Simple Winter Skin Care Tips for Babies

With the outside temperature dipping and the coming on of the furnaces, moisture has already begun to decrease in the environment. As a result, the skin which is the largest organ of the body has begun to protest and this is more in the case of babies. The winter weather is likely to be harsh on tender skin. Every mother tends to get worried as to how they should take care of their bundle of joy during the peak cold season. After all, we all know babies are more vulnerable and delicate than adults are. Here is a lowdown that will help to gear your little one up this winter season. Winter for your baby, especially if they are very young, may be really tough. Yet every mother can make this simpler by sincerely following the tips below. Here are ten winter skincare tips for babies that can keep their skin baby soft and smooth.

1. Baby’s Skin Care

Taking care of the baby’s tender skin is extremely crucial during the winters. As the skin of your baby is sensitive and delicate it demands regular care. Ensure to give your baby a sponge daily with lukewarm water. Also, give them an oil massage daily to build up immunity and improve blood circulation. Most importantly after every diaper change, clean the area properly and apply baby cream all over the nappy area to keep away from rashes. Also, do not forget the beautiful rosebud lips. Use a gentle lip balm or a coat of petroleum jelly to keep their lips kissably soft. For best results always use unperfumed baby products.

2. Keep Baby Warm During Bathtime

Before taking your baby for a bath, make sure that the room is cozy and warm. Use a heater in order to make the temperature of the room comfortable. Prepare everything before you start. Always keep the baby’s bath short, it should be somewhere between 5-10 minutes and not more. Use warm water, a liquid baby cleanser that is mild or plain water as per the need. Clean the folds regularly especially the neck area as spilled milk is likely to collect there. Use unscented baby wipes or a wet washcloth to wipe the neck area clean. When the baby begins crawling, rolling over, and consuming solid foods he/she will get dirtier thereby needing more regular baths. You can give them a sponge bath rather than getting them wet all over during extremely cold days.

3. Keep Fingernails Short

Trim your baby’s fingernails short to prevent scratching which can cause infection and skin irritation. This is hardly recognized as a winter skincare tip for kids but it can be really helpful. Itching leads to skin injury which leads to further itching and the cycle goes on.

4. Use a Humidifier

The electric heater may be extremely drying to the indoor air and this can result in dry, itchy skin, nosebleeds, and a dry throat. It also makes the skin dry by robbing the moisture.  It is best to place a humidifier in your room during the night as this will add to the air the much-needed moisture for winter skincare.  Simple hacks like keeping a bowl of water by the side of the heater or a piece of wet cloth in the room may do the trick. Often children are susceptible to nosebleeds because of dryness. If your child suffers from this apply Aquaphor or Vaseline inside the nose before bedtime.

5. Hydrate from within

Your baby will not require any additional liquids apart from breast milk or formula until their first birthday. Breast milk and water from a complementary feed (semi-solid) will keep your little one properly hydrated. It will also ensure that they receive all the vital nutrients which their body needs. On the other hand, toddlers must drink enough water to stay hydrated and this will keep their skin nourished.

6. Baby’s Scalp

It is your baby’s scalp which you may tend to overlook during the winter season. Check for dry scalp and dandruff. Pure coconut oil or unscented olive oil can be utilized in small amounts 3-4 times a week on the baby’s scalp. In fact, massaging itself is essential for the circulation of blood in the area.

7. Sunlight

You should never neglect the sun rays early morning or the softer sunlight during the afternoon in the winter. About 15 minutes of direct exposure to sunlight daily will make sure that your baby gets a sufficient supply of Vitamin D that is good for skin health. It will help to rejuvenate the skin. Avoiding sun exposure is recommended in white skin Caucasoid babies until one year of age because of the risk of skin cancer in the later years. But in darker skin communities like Indians, modest sun exposure benefits overweighs any risk.

8. Winter Skin Care Dress tips for Baby

Simply bundling the baby with layers of warm clothes will not be a good idea. In our quest to keep babies warm, they can actually get too warm. This can cause sweating which can further result in skin irritation or other skin problems. If the cold is not much severe, dress your baby in a few layers of soft, thin clothing. Decide the clothes depending on the temperature. Ensure to have the woolen headwear, mittens, and comforter at all times. Always cover their tiny feet with socks/ fabric shoes. Prior to putting on the woolens make sure that your baby has a thin, soft layer of cotton clothing. Do not forget to clean and disinfect the baby’s clothes. Germs resulting in skin rashes may travel from your hands. So wash your hands thoroughly before feeding the baby. Most importantly along with the fleece hats, fuzzy booties, and warm mittens also use an extra protective outer layer on the stroller to protect them against the elements like the cold winter wind.
Another winter skincare tip for babies is to make sure to always wash the baby bedding and any new clothes before using the same. It may appear clean yet it is sensible in getting them washed once using a non-perfumed, gentle cleanser in order to free the same against any germs that may affect the baby’s fragile skin. Besides, it will also help to soften the clothes. Last and most important, wash your baby’s clothes separately away from your laundry.

9. Use a Moisturizer

Moisturizers act as a magic wand for winter skincare for babies. It seals the moisture from your baby’s skin leaving it soft and supple. During winters the air becomes cold along with all the wind and the heat from the heaters and central air conditioners which can make the baby’s skin lose its natural moisture. As such using a moisturizer is very much needed. So lather your baby’s skin once he/she is out of their bath or anytime when you feel that your little one’s skin is craving for moisture.Another winter skincare tip for babies is to make sure to always wash the baby bedding and any new clothes before using the same. It may appear clean yet it is sensible in getting them washed once using a non-perfumed, gentle cleanser in order to free the same against any germs that may affect the baby’s fragile skin. Besides, it will also help to soften the clothes. Last and most important, wash your baby’s clothes separately away from your laundry.

10. Winter Skin Care Concerns

If you notice unusual skin irritations, chapped skin, red skin, rashes, eczema, frostbites or any other infection do not hesitate to consult with your pediatrician. They will guide you in the best way.

Wintertime does not mean remaining cooped up indoors. There is no certain cheat sheet when it comes to winter skincare regime for your baby. But there are some factors which you must closely pay attention to in order to make them winter-ready and take pleasure in the winter wonderland. Your little one’s skin is akin to the wings of the butterfly; their skin demands an equal amount of gentleness and tenderness. All new and first-time mothers gear up and get ready to embark on your journey to keep your baby healthy and happy this winter season. Happy Wintering!!!

These are some winter skincare tips for babies to take care of. If you think there are other points and tips which need to be mentioned then write in the comment section.

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