By: Your baby’s skin may always seem soft and cuddle-worthy, but their sensitive skin also needs some tender loving care, especially in the winters. As babies are born with sensitive skin that is yet to be fully developed, it may be more prone to dryness and other such concerns, especially in the colder months. As the temperature drops during these months, their skin may become dry and itchy. Furthermore, due to the usage of room heaters, they may lose more moisture and thus their skin can become irritable, causing discomfort to the little ones. However, taking care of their skin is easy when you follow a few simple tips. As winters approach, many may also struggle with how to clean the baby’s skin. These hygiene tips will help you keep the baby’s skin clean, soft, and supple, all through the cold months!
Opt for lukewarm baths and use a gentle cleanser
As winters get colder, many parents choose to cut down on bath time and even skip baths for a day or two. If your baby’s skin is excessively dry, you can consult your doctor on skipping bath time, but most babies can do with a gentle bath or a quick wipe down with a wet cloth, on the colder days. Instead of running hot water, opt for lukewarm water so as not to lose more moisture. Use a gentle and baby skin-safe cleanser, devoid of artificial chemicals and odours for cleaning the baby’s skin every alternate day or whenever you feel like your baby needs some cleansing.
Brush away flakes or wipe down with a washcloth
Cradle cap is fairly common in newborns and even older babies can have dry and flaky skin in the winters. If it’s in the normal range, you can use a gentle cleanser and a soft-bristled brush or wet washcloth to gently wipe away the flakes. As tempting as it may be to clean it all in one go, even when it’s dry, resist the urge to do so, as it can redden the baby’s skin and make the condition worse. Most of these skin conditions become okay with time, but if your baby’s skin peels too much or becomes red and irritable, it is a good idea to see the baby’s doctor and ask for creams or cleansers that can keep the situation under control.
Moisturize the baby’s skin
While some may feel like a moisturizer may attract too much dirt, it’s good to remember that your baby’s skin is very sensitive and needs extra moisture to stay clean and soft. Especially in winters, when the temperature drops, the baby’s skin loses moisture very rapidly. So choose a non-oily and baby-safe cream or lotion and always check with your doctor before starting any new products. While a lotion is one way to keep the baby’s skin soft, there are other measures to take in winter to prevent moisture loss in the baby’s skin. If you are using a room heater, it’s a good idea to turn on the humidifier as well, as this will prevent clogged or stuffy noses and also help in retaining the moisture in the skin. Moreover, hydrating from the inside is also important during these months – this means that your baby needs enough fluids in the diet to stay hydrated. If you are breastfeeding your baby, continue to do so and it has all the essential nutrients. If your baby is on the formula, ask your doctor for any added fluids, if needed, that you can add to your baby’s feed time.
Use a good diaper to keep the baby’s toilet needs hygienic
Contrary to popular belief, winter is actually the essential time for diapers. As your baby pees more in winter and in regular intervals, you will need a diaper with superior absorption, to keep the baby’s skin dry and prevent the breakout of rashes. Keeping the baby’s skin dry is also important as wet nappies or clothes may cause your baby to catch a cold during these times. DIapers that fit well like pant style diapers also prevent leakage from the gaps and keep the baby dry and comfortable. If your baby is wet or irritable, especially during nap and bedtime, they may become fussy and refuse to sleep. Thus, it’s a good idea to choose a good quality diaper for the baby.
Use a gentle cleanser for the baby’s poo time
Gone are the days when every diaper change meant washing of the area – with the cold temperature, frequent washing can not only dry out your little one’s skin but can also cause them to catch a cold or flu. Thus it’s a good idea to choose a healthy alternative, like a baby-friendly wipe that cleans without harming the baby’s skin. Choose an alcohol-free wipe with natural ingredients that will lock in the moisture and effectively clean the area without any problems. You can choose MamyPoko extra clean wipes with criss-cross sheets that have a high moisture content, which doesn’t dry out the baby’s skin and leaves it clean, fresh and soft. Wipes are also handy baby essentials that you can always carry in your bag, so you can clean the baby’s skin efficiently even when you are traveling.
Keep the surroundings and baby essentials clean
While we may take utmost care when it comes to the baby’s hygiene requirements, sometimes the small things may slip our minds. A good way to remember this is by taking into account everything that comes in contact with your baby. Use a gentle and baby-safe cleaner for the baby’s room and the rest of the house, as this will prevent the baby from catching any germs or dirt from around the house. Also ensure that you wash the baby’s clothes and linens frequently with a soft formula, that will effectively clean the fabric and not irritate the baby’s skin. Moreover, as flu and other such diseases are common during this time, it is a good idea to keep a sanitizer or a cleanser easily accessible. Every time that you or any other family member picks up the baby or even the baby’s things, make sure to sanitize your hands well. This will prevent any germs or dirt transmission from the caregiver to the baby.
With these simple steps, you can take good care of the baby’s skin in winter with ease and keep it squeaky clean, soft, and supple! After all, nothing should stop cuddle time, isn’t it?
