Dry skin? Here’s how to protect your baby’s skin in winter
Baby skin problems during winter can happen for a few reasons – the weather is fresher, you’ve cranked the heat, and then, of course, there’s runny noses and the occasional drool, making winter skin care for babies important.
Signs your baby’s skin is dry
Dry skin is very typical for babies – after all, their skin is thinner and still quite sensitive. The key is knowing what to look for and how to look after it. Signs your baby’s skin is drying out include flakiness and rough patches. If these go unnoticed, cracks can develop.
Although dry skin isn’t usually itchy, if you notice your child scratching or the skin becomes red, it could be eczema. Read our article on the best eczema cream for babies for creams to soothe sore skin. If you’re concerned about your child’s skin, make an appointment with your doctor.
The face – especially the cheeks and around the nose and mouth – is especially prone to dryness in winter. Protect these areas by applying a barrier cream or lip balm before going outside.
Winter skin care for babies
As the weather cools down, it’s time to up the ante on your baby’s skincare routine. Here are some home remedies for baby skin care during winter. You can also read our best baby skincare comparisons.
Turn the heat down
If you have a heating system in your home, remember that too much of a good thing can be bad for your baby’s skin. Having the heater on high for long periods of time can dry out everyone’s skin, so stick to a lower setting when it’s chilly.
Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier is a great way to add moisture to dry air. To find the right humidifier for your baby, read baby humidifier reviews from other parents. Just make sure you pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your humidifier.
Have fewer baths
Kids don’t need a bath every day – unless they’re really dirty. Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin, especially for babies. But that doesn’t mean they go without. Instead, parents can ‘top and tail’ their baby, carefully wiping the face, neck, hands and bottom with cotton wool and a washcloth. If your baby’s skin is already noticeably dry, keep baths short or skip them altogether.
Ditch the soap
Soap is drying on baby skin. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne website says to use a “mild, gentle non-soap cleanser if required.”
They add: “Avoid bubble bath as it removes natural oils from the skin, and avoid antibacterial and scented soaps as they may irritate the skin. A capful of fragrance-free baby bath oil may be added to the bath to prevent the water from drying your baby’s skin out and replacing the skin’s natural oils.”
To find the best bath products for your baby, read baby wash, soap, shampoo & oil reviews.
Lather moisturiser everywhere
Moisturiser is a great way to prevent dry skin, but applying it straight after a bath is even better. It’s thought that damp skin helps to seal the moisture in, so lather your little one in lotion before they’re completely dry. When selecting a moisturiser, look for one that is specially formulated for delicate baby skin. The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne says, “Thicker creams and ointments are more effective than lotions. Avoid moisturisers containing plant or food products (e.g. vegetable, nut or olive oils), as these may disrupt the skin barrier and lead to allergies.”
It’s also an excellent idea to look for a moisturiser with a pump dispenser as ‘double-dipping’ can contaminate your moisturiser with germs and bacteria. See our best baby moisturiser comparisons to find the most rated products.
Laundry detergent matters
The chemicals in your laundry detergent could affect your baby’s skin. Cover all of your bases and switch one that is chemical and fragrance-free. Allganic’s Laundry Liquid is made from 100% Australian certified organic lemon myrtle and is dermatologist certified, making it ideal for a baby’s sensitive skin.
As always, if you are concerned about your baby’s skin, we recommend you make an appointment with your GP or other health professional.
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