Babies get through a surprising number of products in a day. A bath, a few nappy changes, a bit of oil before bed, sun cream if it's warm out. Your own skin shifts during pregnancy too, sometimes faster than it ever has. Neither of you needs a cupboard full of stuff, though. You just need formulas that are gentle and genuinely well made. Here's how we'd go about natural baby and pregnancy skincare, using the INCIA range we stock and ship from the UK.
What actually makes a product safe for babies and pregnancy?
Newborn skin is thin and reactive, and it soaks up more than adult skin does. In pregnancy, hormones tend to leave skin drier and itchier than usual. The answer is the same either way: fewer ingredients, nothing harsh, and formulas that have been tested on sensitive skin. A few things worth looking for on the label:
- Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic. Screened to keep the risk of a reaction low.
- No SLS, parabens or synthetic fragrance. These are usually the culprits behind irritation in young skin.
- Ecocert-certified ingredients. An independent check that the label matches what's really in the bottle.
- Vegan and cruelty-free. No animal ingredients, no animal testing.
Everything below clears that bar. It all lives in our natural mum and baby care collection.
A gentle bath routine, minus the shelf of products
You really only need two or three things here. The INCIA Natural Baby & Kids Shampoo skips sulphates and parabens, so it cleans without stripping hair or stinging little eyes. A few drops of Baby Oil after the bath lock in moisture and make massage easy, which is a lovely way to settle a baby before sleep. And for hands that somehow get washed a hundred times a day, the Foaming Hand Soap for Kids turns it into something they'll actually do.
Preventing and soothing nappy rash
Almost every baby gets it at some point, and most of the time you can head it off. Change often, clean gently, dry properly, and keep a breathable barrier on between changes. When it does flare up, a natural balm calms things without synthetic preservatives or mineral oils. We walk through the full routine, including when it's worth a word with your GP or health visitor, in our guide to preventing nappy rash naturally.
What the SOS Stick is for
The INCIA SOS Stick is the one that lives in the changing bag and somehow ends up in your handbag too. Dry patches, rough knees, wind-chapped cheeks, all the small everyday stuff. It's cold-pressed plant oils and natural waxes, gentle enough for a baby but genuinely handy for the whole family. There's more on how and when to reach for it in our SOS Stick guide.
Sun protection for babies and children
Under six months, keep babies out of direct sun altogether. For older babies and children, go for a mineral (physical) sunscreen. It sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rather than being absorbed, which makes it the kinder choice. The INCIA Natural Sunscreen for Baby and Child SPF50 gives broad-spectrum cover in a formula built for delicate skin. Reapply every couple of hours and after they've been in water, and don't lean on it alone. A hat and some shade in the middle of the day do a lot of the work. If you want the detail on mineral versus chemical, we get into that in our sun protection guide.
Making hair time less of a battle
Tangles turn brushing into a fight nobody enjoys. The Easy Combing Spray is a no-rinse detangler for fine children's hair. Spray it on wet or dry, comb through, done. It leans on plant-based conditioners instead of silicones, so it softens and cuts down breakage without leaving hair heavy. And while you're there, the Kids Lip Balm (orange or strawberry) sorts out chapped winter lips.
And your own skin, while you're expecting
As your bump grows, skin stretches quickly and can feel tight and itchy, usually across the tummy, hips and chest. Keeping it well moisturised from early on helps it cope. The Stretch Mark Gel Cream is made to nourish and improve elasticity where stretch marks tend to show, with plant oils and nothing synthetic. Work it in morning and night. And the sensible caveat: if you have a skin condition or you're unsure about anything, check with your midwife, GP or pharmacist first.
Don't forget the laundry
It's easy to overlook, but the fabric on your baby all day, the babygros and muslins and bedding, carries whatever you wash it in. Biological detergents and heavy fragrance are a common hidden irritant. The Baby Laundry Liquid Soap cleans properly but stays gentle, so the clothes against your baby's skin aren't quietly working against you.
Why families stick with INCIA
Gentle doesn't have to mean it works less well. Across the range you get Ecocert-certified ingredients, dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic formulas, and no SLS, parabens or synthetic fragrance, all vegan and cruelty-free. We're the official UK distributor, so stock sits here and orders ship from the UK. No long waits, no customs surprises.