Parenting Blog

The skin of babies is very soft and delicate. Hence it is more susceptible to become dry if exposed to cold air. Dry, cold air outside or indoor heating can cause baby’s skin to dry when the skin loses its natural moisture in the winter season. If your baby’s skin is dry this might also show in summers as the skin breaks into dry patches in the sun. Here are some tips to fix our baby’s dry skin:

Reduce the bath timing

Bathing a baby for too long can make the skin to lose its natural oils. Make sure that you are using a mild soap and if possible avoid using any soap. Using only warm water will minimize any side effects. Take necessary precautions while bathing your baby. Bathing dries a baby’s skin because it removes the skin’s natural oils along with the dirt. The bath time should not exceed 10 mutes. Also be careful that the water is not too hot for your baby’s skin. Luke warm water will do for her.

Avoid Soapy Water

Do not let your baby sit in soapy water for too long and never leave the cleansing bar in the water. The contact of your baby with soap should be minimized as much as possible. Limit the bubble baths to some special occasions. Apply some oils or baby lotion which is mild on your baby’s skin after the bath. Giving your baby a daily massage will prevent her from having any dry patches on the body.

Dry the baby as soon as possible after the bath

Immediately as you take your baby out of the tub, dry him with the help of a clean towel. Apply moisturizer suitable for your child’s skin and as recommended by dermatologists. You also need to make sure that your child is not exposed to any skin infections.

Do not expose your baby to chlorine or salty water

Both these ingredients are very harmful on your baby’s skin. Rinse your baby thoroughly in tap water after a swim in the pool and apply thick moisturizer while the skin is damp and wet.

Use a humidifier

Using a cool mist humidifier can be a good idea to prevent your baby’s skin from drying up.

Apply moisturizers

As far as moisturizers go, the general rule is the thicker the better. If your baby’s skin is still dry even with daily moisturizing, try switching from a lotion to a thicker cream or ointment. You might also want to consider moisturizing twice a day — once after bathing and once during the day.

Apart from these measures, protect your baby by making her wear warm clothes. Make your baby wear mittens in cold weather, so her hands won’t become dry in the winds.