How to Care for Baby’s Skin in the Winter
Your baby’s skin is sensitive. When the weather gets cooler you may notice a change. Here are some ideas for keeping baby’s skin protected during the winter months.
A child’s skin is prone to many things. They can develop rashes, dry skin, itchy skin and other conditions, especially when the seasons change. They are too young to tell you what is happening, so it is up to you to recognize and avoid such skin problems before they become serious. With a few common sense actions you can keep baby warm, healthy and happy when the weather turns cold.
1. Avoid long baths. You and your baby spend quality time together in the bath, but the dry heat inside can lead to even drier skin the longer they soak in the water. Clean baby quickly with a moisturizing bath soap and then take them out.
2. Moisturize baby’s skin immediately after a bath. You don’t have to dry their skin first. Let them lay on a bath towel while you slowly rub in a moisturizing lotion or bath oil. Be careful not to use heavily perfumed lotions as these can cause rashes to develop. After rubbing in the oil, gently remove the excess with the towel.
3. Wash baby’s clothing in gentle detergent. Using the same Tide that you use for your clothing may be too harsh for your baby’s skin. The fragrance can cause baby to itch when the clothes come in contact with their skin. Also avoid using dryer sheets and fabric softeners for baby’s clothing.
4. Keep baby hydrated. Babies naturally drink a lot of milk or breastfeed. Slip in a bottle of water every now and them. It helps to keep their skin supple and moisturized from the inside.
5. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier. A cool mist humidifier doesn’t raise the temperature while it keeps baby comfortable as the sleep.
6. Use moisturizing facial tissues when cleaning baby’s face. This goes for cleaning dirty noses, crusty eyes and crumbs off of their mouths. Especially for noses, constant rubbing when they have a runny nose can cause chapping. Softer tissues, along with Vaseline, will soften the wiping process and doesn’t roughen up the skin.
7. Bundle baby up but not too much. Have you seen those babies that look like they can’t even turn their heads for all the clothing they have on? There is no need for that. Wrap baby in a couple of layers of clothing that are breathable so air can flow. As baby gets warm, remove the outer layer. Too many clothes can also chap the skin from constant rubbing when baby begins to sweat.
Create a routine for protecting baby’s skin using the above ideas. When winter comes, you will already be prepared to keep baby comfortable.
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About the author Mary Lutz began blogging in 2004 on her personal blog. In June of 2008, she began her own Virtual Assistant Business, and discovered her passion for writing. Besides writing for her own blogs, she also writes for other Work at Home Mom sites. Read more from this authorRelated posts:
