A baby’s skin is very soft and supple. They don’t say “soft like a baby’s skin” for no reason. Winter season can be quite harsh on the baby’s delicate skin. You need to show it some extra love and care during the cold months. Don’t know where to start or what to do? Don’t worry, we have some amazing tips just for you!
During winter, the moisture and humidity in the air are reduced. As a result, the skin becomes dry and is prone to itching and irritation. It can take up to 4 years for a baby’s skin to develop the natural barriers that can offer protection from harsh weather conditions. Babies can start scratching and crying due to the irritation. The constant scratching can cause dry scaly patches and sometimes can even break the skin barrier.
Following a skincare routine can help maintain your baby’s skin throughout the year. In winter, you may need to use a little more or different products to offer that extra protection. You may have to change your baby’s skincare routine to suit the harsh weather conditions and treat skin issues, if any.
Winter can be harsh on a baby’s delicate skin. Some common issues your baby’s skin may face during cold winters are:
The drop in humidity levels in the atmosphere can cause dry and flaky skin. You may notice dry patches on your baby’s arms, behind their thigs, or even their buttocks. Areas that face regular friction, like the back of the legs (due to sitting), can become drier than other areas. Dry and split lips are also common in babies.
Dry skin can feel very itchy. Your child may move the clothing aside or scratch the area through the clothing. The constant scratching or handling of the skin can lead to breaking the skin and even bleeding sometimes.
Cold weather can make your baby urinate more frequently, thus increasing the moisture in the diaper. The trapped moisture can increase the risk of infections and discomfort. The diaper can also absorb the moisture from the skin, thus making it drier. All this can lead to a diaper rash.
Exposure to extreme cold winds can make your baby’s skin turn red. Over time, the dryness can also make the skin look darker and duller in some babies. You may find such patches on the exposed areas of the skin.
Your baby’s eczema can get worse in the dry winter months. Exposure to dry cold air and constant drooling can irritate facial skin and lead to dry and red crusty patches. Some babies can develop eczema in winter.
Winter skin care for baby is not difficult. Here are some tips to help you keep your baby’s skin safe during winter:
1. Avoid Hot Baths – As tempting as it can be to put your baby in a hot bath for the cold weather, avoid it. Hot baths can strip the skin of the natural moisture and make it dry.
2. Reduce Bath Time – Prolonged exposure to water can make the skin dry. Limit their bath time to a maximum of 20 minutes. This way, they get their hot bath without damaging the skin. For small babies, you can consider just wiping them clean with a warm towel instead of soaking them in the water every day. Reducing the frequency of baths can also help preserve the skin’s natural moisture.
3. Change the Products – Your baby’s skin might need a little extra during the cold months. Switch products during the winter. Opt for soaps, body wash, and lotions with more moisture. Ingredients like almond oil, shea butter, milk extracts, etc., can help nourish the skin. Choose baby products specifically formulated for the winter months. If a product does not suit your baby’s skin, don’t hesitate to change it.
4. Use Moisturiser – Always use a moisturiser or a baby lotion after your baby’s bath. Bath water can strip the moisture from the baby’s skin. So, an external moisturiser can help prevent dryness. Ensure you use non-comedogenic products to prevent clogging the skin.
5. Use Humidifier – If your child has very dry skin, dry throat, or suffers from eczema, consider using a humidifier in their room. A humidifier will help increase the humidity in the room and reduce dryness.
6. Protective Clothing – Always cover your baby from head to toe before stepping out in the cold. Ensure their ears and necks are covered well.
7. Use Baby Gloves – If your baby keeps scratching itself due to dryness, use baby gloves. This will cover their nails and prevent them from breaking or injuring their skin.
8. Avoid Skin Irritants – Anything can cause skin irritation. It can be the bubble bath, the detergent you use to wash your baby’s clothes or bedding, or some perfume you use in the house. If your baby’s skin is prone to irritation, start noticing when it happens and try to identify the cause.
9. Hydrate From Within – Even adults fail to drink enough water during the winter months. Keep track of your baby’s hydration and keep giving them water from time to time. If drinking water is becoming a struggle, you can even give them fruit juices without any additives. Remember, it is not advisable to feed anything but milk to a baby below the age of 6 months.
10. Oil Before Bath – If your doctor approves, you can use olive oil or coconut oil to massage your baby’s skin before bathing them. The oil will form a protective layer and prevent the water and soap from stripping moisture from the skin.
Baby’s skin is very sensitive. They are more prone to damage and irritation during the harsh cold months. Taking a little extra care and attending to skin issues without any delay can ensure their skin stays soft and healthy throughout the year. If necessary, never hesitate to consult a doctor and use products specifically formulated for babies with skin issues.
● You can protect your baby’s skin in winter by using the right products that offer more moisture and irritate the skin less, covering your baby’s skin to protect it from the cold winds and ensuring they drink plenty of water.
● Use a hooded jacket and zip it up to your chin. This will cover their necks and ears and keep them snug and warm. You can also use a scarf or a cover to close the pram or baby carrier. This can prevent the cold winds from hitting your baby’s face directly.
● You can use baby-safe moisturiser and body butter. You can also use hypo-allergic products if your baby is prone to skin irritation and damage. While natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera gel, etc., can be great for adult skin, they may not work so well for babies. A baby’s skin is very different from that of adults and requires different kinds of care.
