include:

• light plant oils (jojoba, meadowfoam, squalane)
• simple, fragrance‑free creams
• ointment‑style products for dry patches or irritation (best for broken skin)
• MCT oil for fungal-prone patches like cradle cap

Avoid:

• Harsh chemicals like drying alcohol, sulfates, and phthalates
• Essential oils (young skin is highly sensitive and prone to developing allergies)
• Heavy creams with long ingredient lists
• Products with synthetic fragrance
• Powders (they can be inhaled)
• Anything that stings, tingles, or has a strong scent

Diaper Care

• Change diapers promptly.
• Use a thin layer of a simple ointment or oil to protect the skin.
• Avoid powders, fragrances, and essential oils entirely on the diaper area.

Sun Protection

For babies under 6 months:

• Avoid sunscreen.
• Keep babies shaded, covered, or indoors during peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM).

For children 6 months and older, use a mineral sunscreen with:

• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad‑spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)
• Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients

Avoid chemical sunscreens for young children.

Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

When to Moisturize More Often

Increase moisturizing if your child has:

• dry patches
• eczema‑prone skin
• irritation from weather changes
• frequent handwashing

For eczema‑prone skin, keep routines simple and fragrance‑free, and follow your pediatrician’s guidance.

Want to DIY your child’s skincare?

If you want to make your own products, the book Simple DIY Skincare: The Complete Guide to Easy, Natural Recipes for Beginners teaches you how to create gentle, age‑appropriate formulas. But you can follow this routine using products you already have, as long as they are fragrance‑free and designed for sensitive skin.