What Does That Mean? Decode Your Labels

It's important to take care of your baby's sensitive skin; but with so many labels and ingredients, it can be hard to know what's best. For bath time, look for cleansers made specifically for babies. These products won't weaken the skin's barrier the way harsher soaps can. Pick fragrance- and dye-free cleansers. Labels that say "mild" or "neutral pH" are best. A neutral pH means it's as gentle as pure water.

For dry skin, choose a fragrance-free baby moisturizer. And if you use baby wipes, buy the hypoallergenic kind. Wipes made without lanolin or alcohol will be less irritating.

There are some labeling loopholes every parent should be aware of:

Even though a product is labeled as hypoallergenic, it may still irritate your baby's skin. Products advertised as "fragrance-free" are allowed to contain fragrance chemicals if the chemicals also do something else, like moisturize skin.

"Unscented" just means that the product doesn't have an odor. It doesn't mean it's fragrance-free. Skin care products can be called "unscented" even when fragrance chemicals have been added to hide a strong odor. And just because something is "all-natural" or "organic" doesn't mean it's guaranteed to be good for your baby.

To find out more about choosing the best skin care products for your baby, talk to your pediatrician.