Essential Winter Skincare for Babies: Tips for Soft, Healthy Skin For Infants

Winter weather can be harsh on a baby's sensitive skin, and dry, irritated skin is a common problem parents report in the winter time. Here is everything you need to know about winter skin care for infants, from how to choose a good moisturizer, to creating gentle bath time routines, to bundling up against cold air when you do go outside. Help protect winter skin and keep your little one comfortable all season long.

Understanding Your Baby’s Skin Changes in Winter

Baby skin is structurally different from adult skin, with a thinner skin barrier that’s more prone to water loss. This causes your little one's skin to become dry and flaky. Winter weather factors like cold temperatures, wind, and very dry air can dry out baby’s skin even more, leading to rough, scaly, and chapped skin.

A lack of strong skin barrier is associated with eczema, which commonly flares up for babies and children in winter, causing dry skin patches and rashes. Exposed areas of your little one's body are more likely to be affected by cold, dry air.

Cold weather can make baby’s skin more prone to irritation, so it’s essential for parents to keep products and the living environment free of common skin irritants. Because infant skin is still developing in the first few months of life, it is thinner, more fragile, and more sensitive than the skin of a child or adult, which is what makes them more likely to have skin issues during the winter.

How To Manage Dry and Sensitive Skin

Dry, chapped skin is common in babies and toddlers, especially during cold winter months! Genetics, teething drool, harsh products, and irritating foods can also trigger dry skin.

Simple skin care strategies can help restore smooth, silky skin for babies. Choosing fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products can help soothe a baby's dry skin. Choose products that are gentle enough not to irritate the affected area of skin, but thick enough to create a good barrier against harsh soaps, cold weather, and other lifestyle factors that can contribute to pesky dry skin.

Winter Skincare Routine for Babies: Get The Right Moisturizer

Apply a thick moisturizer without fragrance all over your baby's body daily at the first sign of dryness.

Thicker creams and balms are more effective than lotions. Petroleum jelly can be helpful for locking in moisture.

Avoid moisturizers containing botanicals, food, and fragrance, as these may irritate the skin barrier and make it worse for babies. A scented moisturizer might smell amazing, but in order to keep baby's skin safe, it's important to avoid fragrances and dyes.

Prevent contamination of your moisturizer by spooning creams out or using a moisturizer with a pump. Use clean, dry hands when applying.

Use a mild, soap-free cleanser for bath time, and avoid using bubble bath. Harsh soaps can disrupt your baby's natural oils in their skin, making them more prone to skin issues. You should also avoid hot water, which can further dry out the skin. Warm water or lukewarm water are better for baby's skin.

Always use a plush, soft towel to dry your baby's skin after a bath!

Protecting Baby’s Skin from Winter Air

Keep your child's skin covered and protected from cold temperatures and wind when you go outside this winter. Dress your baby in layers, including a hat and gloves, to minimize skin damage. Cotton clothing can be good for laying under bulkier winter outfits.

Use a plastic rain cover on the stroller to protect skin from wind and cold.

Take regular breaks indoors to warm up and prevent cold air-related issues

What Are Some Common Winter Skin Issues in Babies?

Even if you spend a lot of time indoors staying warm this season, your little one might still experience skin issues. These include:

• Chapped lips

• Wind burn

• Itchy, flaky skin

• Heat rash or other types of rashes

• Cradle cap (especially on a newborn baby's scalp)

• Snow burn (more likely to occur when the skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful rays reflected off the snow)

• Eczema

Your baby's delicate skin might have a hard time keeping in moisture, so it is important for parents to prevent winter skin care problems by choosing products that help keep baby skin smoothe and moisturized.

When to Seek Medical Attention For Your Child's Dry Skin

If their dry skin becomes cracked, spread, or painful, it’s time to call a doctor. If your baby has a temperature, is not feeding normally, or if you are concerned at all, see your child's pediatrician.

Remedies For Irritated Skin

Infantile acne, cradle cap, and heat rash are common in newborn babies and usually get better on their own over time, and can typically be treated at home with products that increase moisture.

Aside from standard remedies and creams, breast milk is also said to have healing properties, and can help soothe irritated skin. A breast milk bath, or simply applying some breast milk to the affected skin, might help your baby deal with dry, itchy skin.

Caring for Baby’s Overall Health This Season

When parents establish good skin care practices for their little ones, they help maintain the integrity of the infant skin barrier and prevent skin problems in the future. This includes things like appropriate cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.

Dress your baby in light, loose, soft clothing and use bedding made of cotton to prevent skin irritation. Avoid coarse, prickly fabrics coming in direct contact with your baby’s skin.

Creating a Healthy Skincare Habit For Your Baby

Establish a daily skincare routine that includes moisturizing and protecting your baby’s skin, especially after baths or going out in cold air. Use gentle, pH-neutral products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Avoid using heavily scented products on babies.

Avoid using talcum powder to keep your baby's skin dry in very moist areas (like the diaper area, or neck folds) and use creams with zinc or petroleum jelly to create a barrier between the skin and excess moisture.

Keeping your baby comfortable all season long includes proper skin care.

Babies have sensitive skin overall. They are more likely to be irritated by cold air, dry heat, harsh wind, and products that contain scents, dyes, and fragrances. With a little research, parents can learn to create an ideal routine to help their baby have healthy skin all season long.