Written by Kate Tietje
Sometimes, newborn babies can have dry skin.
It helps if they don’t wipe all the vernix off (rub it into their skin!) and don’t get a bath immediately. That vernix is also anti-microbial and has immune system benefits! (It’s also swallowed as part of the amniotic fluid during pregnancy, and it helps to colonize the newborn’s gut before birth — it’s pretty amazing stuff.) So, if at all possible, don’t bathe that baby! Keep the vernix on and rub it right in. I definitely noticed that my babies who kept their vernix had less dry skin than my babies who got a bath right away.
Still, dry skin happens sometimes. Maybe the baby didn’t get to keep their vernix for some reason. Maybe it’s winter, and the air is dry. Maybe the baby was post-dates and born with rather dry skin anyway. Who knows! But for whatever reason, you need some baby lotion.
The lotions currently on the market aren’t always so healthy for babies. They can contain a lot of scary chemicals. I once slathered a lavender-scented baby lotion on my oldest and immediately watched her skin turn bright red! Never again.
A safer option is needed.
It is entirely possible to use pure oil, like olive, avocado, sweet almond, etc. Many people opt to do this. I just thought it would be fun to combine a couple of different ingredients to develop a real “lotion.” And, of course, this lotion is safe and beneficial for all ages, too.
Nourishing Baby Lotion
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp. apricot oil
- 1 tbsp. beeswax
- 3 tbsp. cocoa butter
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1 tbsp. dried lavender
Directions:
Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine lavender and water.
Step 2: Turn to high heat and allow it to boil for 2 – 3 minutes. It will form a dark “tea.” Strain it into a blender.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, melt the cocoa butter and beeswax.
Step 4: Add the apricot oil. (You could choose olive, sweet almond, jojoba, or any other liquid oil.)
Step 5: Pour this into the blender, too.
Step 6: Blend it on low-medium speed until it emulsifies.
Step 7: Pour it into a jar. Allow it to cool completely. It will thicken as it cools. It’s a pretty creamy/thick lotion in general, though.
That’s it! Lotion is so easy to make.
actually, newborn skin isn’t dry either, though it often looks that way. that’s yet another protective mechanism for babies in utero. sort of like a 2nd skin that sloughs off over time, like moulting. it’s technically not dry and doesn’t need lubrication. unless it looks a bit raw in the baby’s skin creases, nothing needs to be placed on a newborns highly absorbent skin.
I can’t wait to make this – not that I have a sweet little baby to massage it onto, but I absolute love apricot oil for soap making and am exciting to try your method for making homemade lotion with it. And CONGRATS on the healthy delivery of your precious new baby – Nathan! I know I don’t pop over to comment often, but I absolutely LOVE your blog and appreciate all the inspiration you provide to us! I pray all is well with you and your precious family! Blessings, Kelly
[…] can also make your own baby lotion that’s free of harmful products. Check out this nourishing baby lotion recipe from Modern Alternative […]
Wow, I didn’t know that lotions can be done this easy, i need to try this. Well, I may not be a baby but I have a very sensitive dry skin. For some time I’ve been experimenting baby lotions to help my skin to moist, maybe now is the time I try your ingredient and make my own. Thanks a lot.
What is your tak eon using lavender on babies? There is some research that lavender causes hormonal imbalances in baby boys. I have been hesitant to use my homemade lavender lotion on my new baby boy for this reason. I have read that the reserach is inconclusive but just wanted to hear your thoughts.
I have read that IF your baby is healthy, that lavender is “balancing” and will not cause estrogenic effects if you use it normally. Overuse or use in unhealthy babies might be less wise. I use it during illnesses or on occasion, but not daily, personally.
Just wanted to say thanks for another wonderful post!! 🙂
[…] Nourishing Baby Lotion by Modern Alternative Mama […]
Could I use Shea butter rather than coca butter? What about a different EO rather than making a lavendar tea? Any thoughts?
Hi Sarah,
Sure, shea butter should work fine. And yes, you could use EOs instead of the “tea.” Just use a tiny amount for new baby skin, no more than 1%.
I put virgin coconut oil in mine and I didn’t melt it down first…. I think this has made it a bit grainy. Can I re- melt it once it’s been mixed? Or do you have any other ideas? I used the last of my ingredients and it’s for a gift. Thanks!
Hi Tanya,
Yes, you can remelt and mix it up again.
This sounds lovely!!
If I leave out the beeswax, could I put the lotion in a pump container? I may try it for myself, but I wondered if you knew already.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Amanda,
You need the beeswax to make the lotion emulsify. I think it might go into a pump container as-is though.
Can you use your everyday blender for this or do you need a separate blende? Just wondering if it will clean and you can then use blender for food items. Thanks
Hi Lauren,
You can use your regular blender — I do. Just run very hot water and soap into it right after you finish making the lotion to make it easier to clean. You can use an immersion blender instead if you have one, they are easier to clean.
Did you have any issues with mold or the lotion separating? I’ve always been under the impression that anything containing water NEEDS an emulsifier and without some sort of preservative you’ve got a shelf life of days, tops.
No, I haven’t had it separate. Beeswax works fine, especially when the lotion contains shea butter. A stronger emulsifier would be needed for mostly or entirely liquid oils.
This will mold after a few months, but not only a few days.
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