Can newborns use baby powder?

Every summer, babies are highly prone to heat rash. During infancy, they do not yet know how to scratch. As they enter the toddler stage, heat rash often appears, and they frequently scratch it with their hands. Because heat rash is intensely itchy, babies constantly rub and scratch the affected areas—sometimes even causing bleeding. Watching this can make adults feel uncomfortable as well. So, can newborns use baby powder?

Can newborns use baby powder?

Yes, newborns may use baby powder. It has the traditional therapeutic effects of dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, cooling the skin, and relieving itching, and is commonly used to treat miliaria (heat rash), prickly heat, damp sores, pain, and pruritus. Baby powder does not irritate infants’ delicate skin and is therefore considered safe for use. However, it must not be used if the baby is allergic to it. Additionally, if the baby’s skin is broken or has open wounds or ulcers, baby powder should be avoided, as it may exacerbate ulcer symptoms. Furthermore, if no significant improvement is observed after three days of use, discontinue application. Lastly, infants should only use baby powder under the guidance of a physician.

Baby powder contains multiple herbal active ingredients that help alleviate skin discomfort caused by factors such as pepper irritation or insect bites, gently relieve itching, and both prevent and treat heat rash. Menthol—a mild, soothing ingredient in baby powder—provides a refreshing, smooth, and soft sensation on babies’ skin during hot summer months. Compared with talcum powder, baby powder contains a higher proportion of natural ingredients and is thus relatively more suitable for babies’ sensitive skin. Natural cornstarch—an exceptionally fine plant-based powder found in baby powder—effectively reduces friction between the baby’s skin and external surfaces. It also absorbs excess moisture from the skin, delivering gentle, non-irritating performance during use.

We recommend keeping your baby’s skin consistently dry to avoid potential harm associated with traditional talcum powder. We hope this information proves helpful to you.