Your baby’s soft, delicate skin requires special care, especially during the harsh winter months. Exposure to cold and wind (and those warm yet irritating fabrics!) can cause his or her skin to become red, rough and/or chapped.
But not to worry! We’ve compiled some tips to help keep your infant’s skin smooth and healthy until the trees once again begin to blossom.*
1. Dress your infant in layers
Babies don’t know how to regulate their body temperatures, so if you dress your infant in clothes that are too heavy, he or she may develop heat rash, which, in turn, can lead to diaper rash and other skin irritation. That could mean irritability and long restless nights—for you and baby! Therefore, it’s best to dress your wee one in soft, non-abrasive layers that can be easily removed or augmented if necessary.
2. Use products formulated for wee ones
Adult skincare products often contain ingredients that can irritate a baby’s delicate epidermis. And you don’t want to chance that your child will be allergic to one of the components in your moisturizer. Therefore, it’s best to stick with creams, lotions, powders, oils and other skincare products designed specifically for infant use. Even products formulated for older children may not be suitable for babies, so be sure to read the packaging carefully.
3. Protect your child’s pucker
Babies are no stranger to drooling. Unfortunately, doing so can cause their little lips and noses to become raw and chapped in chilly temps. So, before heading out in cold weather, gently rub some ointment, such as Burt's Bees Baby™ 100% Natural Multipurpose Face & Body Baby Ointment, onto your child’s lips to help protect him or her from the elements.
4. Don’t overbathe your babe
Infants’ skin is typically prone to dryness and frequent baths paired with wintry weather can exacerbate the problem. It’s okay to bathe your baby daily, but be sure to use warm water and a gentle, non-irritating shampoo and/or body wash, such as Weleda Baby 2-in-1 Gentle Shampoo + Body Wash, which contains “a light blend of nourishing oils” and has been tested by dermatologists for safety. If your baby’s skin is particularly dry, he or she may benefit from less frequent baths supplemented by quick sponge baths.
5. Moisturize your infant regularly
As we’ve already established, winter weather can deplete the skin of much-needed moisture. To help prevent and treat dryness, moisturize your son or daughter regularly with pure and gentle products, such as coconut oil and baby massage oil, like California Baby Overtired and Cranky™ Massage Oil. Many believe that infant massage can calm babies, promote sound sleep and strengthen parent-child bonds—all added bonuses!
6. Don’t skip the sunscreen
You know that your baby needs sunscreen during the summer, but it’s easy to overlook this essential skincare step in the winter. Make no mistake, winter sun can be just as dangerous, especially when it reflects off the powdery white snow. Protect your little one from sunburn and other UV damage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like California Baby Super Sensitive Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Plus Fragrance Free Sunscreen Lotion, which is coral reef safe and “free of added fragrances, common allergens, and irritants,” at least every two hours. Consult a pediatrician before using sunscreen on an infant under six months of age.
7. Protect against diaper rash
It may be tempting to change your baby’s diaper less frequently when he or she is all bundled up for the cold. But it’s important to regularly ditch damp diapers during the winter as the risk of developing diaper rash may increase due to trapped heat from all those layers of clothing. If your little one does develop diaper rash, avoid talcum powder, which can further dry the skin, and treat it with a diaper rash cream, like MADE OF Natural Organic Diaper Rash Cream, which contains no sulfates, parabens or mineral oil, instead.
*Consult a pediatrician if you have questions or concerns about your infant’s skin.
