Question

My newborn is 2 weeks old. How long do I need to wait to begin using things such as baby oil, lotion, and wipes on her?

Answer

There is no magical time when the use of such products becomes necessary or indicated, but if you want to use them, let common sense guide you. Most babies in the first month of life do not need much in terms of skin moisturizers, but you may want to use them for other reasons, such as infant massage, which has demonstrated health benefits for babies. When using either oils or lotions, be sure to warm them first in your hands, apply them sparingly, and avoid areas close to the mouth, eyes, or (if it is still present) the umbilical stump.

Diaper wipes are generally fine, but your baby will be best off if you choose unscented wipes without alcohol and use them particularly after stooling. Some newborns are very sensitive to the enzymes in stools, and may be prone to skin breakdown around the anus and genitals. For these babies, change the diaper as soon as you sense a stool has been deposited.