Everyone is concerned about their skin care, especially in winter and of course, let’s not forget the most delicate creatures among us, babies. As the weather changes it is important to make the necessary changes to your baby’s skincare routine. Things like dry indoor air and chilly outdoor temperatures can lead to chapping, redness, and irritation of a baby’s sensitive skin. Babies are also more prone to outbreaks of eczema, a condition marked by areas of red, scaly, itchy skin on the face, elbows, knees, and neck and colds may cause your little one’s nose to constantly run, drying out the skin.
Babies under 6 months can’t regulate their body temperatures as well as adults, which is why you need to dress them in one layer more than what you’re comfortable in. However, an infant that is over-swaddled or who has too many layers will become overheated, which can irritate the skin, and lead to prickly heat. Prickly heat causes little red, itchy, pus bumps on the upper trunk and body folds. Babies are especially sensitive to temperature changes, so make sure your child isn’t too cold or too warm. A proper balance has to be maintained between clothing and skin care.
Tips in caring for your baby’s skin this winter:
Keep bath-time minimal: Avoid moisture escaping from your baby’s skin, don’t keep him in the bath for more than 10 minutes, and avoid using too hot water. And once he’s out, apply a moisturizer within three minutes to help lock in water. Also make use of alcohol/ fragrance free products.
Fragrance-free soaps and moisturisers: Soaps containing lipids are made with detergents, which remove a barrier on the skin that helps to hold in water. This causes the skin to dry out. Remember that fragrance-free aqueous creams can be lathered with warm water and can be a soap substitute for sensitive skin.
Avoid heat rashes: It’s not just a summer thing. If your baby’s bundled up, he can become overheated. Itchy red bumps appear when tiny sweat glands get clogged. Remember to dress your baby in breathable clothes and to layer clothing.
Don’t forget to moisturise their lips: Babies’ lips are always wet thanks to drooling, lip-licking, and drippy noses, and that moisture can break down the protective top layer of skin. This leaves lips vulnerable to cold, windy air. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or lip balm to create a barrier against the elements and to moisturize already-chapped lips.
Protect against the all-to-common rough, red cheeks: Chapped skin, which gets ruddy, peely, and even cracked, usually strikes the face, bottom, or spots where skin rubs, like the folds at the wrists. Limit baby’s time in the elements and make sure baby is covered when going outside. Using a thicker, greasier moisturiser will add to his natural barrier and help treat any skin that’s already chapped.
Don’t forget to use sunscreen even during winter: UV rays are still strong so if you will be spending more than 10minutes in the sun with baby, apply a baby-safe SPF 30 sunscreen.
Added pamper-time for your little one’s skin: Take advantage of this perfect opportunity to pamper your child from head to toe and keep his skin baby-soft. Give your baby massages to lock in extra moisture.
Protection against eczema: Winter tends to let eczema flare up. Bath your baby using non-soap cleansers. Avoid fragrance/colour, alcohol and perfumed products. Also minimise wool clothing.
Protection against cradle cap: A flaky scalp is a very common condition that occurs when the oil glands on the scalp go into overdrive. Greasy yellowish scales can cling to the scalp, hairline, and the skin behind the ears.
Use mittens and head covers (hats, caps and hoods) for your child’s winter wear: These will help protect the delicate skin on hands, face and head. Consider using accessories, including stroller that has covers or blankets to shield against wind.
Give baby water to drink: Make your baby drink an average amount of lukewarm water to keep the skin hydrated from within.
Avoid diaper rashes: During winter time, go for creams in place of baby powders in his or her diapers. Creams form a protective layer that protects against friction, moisture and discomfort.
The almost certain runny nose: Also apply a light coat of petroleum jelly inside baby’s nose, as harsh cold air can induce dryness in the nose and can result in bleeding at times. Check that your baby doesn’t rub his or her nose.
During winter your skin’s protective barrier cracks, drying it out and making it less able to repair itself. Exposure to the cold, harsh weather outdoors and heated indoor weather puts baby’s skin in different extremities, thus drying it out.When preparing your home, wardrobe and lifestyle for the cold winter months ahead it is important to adapt your baby’s skin care routine for the seasonal change as well. Making the necessary changes and adjustments to your little one’s skin care routine can save you a long winter red, dry cheeks.