Dry, Peeling Skin in Newborns and Older Infants

If you spot some flaky or peeling patches on your newborn's skin in their first days or weeks, this is generally normal. A baby’s skin is delicate and thinner than an adult’s, so it’s quite normal for your little one’s skin to feel dry and sometimes peel. Read on to discover more about dry or peeling skin in infants and check out top tips to help keep your little one's skin soft and protected.

Why Newborns and Older Babies Have Peeling Skin

A newborn’s skin is very delicate and thin, especially after birth, and you may notice their skin peeling and wonder if that is normal. Peeling or dry skin is completely normal at this stage as your baby’s skin gets used to the transition from the uterus to the outside world.

Basically, in your newborn’s first few days and weeks, the top layers of skin shed as it begins to develop its own natural barrier. In the uterus, your baby has been surrounded by a white sticky substance called vernix, so peeling is normal as your baby’s skin adjusts and may last up to a month. Peeling and dry skin is even more common for babies who were born past their due date because the vernix has already been absorbed before birth.

If your baby has a skin condition like eczema, you may also notice more frequent dryness, flaking or peeling.

12 Ways to Manage Your Baby’s Dry, Peeling Skin

Here are several ways you can protect your baby’s delicate skin and help prevent dryness and peeling:

1. Leave the vernix on. To help prevent your newborn baby’s skin from peeling and drying out, leave that sticky substance called vernix on as it helps keep the skin moist. The white substance acts as a natural moisturiser and even protects against infection.

2. Wait a while before your newborn baby’s first bath. You don’t need to bathe your newborn in the first few days. However, instead of bathing your little one, you may choose ‘topping and tailing’ your baby, which means just cleaning their face and bottom.

3. Cut down on the number of baths. Newborns don’t get that dirty, so they don’t need to be bathed that often. Three baths per week during your baby’s first year is probably enough.

4. Reduce the length of bath time. It’s better to give your baby short baths of about 10 minutes, rather than long soaks that can dry the skin.

5. Avoid hot water during bath time. Water that’s too hot can aggravate your baby’s already sensitive skin and lead to dryness and itching, by stripping the skin of its natural oils. Instead, keep the water warm and comfortable for your baby. Check the temperature of the water before placing your baby in the bath by placing your elbow or inner wrist in the water.

6. Avoid harsh soaps and products. Most soaps and bubble baths contain harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate and dry out your baby’s delicate skin. So, it’s best to use plain water for the first month or choose mild products that are non-perfumed or designed for babies.

7. Dry your baby’s skin carefully. Be careful not to rub your baby’s skin when towelling them off. Instead, pat your little one dry gently. Rubbing can irritate your baby’s delicate and peeling skin. It can also strip the skin of naturally occurring protective oils.

8. Avoid moisturisers. For the first few weeks, it’s best to avoid creams and lotions on your newborn baby’s dry or peeling skin. Products may cause skin reactions or eczema, so it’s best to avoid products until your baby’s skin has developed its own natural protective barrier. After this, you may wish to introduce an emollient based cream. Ask your health advisor for advice.

9. Use a non-bio laundry detergent. Laundry detergents that are labelled ‘non-biological’ don’t contain fragrances, dyes, or perfumes. Wash your baby’s clothes, towels, and bedding in non-bio, and ensure they are rinsed thoroughly.

10. Use soft, natural fabrics. Dress your baby in natural cotton clothing as, unlike with synthetics, cotton is breathable and won’t trap sweat, which can lead to irritation and even heat rash. Cotton is also soft and won’t rub against your baby’s delicate skin.

11. Change your baby’s nappy more frequently. Frequent changing of your baby’s nappy can prevent irritation and nappy rash. If your baby is in a wet or soiled nappy for too long, the exposure to urine can irritate their skin.

12. Staying safe in the sun. It’s very important to keep babies under 6 months old away from direct sunlight, as their skin is very delicate and therefore can get sunburnt very quickly. Whenever you’re outside with your baby, choose a shaded area such as a spot under a tree or an umbrella and use a parasol on your pushchair. Dress your baby in lightweight cotton, closely woven or UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing that covers their arms and legs. To check if your clothing is closely woven, hold it up to the light to see how much light passes through. The tighter the weave, the more sun protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat is also important, especially if it offers UPF to protect from the sun’s UV radiation. For babies under 6 months, it’s OK to use a little bit of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Look for a sunscreen that is specifically designed for babies and children, as these will be less irritating on the skin.

Check out our article on Baby Skin Care for more tips to help make sure your little one’s delicate skin stays healthy and protected.

When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Advisor

If your baby’s skin is still dry, sore or red after the first few weeks – even after you’ve tried all the advice above – consult your health advisor or GP for extra support.

Sometimes dry, flaky skin may be the result of an allergic reaction or a skin rash that may need a prescription medication to treat.

If the red, flaky skin is on your baby’s bottom or anywhere in the nappy area, it may be nappy rash. Nappy rash can often be treated at home by doing things like more frequent nappy changes, exposing the skin to air more often and by using a barrier cream. However, if the nappy rash looks severe or doesn’t go away, it’s worth contacting your baby’s health advisor for personalised advice on what to try next.

The Bottom Line

Seeing peeling skin on your newborn is completely normal and may continue for about two weeks as that top layer of skin slowly sheds and your baby’s skin develops its own natural barrier. Your baby is transitioning from the protection of the uterus into the outside world.

After this initial period, however, your baby’s delicate and sensitive skin is still prone to drying out and peeling. To help prevent this, there are many things you can do, like shortening the length of bath time, using a moisturiser, avoiding synthetic fabrics, using non-bio laundry detergent designed for babies and protecting your baby from the sun.

If your baby’s skin still appears to be dry or flaky, contact your health visitor or doctor. It may be a sign of a rash or an allergic reaction that could require treatment.

A little skin dryness aside, your baby’s skin is still wonderful, so keep giving your baby’s little cheeks lots of kisses, blow raspberries on their tummy and keep enjoying lots of skin-to-skin contact.