You walk into a baby care shop and feel overwhelmed. There are hundreds of products on the shelves. Lotions, soaps, shampoos, creams. Which ones does your baby actually need?
Here's what makes it tricky: not all baby products work for every baby. A newborn needs different things than a six-month-old. A baby with dry skin needs different products than one with sensitive skin. `
At Beauty Box Jo, parents ask us these questions every single day. They want to know what's safe. What actually works. What they can skip.
This guide breaks it down by age and skin type. You'll know exactly what to buy and what to avoid.
Why Baby Skin Needs Special Care
Baby skin is not like adult skin. It's way thinner. About 30% thinner, actually. This means it loses moisture faster. It also absorbs things more easily, both good and bad.
Newborn skin is even more delicate. It's still adjusting to life outside the womb. The protective coating they're born with washes away in the first few days. After that, their skin needs help staying moisturised and protected.
Your baby's skin type matters too. Some babies have dry patches. Others get rashes easily. Some seem fine with everything. You need to figure out what your specific baby needs.
Let's start with the basics every new parent should know.
Baby Essentials for Newborns (0-3 Months)
Newborns don't need much. Their skin is brand new and super sensitive. Less is more during these first few months.
What you actually need:
Gentle cleanser: Forget regular soap. Get a mild, fragrance-free baby wash. You don't even need to use it every day. Water works fine for most baths.
Soft washcloths: Skip the scratchy towels. Get super soft washcloths made for babies. Pat dry, don't rub.
Diaper cream: Every baby needs this. Look for zinc oxide cream. It creates a barrier against wetness. Apply it at every diaper change to prevent rashes.
Moisturising lotion: Newborn skin gets dry fast. Find a hypoallergenic lotion without fragrance. Apply after bath time while skin is still slightly damp.
Baby oil: This helps with cradle cap and dry patches. A little bit goes a long way. Warm it in your hands first.
That's it for the first three months. You don't need fancy products. Gentle and straightforward wins every time.
When you visit a baby shop in Amman, stick to this basic list. Don't let salespeople talk you into buying tons of stuff you won't use.
Products for Babies 3-6 Months Old
Your baby is getting bigger. Their skin is slightly less sensitive now, but you still need to be careful.
What to add to your routine:
Thicker moisturiser: Some babies develop dry patches now. If regular lotion isn't enough, upgrade to a thicker cream. Look for ones with shea butter or cocoa butter.
Sunscreen: If you're going outside during the day, babies over three months can wear sunscreen. Get one made specifically for babies. It should be mineral-based, not chemical.
Tear-free shampoo: Your baby might have more hair now. You can start using a gentle shampoo once or twice a week. Make sure it says tear-free on the bottle.
Laundry detergent for sensitive skin: This isn't technically a baby care product, but it matters. Your baby's clothes touch their skin all day. Use detergent made for sensitive skin with no dyes or fragrances.
Keep using the same cleanser and diaper cream from before. If they're working, don't switch.
Items for Babies 6-12 Months
Babies this age are moving around more. They're touching everything. They're drooling from teething. They get messier.
What you might need now:
Teething gel: Natural teething gels can soothe sore gums. Look for ones without benzocaine. That ingredient isn't safe for babies.
Thicker diaper cream: Some babies get worse diaper rash when they start eating solid foods. Their poop changes. You might need a stronger barrier cream.
Baby toothbrush and toothpaste: Once teeth appear, start brushing. Get a soft rubber toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste made for babies.
Petroleum jelly: Great for protecting skin from drool rash. Put it around their mouth and chin before bed.
Gentle hair detangler: If your baby has longer hair that tangles, get a spray detangler. Only use it when needed.
You're still using most of the same products from before. You're just adding a few things as your baby grows.
Products for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Toddlers are different. They're walking, playing outside, getting into everything. Their skin is tougher but still needs gentle care.
What changes now:
Regular shampoo and body wash: You can use combined products now. Look for ones that clean without drying. Still skip harsh ingredients.
Lip balm: Toddlers get chapped lips, especially in winter. Get a natural lip balm without flavour. Flavoured ones make kids lick their lips more.
Hand cream: Their hands get dry from washing so much. Keep a gentle hand cream by the sink.
After-sun lotion: For days when they've been outside a lot. Aloe-based lotions soothe sun-exposed skin.
Bubble bath: If your toddler wants bubbles, get a gentle bubble bath made for kids. A regular bubble bath can irritate sensitive areas.
You can relax a little with product choices now. But still read labels. Avoid anything with harsh chemicals or strong fragrances.
Choosing Products for Different Skin Types
Every baby's skin is different. Here's how to pick products based on what you're dealing with.
Dry Skin
Your baby's skin looks flaky. It feels rough in spots. They might have patches on their cheeks or legs.
What to use:
- Cream-based cleansers instead of soap
- Thick moisturising cream, not light lotion
- Ointments for dehydrated patches
- Humidifier in their room
- Shorter, lukewarm baths
What to avoid:
- Bubble bath
- Products with alcohol
- Long hot baths
- Over-washing
Apply moisturiser multiple times a day. Right after bath time is crucial. Don't wait until their skin is completely dry.
Sensitive Skin
Your baby gets red easily. They react to new products. They might get little bumps or rashes.
What to use:
- Fragrance-free everything
- Hypoallergenic products
- Mineral-based sunscreen
- Gentle, natural ingredients
- Products labelled for sensitive skin
What to avoid:
- Fragrances and dyes
- Essential oils
- Products with long ingredient lists
- Anything that stings or tingles
Test new products in a small area first. Wait 24 hours. If there's no reaction, it's probably safe to use.
Normal Skin
Your baby's skin looks good most of the time. No major issues. Lucky you.
What to use:
- Any gentle baby products
- Regular baby wash and shampoo
- Standard moisturising lotion
- Basic diaper cream
What to avoid:
- Adult products
- Anything with harsh chemicals
- Products with strong scents
Even with normal skin, keep things simple. You don't need special treatments or fancy products.
Eczema-Prone Skin
Your baby has rough, red patches that come and go. They might scratch at them. This is eczema.
What to use:
- Fragrance-free, dye-free everything
- Thick eczema cream prescribed by your doctor
- Very gentle cleansers
- Cotton clothes
- Lots of moisturiser
What to avoid:
- Fragrances
- Wool clothing
- Hot baths
- Letting skin get too dry
Put moisturiser on multiple times daily. After baths, within three minutes while the skin is damp. This traps water in the skin.
Talk to your paediatrician. They might prescribe a special cream for flare-ups.
Ingredients to Look For
Good baby products have simple, gentle ingredients. Here's what to look for when you're shopping at a baby care shop:
Safe ingredients:
- Glycerin (moisturises)
- Shea butter (softens)
- Coconut oil (natural and gentle)
- Oatmeal (soothes irritation)
- Zinc oxide (protects)
- Aloe vera (calms skin)
- Vitamin E (heals)
These ingredients are natural and work well with baby skin. They're gentle but effective.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some ingredients are too harsh for babies. When you shop at a baby shop in Amman or anywhere else, skip products with these:
Harmful ingredients:
- Parabens (preservatives linked to health issues)
- Phthalates (can disrupt hormones)
- Formaldehyde (too harsh)
- Synthetic fragrances (cause reactions)
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (strips skin)
- Triclosan (unnecessary antibacterial)
- Alcohol (dries out skin)
Read the back of every product. If you can't pronounce half the ingredients, put them back.
Shopping Tips for Baby Care Products
Walking into any baby care shop can feel overwhelming. Here's how to make wise choices.
Before you shop:
- Make a list of what you actually need
- Research brands that other parents trust
- Check reviews online
- Set a budget
- Know your baby's skin type
At the store:
- Read every label
- Look for fragrance-free options
- Check expiration dates
- Buy small sizes first to test
- Ask staff for recommendations
What to skip:
- Gift sets with products you won't use
- Anything with a pungent smell
- Products with long ingredient lists
- Items marketed as "natural" without proof
Don't buy everything at once. Start with baby essentials for newborns. Add more as your baby grows, and you figure out what they need.
Creating a Simple Daily Routine
You don't need an elaborate routine. Keep it simple based on your baby's age.
Morning routine:
- Wipe face with a warm washcloth
- Change the diaper and apply cream
- Apply moisturiser if the skin is dry
Evening routine:
- Bath time (every 2-3 days for newborns, daily for older babies)
- Pat dry gently
- Apply moisturiser while the skin is damp
- Diaper cream before bed
- Massage with baby oil if desired
Throughout the day:
- Change diapers frequently
- Wipe hands and face after meals
- Reapply moisturiser to dry patches
- Clean drool to prevent rash
That's all you need. Consistency matters more than having tons of products.
When to See a Doctor
Most skin issues are typical. But sometimes you need professional help.
Call your paediatrician if:
- Rash spreads quickly
- Skin looks infected (pus, red streaks, warm to the touch)
- Your baby seems uncomfortable or in pain
- Over-the-counter products don't help
- You see blisters or peeling
- Rash comes with fever
Don't mess around with severe skin problems. Get expert advice.
Storing Baby Products Safely
How you store products matters too.
Storage tips:
- Keep products in a cool, dry place
- Close lids tightly after each use
- Don't store in direct sunlight
- Check expiration dates regularly
- Throw away anything that changes colour or smell
- Keep out of the baby's reach
Most baby products last 12-18 months after opening. Write the date you opened it on the bottle.
Questions Parents Always Ask
What baby essentials for newborns do I really need from a baby care shop?
The true baby essentials for newborns are simple: a gentle cleanser, soft washcloths, diaper cream with zinc oxide, fragrance-free moisturiser, and baby oil. That's your complete list from any baby care shop. You can add more later as needed.
Where can I find quality products at a baby shop in Amman?
Beauty Box Jo in Amman carries trusted baby care products for all ages and skin types. Any good baby shop in Amman should offer fragrance-free options, gentle cleansers, and products specifically labelled for sensitive skin. Always read labels before buying.
How do I know which products to buy at a baby care shop for sensitive skin?
At any baby care shop, look for products marked hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Check that the ingredient list is short. Test one product at a time on a small skin area. Avoid anything with parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances.
What are the most important baby essentials for newborns in the first month?
The most critical baby essentials for newborns include zinc oxide diaper cream, gentle fragrance-free wash, soft cotton washcloths, and hypoallergenic moisturiser. These four items handle all basic newborn skincare needs. Buy them before your baby arrives.
What You Need to Remember
Choosing baby care products doesn't have to be complicated. Start with the basics. Pay attention to your baby's skin. Adjust as needed.
Visit a trusted baby care shop like Beauty Box Jo. Get the baby essentials for newborns first. Add products slowly as your baby grows.
Read every label. Avoid harsh ingredients. Choose fragrance-free options when possible. Less is more with baby skin.
Your baby's skin will change as they grow. What works today might not work in three months. That's normal. Stay flexible.
The right products make a real difference. They keep your baby comfortable. They prevent problems before they start. They make your life easier.
