Colfief Resources

Summer baby skincare: why moisturising matters in hot weather - Colief

Colief — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Summer usually means more time outside, more face-wiping, more baths or swims, and more exposure to heat, sun and wind. All of that can leave your baby’s skin needing a little extra care.

Baby skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, and it can lose moisture more easily. That is one reason dry patches and irritation can show up more quickly, especially when the weather is warm and routines change.

Why moisturising matters in summer

Moisturising helps support the skin barrier and lock in hydration. In warmer weather, that can be especially helpful after a bath, after swimming, or anytime skin starts to look dry or feel a little rough. A simple rule is to keep skincare gentle. Lukewarm baths, soft patting dry, and applying moisturiser soon after washing can all help reduce dryness. Guidance also recommends moisturising straight after bathing, while the skin is still fresh from the bath.

Do not forget the face

Your baby’s face often needs the most attention in summer.

Cheeks, chin and nose are exposed to the elements, and they are also the areas most likely to be wiped throughout the day. Add dribbling, snacks, warm weather and outdoor time, and it is easy to see why little faces can end up looking dry or irritated.

That is why a balm can be useful as part of your summer routine. Colief Baby Face Balm fits perfectly here, helping moisturise exposed areas such as the cheeks, chin and nose. The stick format is handy for quick, mess-free top-ups when you are out and about.

A simple summer moisturising routine

You do not need a long routine to care for baby skin well in hot weather. A few gentle steps are usually enough:

cleanse gently with a soft damp cloth
pat skin dry rather than rubbing
moisturise after bathing or swimming
reapply to dry facial areas if needed during the day
keep a simple balm in your nappy bag for on-the-go top-ups

The aim is not to layer on lots of products, but to help keep skin comfortable, soft and supported.

What about SPF?

Sun protection matters just as much as moisturising.

According to NHS, sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. Instead, the focus should be on keeping them out of direct strong sunlight, using shade, lightweight clothing and a hat. Another advice is taking extra care when the sun is strongest, especially between 11am and 3pm.

For babies 6 months and over, the NHS advises using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and reapplying it regularly, including every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

If your baby has sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens can be a good option to look at. Formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate sensitive baby skin.

Moisturising and SPF can work together

Moisturising and sun protection do different jobs, and both matter in summer.

Moisturiser helps support hydration and comfort. SPF helps protect exposed skin from the sun. Together, they can help you care for your baby’s skin more confidently through warmer days, outdoor walks and summer travel.

Keep summer skincare simple

Summer skincare does not need to be complicated. A gentle moisturising routine, a little extra care for the face, and age-appropriate sun protection can go a long way.

Some days that might mean a balm after a bath. On other days it might mean a quick top-up on dry cheeks before heading out. Small, simple steps are often the ones that help most.

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How to Help Your Little One Wind Down This Summer - Colief

Colief — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Summer can be a lovely time for family routines. However, it can also make evenings feel a little harder to settle. Longer days, busy outings and warmer weather can all leave little ones more overstimulated by bedtime.

As a result, winding down may take a little more time than usual. When that happens, a simple, calming bedtime routine can help signal that the day is coming to an end. In addition, the Colief Bedtime Range can be part of that routine, helping create gentler moments before sleep.

Why bedtime routines matter

Little ones respond well to familiar patterns. Therefore, repeating the same calming steps each evening can help bedtime feel more predictable and less overwhelming.

However, a bedtime routine does not need to be long or complicated. For example, it can be as simple as:

dimming the lights
lowering the noise in the room
a warm bath
a cuddle or story
a calming bedtime product

The aim is not perfection. Instead, it is about helping your child move gently from a busy day into rest.

What is the Colief Bedtime Range?

The Colief Bedtime Range includes:

Both are designed to support calm, comforting bedtime moments in a simple, practical way. Because every child’s routine is different, each product can be used in a way that suits your little one’s age and stage.

Colief Bedtime Baby Rub

Colief Bedtime Baby Rub is suitable from 3+ months. It contains 100% natural ingredients, including lavender oil, pine oil, almond oil and coconut oil, and comes in an easy stick format.

It can be applied gently to your baby’s chest, stomach or back to help moisturise, soothe and comfort as part of a calming bedtime routine.

How to use it

A simple way to use it is after a warm bath:

Keep the room calm and softly lit.
Glide the rub gently onto your baby’s chest, stomach or back.
Massage it in using slow, gentle strokes.
Continue with the rest of your bedtime routine.

This can turn bedtime into a quiet moment of comfort and connection, especially after a busy summer day.

Colief Bedtime Patch

Colief Bedtime Patch is suitable for children aged 3+ years. Each patch contains rosemary and peppermint oils and can be attached to clothing or bedding to release a gentle fragrance for up to 8 hours.

It is a simple option for older children who need help settling into a calmer bedtime environment.

How to use it

Remove the patch from its sachet.
Peel off the liner.
Apply it to clothing or bedding.
Remove after 8 hours.

Use only one patch at a time, and use it straight after opening.

Which one is right for your child?

The best option depends on age and stage.

For babies from 3+ months

Bedtime Baby Rub is ideal when you want a soothing, hands-on step in the bedtime routine.

For children 3+ years

Bedtime Patch is a simple way to create a more relaxing bedtime environment.

A simple summer bedtime routine

For babies

warm bath
softer lights
Bedtime Baby Rub
feed or cuddle
settle for sleep

For older children

quieter play before bed
story time
Bedtime Patch on pyjamas or bedding
lights down
into bed

One calm step at a time

Some nights will still feel easier than others, and that is normal.

The most helpful bedtime routines are often the simplest ones. A warm bath, a quiet cuddle, a soothing rub or a calming patch can all help create a gentler end to the day and support your little one as they wind down for sleep, especially during the busy summer months.

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Could temporary lactose intolerance be causing your baby’s colic? - Colief

Colief — Mon, 25 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

If your baby seems especially unsettled after feeds, you are not alone in searching for answers. Colic is common, affecting around 1 in 5 babies. It usually starts in the first few weeks, often peaks at around six weeks, and tends to settle by three to six months.

One possible reason behind colic-like symptoms is temporary lactose intolerance in babies. It is not the only cause of colic, but for some little ones, it can be part of the picture. Colic can have several possible causes, including temporary difficulty digesting the lactose in milk.

What is temporary lactose intolerance in babies?

Temporary lactose intolerance happens when your baby’s gut is still developing and does not yet make enough lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the natural sugar in milk. When lactose is not digested properly, it can stay in the gut and ferment, which may lead to wind, bloating, watery or frothy stools, and tummy discomfort.

This is one reason some babies may seem more uncomfortable after feeds in the early weeks and months.

What can temporary lactose intolerance look like?

Babies with temporary lactose intolerance may have:

lots of wind
a bloated tummy
frothy or explosive stools
crying or discomfort after feeds

These symptoms can look very similar to general colic, so it is more helpful to look at the overall pattern rather than one sign on its own.

Where Colief Infant Drops fit in

Colief Infant Drops are for times when temporary lactose intolerance may be part of the problem. They contain lactase enzyme, which helps break down the lactose in breast milk or formula, making feeds easier to digest.

Suitable from birth, Colief Infant Drops are one of the UK’s most prescribed products for colic and have been trusted by parents and healthcare professionals for over 20 years.

There is supporting evidence behind lactase use in some babies. Colief Infant Drops were associated with improvements in symptoms linked with colic, and outcomes were similar to lactose-free formula without needing to stop breastfeeding

What should you do if you think this could be the cause?

Start by looking for patterns. Does your baby seem more uncomfortable after feeds? Is the crying linked with wind, bloating or unusual stools? A simple cry or feeding diary can help make things clearer.

It can also help to keep the wider picture in mind. Colic is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means other possible causes should be ruled out first.

When to ask for advice

Speak to your GP or health visitor if:

symptoms suddenly get worse
your baby is not growing as expected
the crying has not improved after four months

Colic can be exhausting, and you do not have to work it all out on your own.

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How to help ease baby constipation with gentle massage - Colief

Colief — Tue, 05 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

When your baby seems uncomfortable, it is natural to want a gentle way to help. If they are finding it hard to poo, a calm tummy massage can be a soothing way to support comfort and encourage movement in the tummy.

Constipation can look different from baby to baby. Some babies poo several times a day, while others go less often. What matters most is whether the poo is soft and easy to pass.

Signs your baby may be constipated

Your baby may be constipated if:

their poo looks dry, firm or pellet-like
they cry when trying to poo
their tummy feels firm
they are straining with crying

If your baby’s poo is soft, even if they have not gone for a day or two, that is not usually constipation.

How massage can help

A gentle tummy massage may help your baby relax and support the natural movement of the bowels. It can also be a calming moment for both of you when your little one feels unsettled.

The key is to keep everything slow, warm and responsive to your baby’s cues.

Before you start

Choose a calm time when your baby is settled and alert. It can help to:

keep the room warm
warm your hands first
wait a little while after a feed
use a small amount of massage oil for glide

A warm bath beforehand can also help your baby relax.

Massage techniques to try

Clockwise circles

Place your hands at or just below the belly button and make firm but gentle circles outward. Always move clockwise, following the natural direction of the bowel.

“I Love You” stroke

Trace an “I” down your baby’s left side.

Then trace an upside-down “L” across the top of the tummy and down the left side.

Then trace an upside-down “U” from the lower right side, up and around the tummy, and down the left side.

Finish with a few gentle downward strokes.

Bicycle legs

Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a slow cycling motion. This can help ease tummy tension and support movement.

Keep it gentle

Stop if your baby becomes upset or seems uncomfortable. Massage should never feel forceful. A calm, gentle touch is enough.

Where Colief Baby Massage Oil fits in

Colief Baby Massage Oil helps make massage feel smooth and comforting, with a gentle glide that is ideal for little tummies. Made with 100% natural ingredients and suitable from birth from the full-term date, it absorbs quickly to help moisturise, soothe and soften delicate skin while turning massage into a calm moment of connection. When your baby feels unsettled, that quiet hands-on routine can offer gentle support, and the oil helps each stroke feel easy, warm and reassuring for both of you.

When to seek advice

Speak to your GP or health visitor if your baby:

has not pooed in 2 to 3 days
seems very distressed
has a bloated tummy
is vomiting
has bleeding after a hard poo
is not gaining weight well

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Changing your baby on the go: what to bring - Colief

Angie Willis — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Getting out of the house with a baby can feel like a mission, and nappy changes are often the part you want to be most prepared for. A little planning can make those on-the-go moments feel calmer, whether you’re popping to the shops, heading to a café, or spending time outdoors.

Pack enough nappies and wipes

When you’re out and about, it helps to take enough spare nappies and wipes so you can change your baby as often as they need. Babies can be unpredictable, and running out mid-trip adds stress you don’t need.

A simple rule that works for many families is packing a few extras, even for short outings. It also helps to pack a spare change of clothes, just in case of a poonami. It’s one of those small things that can make you feel more confident the moment you leave the door.

Bring a travel changing mat

A reusable travel changing mat is one of the most practical items for nappy changes on the go. Many changing bags now come with a built-in mat, but having one you trust (and can wipe clean easily) makes a big difference.

A mat helps keep your baby:

more comfortable

supported on uneven surfaces

separated from public changing surfaces

Wherever you change, comfort matters

Out-and-about changes don’t always happen in perfect places. Sometimes it’s:

in the back of the car

on your lap

in a park

in public toilets

A travel mat helps you create a clean, comfortable spot quickly, wherever you are. It’s a simple way to make nappy changes feel more manageable when you’re away from home.

A gentle reminder

If nappy changes feel harder when you’re out, that’s completely normal. Being prepared isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about making things a little easier for you and your baby in real life.

Check out Angie’s video

How Hypochlorous supports baby skin from day one - Colief

Angie Willis — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The nappy area is one of the most sensitive parts of your baby’s skin. It’s exposed to moisture, friction, and irritants many times a day, and even with the gentlest care, that delicate skin barrier can become overwhelmed.

When the barrier is under pressure, skin can look red and inflamed, and discomfort can build quickly. For some babies, this can affect sleep, feeding, and overall comfort, which is why daily, preventative care matters.

What is hypochlorous (HOCl)?

Hypochlorous (HOCl) is a substance naturally produced by white blood cells as part of the body’s defence system. In skin care, it’s valued for being both effective and gentle, supporting a cleaner skin environment while remaining suitable for sensitive skin.

Why the nappy area needs extra support

Nappy rash often develops when several everyday factors build up over time, such as:

wetness sitting against the skin
contact with urine and poo
friction from nappies and wiping
skin that’s already a little sore or sensitised

These pressures can disrupt the skin’s natural balance and lead to inflammation. Supporting the barrier helps the skin cope better with daily exposure and can reduce the likelihood of irritation escalating.

How hypochlorous can help

Hypochlorous supports baby skin in a few keyways. It can help keep the nappy area cleansed, reduce the risk of unwanted microbes on the skin, and support the skin when it feels unsettled. It also helps maintain the skin’s natural balance, which is especially important in an area that’s prone to irritation.

The goal isn’t “stronger” care. It’s the right care that works with the skin.

Why a touch-free spray matters when skin is sensitive

When skin is already irritated, rubbing can make discomfort worse. A touch-free spray reduces friction and makes application feel gentler, particularly during frequent changes.

A hydrogel texture also has practical benefits. It sits lightly on the skin, doesn’t feel greasy, and won’t interfere with nappy absorption, which can be helpful when you want something that fits smoothly into everyday care.

Gentle daily protection with Colief Nappy Care Spray

Colief Nappy Care Spray is a medical device suitable from birth, designed for the daily protection and prevention of nappy rash.

It’s a touch-free hydrogel spray made with hypochlorous (HOCl). Rather than relying on thick creams or ointments, it’s designed to cleanse and support the nappy area without rubbing or leaving a greasy residue. It also helps support the skin barrier and maintain the skin’s natural pH balance.

Each bottle delivers over 300 applications, making it a practical option for busy family life.

If you’d like to include it in daily care, it can be applied after gently cleansing and drying the nappy area. A light spray is enough to support the skin before you put on a fresh nappy.

When to seek advice

Most nappy rash is manageable at home, but it’s always okay to ask for reassurance. If your baby’s skin looks very sore, broken, or isn’t improving, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or health visitor.

Check Out Angie’s video

How to use Colief Nappy Care Spray - Colief

Angie Willis — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Keeping nappy changes clean and comfortable can make a big difference to your baby’s skin. This simple routine shows how to use Colief Nappy Care Spray in a way that’s quick, gentle, and easy to fit into everyday life.

Start with clean hands

Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. It’s a small step that helps keep the process hygienic, especially when you’re changing nappies frequently.

Remove the nappy and clear any visible mess

Unfasten any clothing or poppers, then gently remove the nappy. If needed, wipe any excess poo away using the nappy itself before cleaning the area.

Clean gently with warm water or a reusable wipe

Before using the spray, wipe away any visible mess using cotton and warm water or a reusable wipe and water. This keeps the approach gentle on delicate skin.

Spray to cleanse and protect

Shake the bottle, then hold it around 10 to 15 centimetres from your baby’s skin. Spray evenly across the nappy area. For most changes, around 3 sprays are enough.

There’s no need to rub. The touch-free application helps gently cleanse, supports skin comfort, and helps prevent irritation with the antimicrobial power of hypochlorous.

Let the skin breathe for a moment

Wait around 10 seconds for the spray to absorb. This short pause gives the formula time to settle on the skin and can help reduce irritation.

Fresh nappy and go

Put on a clean, dry nappy, redress your baby, and dispose of the used nappy properly.

Finish by washing your hands again

Once you’re done, wash your hands again to complete the change.

Check out Angie’s Video

Nappy changing tips: how to make nappy changes easier - Colief

Angie Willis — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Nappy changes happen many times a day, and they can feel surprisingly intense, especially in the early weeks. Some babies cry through the whole thing. Some wriggle the moment they’re laid down. And if you’re recovering from birth too, even small tasks can feel bigger than they should.

Here are gentle, practical nappy changing tips that can make nappy changes more comfortable for your baby and easier for you.

Set up a comfortable changing area (especially after a C-section)

If you’ve had a caesarean birth, changing nappies at waist height can help protect your body while you recover. Reaching down repeatedly can strain your core, so a higher surface can feel more supportive.

A changing mat on a sturdy surface or a cot changing table can work well. If you use a worktop, keep it separate from food preparation areas, and always keep one hand on your baby.

Ask for help with nappy changes

Nappy changing is constant in the early days. If you have a partner, family, or friends around, it’s okay to ask them to take a turn. It’s a simple way to support your rest and recovery, particularly if you’re healing or feeling exhausted.

If your baby cries during nappy changes, you’re not doing it wrong

Many babies dislike nappy changes. The cool air, being laid down, and the sensation of wiping can all feel abrupt.

To help your baby stay calmer during a nappy change, try:

talking gently and making eye contact
singing or using a familiar voice
narrating what you’re doing in a calm, steady way

If they still cry throughout, that’s okay. A clean nappy area is often more comfortable for your baby afterwards, even if they protest in the moment.

Calming breathing for parents during nappy changes

When your baby is crying, it’s normal to feel stressed. A few slow breaths can help you stay grounded:

breathe in slowly
breathe out slowly
remind yourself: I’m doing a great job. I’m helping my baby feel comfortable.

Cold wipes can upset babies

A common reason babies cry during nappy changes is that wipes can feel cold against their skin.

If your baby reacts strongly, it may help to use:

fresh, warm water ready to go, or
wipes kept at room temperature

This can reduce the shock of cold on sensitive skin.

If your baby keeps undoing their nappy tabs

Some babies quickly learn how to pull at velcro or sticky tabs. If your baby can undo their nappy, you can try putting the nappy on back to front, so the tabs sit at the back and are harder to reach.

Check out Angie’s Video

Ready for solids? A step-by-step weaning guide - Colief

Colief — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Starting solids can bring lots of questions. The good news is you don’t need to do it perfectly, you just need a simple plan you can repeat and adjust as your baby learns.

Most babies start solids at around 6 months. It’s best not to start before 17 weeks (4 months).

Step 1: Check your baby is showing readiness (not just one sign)

Look for more than one of these signs together:

sits with support and holds their head steady

can bring food to their mouth (good hand-eye-mouth coordination)

swallows food rather than pushing it back out with their tongue

“False signs”

These are common and do not always mean baby is ready for solids:

chewing fists

waking more at night

wanting extra milk feeds sometimes

Step 2: Choose a calm moment of the day

Pick a time when:

you don’t feel rushed

your baby is not overly tired

your baby is not extremely hungry (milk can come first)

Turn off distractions where you can and give yourselves time.

Step 3: Start with one simple food at a time

Early weaning works best when it stays simple:

single foods

soft textures your baby can manage

smooth mash or soft, cooked sticks, cooled before offering

Great first options include vegetables and fruit like:

broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, parsnip, carrot, sweet potato

apple or pear

Tip: include some less sweet vegetables too so baby gets used to a wider range of flavours early on.

Step 4: Keep portions tiny and pressure low

Start with a small amount. If your baby takes a little, that’s a win. If they push it out or make a face, that can be normal at first, it’s a new skill.

Avoid pressure. Weaning is about learning:

tasting

swallowing

exploring textures

Step 5: Follow your baby’s cues

Signs they want more might include leaning forward or opening their mouth. Signs they’ve had enough can include turning away, pushing the spoon away, or getting fussy.

Stopping when they’re done helps keep mealtimes calm and positive.

Step 6: Build variety gradually

Once your baby is comfortable, you can slowly increase:

the amount offered

the number of foods

the textures (from smoother to thicker mash and soft finger foods)

It can take repeated exposure for babies to accept a new food. Keep offering gently, without turning it into a battle.

Step 7: Keep milk feeds as the main source of nutrition

In the early stages, breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition, with solids alongside. If you’re breastfeeding, you do not need to switch to formula when you start solids.

Step 8: Where Colief Multivitamin Drops fit in

As weaning begins, intake can vary a lot day to day, and that’s completely normal. Colief Multivitamin Drops are designed to support babies as diets develop, alongside milk and a varied weaning diet.

They contain 9 essential vitamins, including A, B, C and D, are naturally orange flavoured, and can be given directly or added to food or drink.

Step 9: Keep it gentle

Some days will feel easy. Others will feel like more goes on the bib than in their mouth. That’s still part of the process.

One taste at a time is enough. You’re doing a great job.

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How to enjoy Easter with a breastfed baby - Colief

Colief — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Easter can be a lovely day, but with a breastfed baby it can also feel busy, unpredictable, and a little overstimulating. If you’re feeding on demand, managing colicky moments, or trying to eat a calm Easter lunch, a bit of simple planning can make the day feel easier.

Keep feeding responsive, even on a busy day

Many babies feed more often during gatherings because breastfeeding is comfort as well as food. Building the day around feeds (rather than squeezing feeds in) can reduce stress and help your baby stay settled.

A helpful approach is to:

feed before you leave the house or before guests arrive

take a quiet break to feed if baby is showing cues

keep expectations flexible, Easter doesn’t need a strict schedule

Protect one nap if you can

If there’s one thing that can help you enjoy Easter lunch in more peace, it’s a well-timed nap. Aim to protect one nap around the busiest part of the day, even if it’s shorter than usual.

Pram naps, carrier naps, or a quieter room can all work. A rested baby often means a calmer afternoon for everyone.

Ask for help, but make it specific

People often want to help, they just need clear directions. Try:

“Can you make me a plate while I feed?”

“Can you hold baby for 10 minutes so I can eat?”

“Can you keep things quiet while baby naps?”

Small, practical help can make a big difference.

Make a calm feeding space

If you’re visiting family, choose a comfortable spot you can return to when things feel busy. A “feeding corner” can be a gentle reset for you and your baby, especially if baby becomes unsettled in noise or when being passed around.

If your baby gets colicky or unsettled

Busy days can disrupt routines and increase fussiness. Keeping cuddles one-at-a-time, stepping away to a quieter room, and holding baby upright after feeds (if that helps your baby) can be calming.

Some babies experience digestive discomfort linked to how they handle lactose in milk feeds. Colief Infant Drops are designed to break down lactose in milk before feeding, and can be used with breast milk (following the instructions on the label). If you’re unsure what’s behind your baby’s discomfort, your GP or health visitor can support you.

A gentle Easter reminder

If you feed your baby, manage a nap, and get a few warm bites of lunch, that is a win. Easter with a breastfed baby won’t look perfect, but it can still feel calm, cosy, and special.

Find out more useful information on our Instagram.