7 easy ways you can look after your baby's sensitive skin

Preparing for a new arrival? These tips will help you feel more confident about the first wash of your baby's clothes, creating routines and the early weeks ahead.

A joyful baby with bright eyes and a wide smile is held by a woman, who kisses the baby's cheek

Published: June 22, 2026 at 11:08 AM

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Whether you're in full nesting mode or just starting to get organised, you've probably spent plenty of time thinking about what you can do to help keep your baby safe, comfortable and happy once they’re here. And one thing you may quickly discover is just how delicate newborn skin can be.

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Because a baby's skin is still developing after birth, it's naturally more sensitive than adult skin. That's why many expectant parents find themselves researching everything from how to wash clothes to choosing a safe and gentle detergent.

The good news? Caring for your baby's skin doesn't need to be complicated. Here are some simple ways you can help look after it from the very beginning, plus some practical tips for adjusting to life with your newborn.

1. Wash your baby’s clothes before they’re born

Baby clothes hang on a drying rack, with blue and pink pants clipped using colourful pegs

As part of your nesting preparation, it's recommended that you wash all new baby clothes before they're worn. New fabrics can carry irritating residues, so washing them before they come into contact with your little one’s skin is a simple step many parents take before birth.

If you're wondering how to wash baby clothes for the first time, this quick guide from Fairy Non Bio, the leading detergent for sensitive and delicate skin, can help:

What to doWhy it mattersWash new baby clothes before first wearHelps remove potential impurities before they come into contact with delicate skinFollow the care instructions on the labelHelps ensure fabrics are cared for correctlyChoose a detergent that’s safe next to sensitive skinMany parents find it reassuring to use non-bio formulas designed for sensitive skin during the newborn stagePrepare a simple laundry routine before baby arrivesCan help you feel more prepared ahead of your baby's arrivalDon’t worry about doing everything perfectlyParenthood is a learning curve for everyone

2. Choose a gentle detergent

Box of Fairy Non Bio detergent, marked for sensitive skin, rests on soft, folded white and light blue towels against a bright turquoise background

If you're wondering what to wash baby clothes with, many parents choose a non-bio detergent or one designed for delicate skin. While both biological detergents and non-bio formulas clean effectively, many families prefer non-bio options during the newborn stage because they're formulated with sensitive skin in mind.

Fairy Non Bio PODS® are dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, and designed for those with sensitive skin. As a result, they carry the Skin Health Alliance seal, providing added reassurance when choosing a laundry detergent for your baby.

3. Keep your laundry routine simple

A mother and daughter hang clothes on an indoor drying rack, smiling and engaged

Laundry can quickly become a part of everyday life when you’re a parent. Once you’ve chosen a detergent you trust, try to stick to a consistent approach with your washing; it will mean one less decision to make when you're adjusting to life with a newborn.

Using Fairy Non Bio PODS® can also make your life easier, as they’re pre-dosed. This helps to take the guesswork out of doing the laundry & whether you have used the right amount of detergent, making it another thing you won’t need to think about.

4. Don't feel you need to buy everything

Preparing for a baby can sometimes feel overwhelming. Many families find that buying less and investing in a few trusted items that work well – like Fairy Non Bio, as it’s kind to sensitive skin and leaves clothes feeling snuggly soft – is best during those early months.

5. Remember that skincare starts with everyday choices

Bottle of Fairy fabric softener and box of detergent on folded white towels. A wicker basket and grey cabinet also feature

When it comes to looking after your baby’s skin, naturally you’ll put lots of thought into the body lotion and bath wash you use, but that’s just the start. Also consider the types of fabrics your baby wears, as they’ll be in direct contact with their skin, along with the products you use to wash them.

6. Make practical changes around your home

Preparing for a newborn isn’t just about what you need to buy – it’s also about small adjustments that will make your life a little easier. For instance, organising the items you’ll use most often and keeping essentials within easy reach, can help you feel more confident and prepared.

7. Trust your instincts

A joyful mother lifts her smiling baby in an apartment with large windows

Like so much of parenting, caring for your baby isn't about getting everything exactly right. You'll quickly learn what works for your little one and your family, and that's far more important than perfection!

FAQs

Why do parents choose non-bio detergent for baby clothes?
Many parents choose non-bio detergents because they're formulated with sensitive skin in mind. While both bio and non-bio detergents clean effectively, some families prefer non-bio options during the newborn stage for extra reassurance.

Do I need to wash baby clothes before birth?
Yes. Dermatologists recommend washing all new baby clothes before they're worn to help remove any irritating residues.

What is a safe detergent for newborns?
Many parents look for detergents that are dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin, such as Fairy Non Bio PODS®, which are dermatologically tested and carry the Skin Health Alliance seal. As the UK's number one laundry brand for sensitive skin*, Fairy Non Bio offers families extra reassurance during the newborn stage.

When should I start thinking about preparing my home for our new arrival?
Every pregnancy is different, but many parents notice nesting instincts becoming stronger during the third trimester.

How can I keep my laundry routine simple?
Find a detergent you trust, then stick to a consistent approach with your washing, as it will mean making one less decision. Using pre-dosed Fairy Non Bio PODS® can also make your life easier, as they help take all the guesswork out of putting on a wash.

For gentle softness and effective cleaning from the very first wash, discover Fairy Non Bio PODS® in your local supermarket.

Find out more

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*Recurrent survey. Reviews may have received free product or vouchers. Verification at ukcontact.im@pg.com.

Authors

Steve Newell

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