My top picks for protecting sensitive skin in babies and toddlers

Most babies and young children have very sensitive skin - although Arthur is particularly sensitive to a lot of products so we have always been extra careful. We always use non-bio washing powder, having learnt early on what can happen when we don't...before Arthur was born we washed everything ready for his return home, but the one thing we just didn't think about was a last minute purchase - a cotton cover for the changing mat - which went straight on without a thought given. Here was the result:

When your child has a skin reaction to something, it can be really hard to ascertain whether this is due to a product you have used, or whether they are actually poorly - a rash on a small child is always alarming!
 Recently, we have had to contend with an extreme case of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease which led to impetigo, and then scarlet fever - all of which cause different skin rashes. Luckily, as we are very careful with the products we use on Arthur's skin, I knew his rashes were due to illness and we were able to get get him treated.

Here are a few of our recommendations for delicate and sensitive skin:

Cheeky Wipes - washable baby wipes - Once we had moved on from warm water and cotton wool during nappy changes in those early days, we switched to cheeky wipes instead and I cannot recommend them enough! The cloths are placed into a tub of water with a few drops of their essential oil blend ( a natural antibacterial with the added bonus of smelling lovely) and you simply wipe your child down with these instead of a baby wipe. They are a more natural alternative, go a lot further, and of course - go straight into the washing machine to be used again. We still use them now for after dinner mess on Arthur's face and hands. 

Weleda Organic Baby products - The mini starter kit is a great way to try these products first before buying the full size versions if you are testing them out on your child's skin, plus they fit really well into your change bag! The set contains a shampoo/body wash, face cream, calendula oil, nappy change cream and baby lotion and they are organic and suitable for vegetarians. We have now bought the full size versions of these products and still use them all on a daily basis. I have really sensitive skin myself and so do occasionally use these products on my own skin too.

Neal's Yard Mother & Baby Baby Balm  - I have recently started to use some Neal's Yard products as my sister is now a NY consultant and often lets me try the products she has before I buy them through her online store, which has the full range of all Neal's Yard products.
 This mother and baby balm is especially good for newborns and new mums as you need to be careful what you put on your own skin when you are doing 'skin to skin' with your baby or holding them against you. 

Lansinoh Cream - Arthur was born 15 days late and so had very dry skin in the first few weeks. Lansinoh is safe to put on your new baby's skin and it does not matter if this goes in their mouth ( which it will if the hands are dry and you put cream on them). It was like a little miracle in a bottle and also works great on chapped lips - so also safe for giving your little one a kiss ( and if you are anything like me that will probably be roughly a million a day!)

Sudocrem Care & Protect - Apart from the natural Weleda cream mentioned above, we have really struggled to find a good nappy cream for when it really flares up ( usually due to teething). We tried a couple of popular ones on the market which resulted in painful red blisters on Arthur's bottom and the only thing that actually helped to clear that up was Sudocrem, which has always worked a treat. With that in mind, I felt quite confident that the Sudocrem Care & Protect cream would also be okay on his skin. The difference with Sudocrem and sudocrem Care & Protect is that it is a nappy rash ointment - designed specifically for babies - that offers triple protection against nappy rash at every nappy change. It creates a protective barrier that seals in the skin's natural moisture and protects even the most delicate skin against external irritants. It helps to condition the skin with  Vitamin E and Pro Vitamin B5 helps to protect the skin and keep it soft, healthy and moisturised. The ointment also guards against infection - as well as sealing in the good stuff, Sudocrem Care & Protect acts as a barrier to protect delicate skin from the bad stuff, like the chemicals in urine and poo, and from chafing and rubbing. Because Sudocrem Care & Protect is just for your baby, it is hypoallergenic and has been dermatologically tested. It is also free from artificial colours and preservatives. So no wonder it won Product of the Year 2015 in the category of 'Best Nappy Cream.'

Diprobase emollient cream - We were actually prescribed this by the Dr when Arthur started to get some patches of eczema at 6 months old, but you can just buy this yourself off the shelf. We usually rub this into any dry patches after his bath and it really helps to keep his skin soft and comfortable, and helps to clear up any dry patches when they appear. The pump bottle is the best option as you can just slather it on easy ( one handed!) whilst changing your baby/toddler. It does make them a little slippy afterwards, so just be careful if your child is a wriggly one!

We really could not do without these products, and we are always on the hunt for others which are suitable for sensitive and delicate skin. Are there any that you would recommend?

Disclosure: We were sent the Sudocrem Care & Protect in return for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

Why not read some of my other posts:

For all the Mummies going back to work...this one's for you

Having a baby - the things they never told me about pregnancy, labour and motherhood

The diary of a 9 month old escape artist

Dealing with colic and reflux in babies

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