3 Reasons Why Kids Shouldn’t Use Baby Products

Why This Matters

Baby shampoo, baby lotion, baby powder—great for, well, babies. But as your child grows, their skin changes faster than their shoe size. What worked for their chubby infant cheeks won’t necessarily work for their 7-year-old skin that now spends afternoons in the sun, the playground, or sports practice.

It’s not about being “extra.” It’s about giving their growing skin the care it actually needs. Using the wrong products can mean dryness, irritation, or just skin that doesn’t feel its best. And since confidence starts with comfort, it’s worth getting this right.

Reason 1: Baby Products Aren’t Built for Playground Life

Baby skin is delicate and spends most of its time indoors (unless you count those occasional pram rides). Baby products are made to be extra mild—sometimes too mild—for kids who now roll in grass, wrestle with friends, or spend hours at swim practice.

By the time your child hits school age, their skin produces more oils, sweats more, and is exposed to more dirt, dust, and germs. Baby cleansers may not be able to fully clean without multiple washes (which can actually dry out skin).

Instead, look for kid-specific body washes and face cleansers—like those in our Kids Personal Care Products range—that balance gentle care with better cleansing power. The idea is to remove playground muck without stripping skin’s natural moisture.

Reason 2: Growing Skin Has New Needs

Babies don’t really deal with sun exposure, sports sweat, or that mysterious chocolate smear that appears hours after dessert. Kids do. And that means their skincare needs to shift.

• More hydration in the right places – Baby lotions are often very light. School-age kids may need richer hydration to combat dryness from sun, chlorine, or just plain rough-and-tumble days.
  
  

• Better protection – From UV rays to environmental pollutants, older kids’ skin benefits from ingredients like vitamin E, plant-based oils, and natural extracts.
  
  

• Age-appropriate ingredients – Some baby products skip certain nourishing actives because infants don’t need them yet. Kids can benefit from them—think aloe, shea butter, or calendula in the right amounts.
  
  

The right products, like our Skin Care Products for Kids, are designed with this balance in mind—gentle enough for sensitive skin, but effective enough to handle “kid life.”

Reason 3: Confidence Is Linked to Feeling Clean & Fresh

Here’s the thing: as kids grow, they become more aware of how they look and smell. That “baby fresh” fragrance? Lovely when they’re toddlers. Not so much when they’re 8 and starting to sweat more after PE class.

Switching to age-appropriate washes, shampoos, and lotions isn’t just about skin health—it’s about confidence. A kid who feels clean, fresh, and comfortable is more likely to feel good in their own skin.

Plus, making the switch helps them build independence in personal care. Giving them their own “big kid” products turns skincare into a daily habit they take ownership of—without the nagging.

Signs It’s Time to Make the Switch

You don’t need to wait for a dramatic skin reaction to upgrade your child’s routine. Look out for these subtle signs:

• Their skin still feels dirty or oily after using baby products.

• They’re spending more time outdoors and in sports.

• They’ve started showing early signs of dryness, irritation, or occasional breakouts.
  
  

If you’re seeing any of these, it’s probably time to swap the baby lotion for something from our Natural Hair Care Products for Kids or body wash range.

Making the Transition Fun (and Easy)

Kids love being part of the process. Instead of just replacing their baby soap one day, involve them in choosing their new products. Let them pick the scents or colours they like. Make it feel like a milestone—because it is!

This also helps them understand why they’re changing products: “Your skin’s grown up a bit, so now you get to use these.” This turns skincare into a point of pride rather than just another thing on the to-do list.

The Bottom Line

Baby products are brilliant… for babies. But as your child’s skin changes, so should their skincare. Switching to products made for kids means better cleansing, the right hydration, and a confidence boost that comes from feeling fresh and cared for.

It’s not just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about helping your child grow into healthy habits that will last a lifetime. And that, parents, is the real glow-up.

“Your kid’s skin has levelled up—time for their products to do the same.”