Spring into sleep: the gentle nighttime routines helping young skin recover from winter

As the days begin to lengthen and winter slowly gives way to spring, many parents notice the effects of cold weather lingering on young skin. Central heating, harsh winds and heavy winter clothing can leave babies and children with dry, sensitive or irritated skin, which can also disrupt sleep.

The transition into spring is the perfect moment to reset bedtime rituals, swapping hurried baths and rushed routines for soothing, skin-loving steps that signal comfort, calm and consistency. From calming lavender blends to barrier-supporting oat formulas, the latest generation of gentle baby and children’s skincare products are designed to support both skin health and better sleep.

A calming bath to start the evening

A warm bath remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to help little ones wind down. Oil-to-milk formulas and cream baths are especially useful after winter, when skin can feel tight or flaky.

Weleda Baby Good Night Bath uses organic calendula flower extract alongside calming lavender, neroli and vanilla essential oils to create a gentle, soap-free bath that cleanses without stripping delicate skin. The nourishing oils help soften skin while the relaxing aroma supports a calm bedtime atmosphere.

For parents who prefer a classic creamy bath soak, Weleda Calendula Cream Bath is enriched with sweet almond oil and calendula extract to soften bath water and support sensitive skin, making it ideal for babies who need extra comfort during bathtime.

Meanwhile, Childs Farm SlumberTime Bath Soak uses a soothing lavender and moon milk fragrance designed to encourage relaxation, while producing long-lasting bubbles for a playful yet calming end-of-day ritual. For families dealing with dryness or itchiness, Childs Farm OatDerma Bubble Bath and Soothing Bath Milk offer fragrance-free hydration powered by colloidal oatmeal and oat oil to help maintain the skin barrier.

Gentle cleansing from head to toe

After winter, it is important to use mild cleansers that preserve natural oils rather than stripping them away. Weleda Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash is tear-free and formulated to gently cleanse hair and body while leaving skin soft and hair easy to comb.

Childs Farm OatDerma Body Wash and the Soothing Scalp Shampoo provide extra support for dry or sensitive skin and scalp, using oat-based ingredients to soothe irritation while delivering a gentle cleanse suitable for all ages.

Locking in moisture with nourishing lotions and oils

Moisturising after bath time is a key step in restoring hydration levels and supporting the skin barrier as temperatures rise and heavier winter creams are phased out.

Weleda Calendula Body Lotion is lightweight and fast absorbing, providing long-lasting moisture without feeling heavy. For delicate facial skin exposed to spring breezes and lingering cold, Weleda Calendula Face Cream offers daily protection with calendula and almond oil.

For babies, Weleda Calendula Baby Oil is ideal for massage, nappy area cleansing and cradle cap, while also supporting bonding and relaxation before bed. Childs Farm SlumberTime Calming Massage Lotion offers a cream-to-oil texture that melts into skin, delivering hydration alongside calming lavender fragrance, making it a natural step in a soothing bedtime routine.

Targeted care for dry and sensitive areas

Winter often leaves patches of dryness on cheeks, hands and lips. A multi-use balm can be a springtime essential for quick fixes. Weleda Calendula All Purpose Balm provides intensive nourishment with sunflower and avocado oils and cocoa seed butter, suitable for both babies and adults.

For the nappy area, Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream offers soothing calendula and chamomile with zinc oxide to protect against moisture and irritation, making it a staple for daily care.

For families managing sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Childs Farm OatDerma Face Cream and Childs Farm OatDerma Body Moisturiser provide fragrance-free hydration with colloidal oatmeal and ceramide-rich oat oil to support the skin barrier and reduce discomfort.

Creating a sleep-friendly environment

Beyond skincare, sensory cues play an important role in bedtime routines. Childs Farm SlumberTime Sleep Mist can be spritzed onto bedding to create a calming sleep environment, while the act of massage and moisturising helps signal that the day is ending.

Research has shown that parents can lose up to 550 hours of sleep in a baby’s first six months, making consistent bedtime rituals even more valuable. Simple steps such as a warm bath, gentle massage and calming scent can help establish predictable patterns that benefit both children and parents.

A thoughtful gift for new parents

For those looking to support new parents this spring, Weleda Calendula Baby 3 Piece Gift Set offers a curated introduction to gentle skincare, combining Shampoo & Body Wash, Nappy Change Cream and All Purpose Balm in one ready-made bundle.

This article was written with the support of Childs Farm and Weleda, who provided product samples for review. All views expressed remain independent and genuine.