For expectant parents, putting together a newborn layette is an important step in preparing for the arrival of your little adventurer. With such a wide variety of products, it can quickly become overwhelming: cream, moisturizing milk, oil, micellar water... Which products does your newborn really need? With the help of dermatologist Pierre Schneider, we have compiled a list of essentials: the baby care items to have at home, and those you can trust blindly.

Why does a baby's skin need special care?

Is it really just a passing trend? Could a baby easily use the same products as their parents? Think again: your baby's skin has fundamentally different needs and characteristics from yours. It is three to five times thinner than adult skin, and its protective function is not yet fully developed. Not only does the skin dry out more quickly, but residues of all kinds can also penetrate more easily. This makes your little one's skin particularly sensitive, which is why baby care products are much gentler. A scented day cream can be pleasant, but fragrances can irritate your little adventurer's skin and cause allergies. Therefore, LILLYDOO skincare products are certified organic and made from 100% natural ingredients. They contain no fragrances, artificial dyes, mineral oils, parabens, or PEG emulsifiers.

What products do you need for your baby?

This minimalist approach also applies to the number of products on the changing table. We asked this question to dermatologist Pierre Schneider . He recommends using as few products as possible immediately after birth, especially if the skin shows no signs of needing extra care: « In the mother's womb and at birth, babies' skin is covered with a whitish film called vernix. This will naturally fade away, and any remaining residue will be removed during the first bath. » However, in your hospital bag, you should always have a few essentials to be prepared for any situation. It is wise to choose products like organic sweet almond oil, which is a truly versatile care product.

What are everyday products?

To clean your little one's face, a gentle washcloth and lukewarm water are sufficient. When it comes to hydration, our dermatologist recommends adapting to your baby's skin: « In case of neonatal acne, it is better to reduce greasy products on your baby's face, but if your baby has dry skin or suffers from atopic dermatitis, it is advisable to apply a daily moisturizer. ». We prefer creams that do not contain unnecessary ingredients, which are ideal for hydrating and protecting baby's sensitive skin. In winter, opt for a face cream against wind and weather when temperatures drop below 4 degrees Celsius. It should not contain any water, so the skin is not damaged by cold temperatures.

What are the recommended care practices for bathing?

Since newborns do not sweat and do not get as dirty as older children, it is enough, as with the face, to clean your baby's body with a glove and clear water if needed. Also remember to clean the skin folds, especially the neck and behind the ears. Sebum and impurities can accumulate in these small crevices, and daily friction can cause inflammation and promote fungal infections. To prevent this, you can apply a little LILLYDOO organic sweet almond oil on a cotton pad or a soft cloth, carefully clean these areas with it, and dry them well. When the umbilical cord has fallen off and the navel is fully healed, you can also add a small bath to your care routine once or twice a week. During the first months, plain water at body temperature is sufficient. Later, to make the water gentler, you can add a little organic sweet almond oil or oat powder , for example, and use a soap-free cleansing base . After washing, wrap your baby in a soft bath towel, gently patting their skin and hair dry.

What are the recommended care instructions for diaper changes?

The skin in contact with the diaper is particularly sensitive. When you change your little one's diaper, gently but thoroughly remove any remaining stool and urine with warm water and a soft washcloth. You can also add a little organic sweet almond oil (you'll notice it's very versatile!). According to our dermatologist, "it is important to use a treatment like a vegetable oil or a cream to soften the skin and give it a gentle touch. This will nourish the hydrolipidic film and form a protective barrier around the skin, which helps prevent diaper rash." If you're out and about, you can also make things easier by using our wipes, because they combine exactly these two ingredients: lots of water and a little organic sweet almond oil to protect baby.

If your baby's buttocks are irritated, use a gentle pomade , such as a protective cream for diaper changes, to support healing and help prevent infections. To learn more about preventing and treating irritated buttocks, see our article " Diaper rash: symptoms, causes, and treatments ".

What are the essentials for taking care of a baby's skin?

• A very soft glove

• High-quality pure vegetable oil

• A skincare cream for the face and body

• If necessary, a cold protection cream

• Wipes

• A protective cream for diaper changes

• A soap-free cleansing base

• A natural liniment for diaper changes

As you can see, this list is quite minimalist. Don't be overwhelmed by the many products in the baby care aisles, because baby's skin needs very little. Once you have gathered these essentials, all that remains is to enjoy these special moments with your little explorer—at the changing table, in the bath, or out for a walk.