Baby Skin Care Products

As you set up the baby's nursery -- or the corner bedroom at grandparents' house -- assemble these newborn skin care products:

•  Baby soaps, washes/cleansers, and shampoos: Cleansers and washes are mild and safe for newborns. But use baby soaps sparingly, as they can dry newborn skin.
•  Baby lotion: Helps moisturize newborn skin. Use sparingly on tiny newborns.
•  Petroleum jelly: Can be used to treat diaper rash. It provides baby's skin with a protective barrier against moist diapers. You may be asked to apply it to the healing circumcision site.
•  Diaper rash ointment: Provides baby's skin with a barrier to moisture -- protecting newborn skin so wet diapers don't irritate.
•  Baby oil: This classic is best used as massage oil for newborn skin, not as a moisturizer. Newborn skin does not absorb it well.
•  Baby powder: If using baby powder, try to find powders that are talc free and take care to keep it away from baby's face and genitalia. The talc or cornstarch in the powder can cause breathing problems. Use sparingly.