Mother’s little soothers & smoothers

New arrival? These tried-and-trusted products will give mums and babies a boost

One of the questions we’re most often asked on the beauty desk is what to send to new mothers and their babies. Aside from more sleep, these are the products we recommend…

★ Kit & Kin Magic Salve (£7.99, kitandkin.com) has a delightful silky texture, smells deliciously herby and can soothe nappy rash on babies as well as sore, dry patches on stressed-out mums. Anti-inflammatory blackcurrant seed oil helps repair, antiseptic calendula oil assists healing and vitamin E nourishes. Plus, with packaging that’s recyclable or sustainably sourced, this makes the ultimate feel-good gift.

★ Aveeno Soothing Relief Baby Emollient Cream (£8.49, superdrug.com) is a great go-to for unhappy skin – be it dry, red, itchy or flaky… It soaks in quickly, leaving no greasy residue and is formulated with colloidal oatmeal to calm and soften. This unscented lotion is paediatrician tested and works wonders on bodies of all ages.

★ Weleda Nipple Balm (£8.25, weleda.co.uk) is another favourite. Developed alongside midwives and pharmacists, this fragrance-free formula contains moisturising lanolin and soothing calendula to help protect. It doesn’t need to be removed before breastfeeding and works well as a nourishing lip balm too.

★ Johnson’s Top-to-toe Wash (£2.50, boots.co.uk) is a classic for a reason – it’s free from parabens, sulphates and alcohol, is ph-balanced to leave skin (and baby’s scalp) clean without being stripped or irritated. Plus, it won’t sting eyes and can be used by both mother and child.

★ Little Aurelia Sleep Time Top to Toe Wash (£22, feelunique.com) is intended to lull babies with a blend of lavender, linden blossom and camomile. Aloe vera hydrates, calendula calms and avocado oil moisturises while keeping the skin barrier intact to avoid any flare-ups. Ideal for pre-bedtime bathing.

★ Neal’s Yard Remedies Mother’s Massage Oil (£19.50, nealsyardremedies.com) is a treat just for mum. Certified 100 per cent organic by the Soil Association, it contains wheatgerm oil for a hefty hit of nourishing vitamin E. And the uplifting neroli and mandarin scent is bound to give new mums a boost.

★ Baby Cowshed Rich Massage Oil (£12, cowshed.com). Massage is beneficial for babies, too, and this treats delicate skin with meadowfoam oil, camomile and jojoba.

OUR BEAUTY DIRECTOR’S HERO BUYS