How to keep your baby’s skin soft and hydrated all summer long

 

Summer might feel like a break from the dry, flaky skin of winter, but your baby’s skin might tell a different story. Long days outside, pool time, sunscreen, and even sweat can zap moisture, leaving skin dry, red, or irritated when you least expect it.

If your little one’s cheeks are suddenly rough or heat rash is creeping up, don’t stress. A few simple tweaks to your routine can help keep baby skin calm, hydrated, and glowy all season long.

 

Why Does Baby Skin Get Dry in Summer?

There are many potential irritants that our little ones are exposed to in the summer: 

• Sunscreen residue (especially zinc-based mineral SPF) can cling to skin and cause dryness or irritation if not rinsed off gently

• Chlorine and saltwater strip away natural oils that protect your baby’s delicate skin barrier

• Heat and sweat lead to moisture loss through evaporation and can clog pores, causing heat rash

• Frequent baths and harsh soaps can disrupt the skin barrier, making it harder to hold on to moisture

Once you understand what’s behind those dry spots on your baby’s skin, you can treat them before they become a problem.

Moisturize Morning and Night … Even When Their Skin Looks Fine

Think of baby lotion like a water bottle for your baby’s skin: it needs regular sips to stay hydrated. Apply a gentle, nourishing baby lotion like Bubbsi’s Whipped Coconut Oil Body Cream every morning and night to strengthen the moisture barrier. It’s rich in cold-pressed organic coconut oil and shea butter, but never sticky, making it ideal for hot, humid days.

Don’t wait for flakes or redness. Moisturize daily, especially after stroller naps, outdoor play, or pool time, to help prevent dry skin before it starts.

Give Skin a Barrier Boost Before You SPF

Here’s a summer skincare trick many parents swear by: Apply a thin layer of balm, like Bubbsi’s Coconut Oil Balm, before putting on sunscreen.

This simple step does more than you’d think:

• Locks in hydration so skin stays soft underneath all that SPF

• Creates a breathable buffer that helps prevent irritation from ingredients like zinc oxide

• Reduces redness and sunscreen-related dryness

• Keeps sand and grass from sticking, which makes cleanup way less itchy

Think of it as your baby’s first line of defense: especially for cheeks, shoulders, and behind the knees, where sunscreen tends to cling and irritate. For babies prone to heat rash or redness after SPF, it can make all the difference. A thin layer of balm helps calm sensitive spots before irritation starts, like a comfy little shield that keeps summer fun from turning into a skin freakout.

After Pool or Sun? Add an Extra Layer of Moisture

Even short swims or stroller walks can leave your baby’s skin feeling tight or red by the end of the day. That’s why post-sun care is just as important as prepping before you go out.

After rinsing off the day:

1. Gently pat your baby’s skin dry (no rubbing, just soft pressure with a towel to protect the skin barrier)

2. Apply a hydrating baby lotion like Bubbsi’s Whipped Coconut Oil Body Cream while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture and soothe irritation

3. Seal in hydration with a balm like Bubbsi’s Coconut Oil Balm, especially on cheeks, knees, shoulders, or the diaper line

This simple combo helps prevent heat rash, dry skin, and irritation caused by sun, wind, and chlorine. It’s especially helpful after multiple swims or long days outdoors when your little one’s skin may be more reactive. And because Bubbsi’s formulas are free of synthetic fragrance, parabens, and sulfates, they’re gentle enough for everyday use, no second guessing required.

Don’t Over Wash… Even If They’re Covered in Sunscreen

It’s tempting to scrub your baby down after every outdoor adventure, but too much washing can make dryness worse. Over-cleansing strips natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can lead to more irritation.

Instead, keep it gentle:

• Skip foamy or harsh soaps that dry out sensitive skin

• Use a creamy, gentle cleanser like Bubbsi’s Coconut Oil Shampoo + Wash to rinse away sunscreen and grime without stripping moisture

• On some days, opt for Bubbsi’s Coconut Oil Balm, which doubles as an oil cleanser, for a super gentle cleanse.  It even removes sunscreen! 

• When a full bath isn’t necessary, try a warm rinse and apply moisturizer right after to keep skin balanced

The goal isn’t squeaky-clean: it’s skin that’s soft, soothed, and still protected.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Soft

Summer skincare doesn’t have to be a project. A few small shifts, like moisturizing more often, cleansing more gently, and protecting the skin barrier, can go a long way toward keeping your baby’s skin healthy and happy.

Bubbsi’s coconut oil–powered formulas make it simple. Our lotion, balm, and wash are gentle enough for the most sensitive skin, effective enough for summer’s challenges, and come in refillable bottles that’ll make your bathroom shelf just a little cuter.