Tips for Baby Skin Care in Winter

While the weather is still warm in most places, chillier temperatures are quickly approaching! And although baby skin is known for being soft, cold temperatures and harsh weather can quickly affect their delicate skin. Dry, itchy, and chapped skin isn’t just uncomfortable for the affected child — skin conditions are stressful for every member of the family. To prevent your little one from dealing with irritated skin this winter, follow these tips to keep their skin happy and healthy.

Moisturize often

Chilly temperatures are known for drying out skin, and your little one’s delicate skin is even more prone to dryness during the winter. Use a natural moisturizer that is safe for babies daily to keep their skin hydrated and protect their skin barrier. Ingredients like organic sunflower oil and olive oil help nourish and reinforce their skin barrier, which plays a huge role in avoiding dry patches. We formulate NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Cleanser and Moisturizer with these moisturizing ingredients for this very reason! Plus, these ingredients won’t disrupt their skin microbiome, further preventing redness and irritation.

Don’t forget sun protection

Even in the winter, harmful UV rays can cause irreversible damage to your little one’s skin. Choose a sunscreen that is safe for babies and apply to exposed skin whenever you step outside. If your child is younger than 6 months old, some sunscreen may not be safe for their skin. Instead of using SPF, protect their skin by covering up with long sleeves, pants, and a cozy hat.

Protect their lips and mouth area

Babies drool a lot. Frequent drooling can cause dry patches and irritation on and around their mouth and nose, especially in cold weather. Before taking your child outside in the winter, apply a gentle lip balm like petroleum jelly to protect their lips and mouth area from drooling-related dryness.

Avoid harsh chemicals and fragranced lotions

Harsh chemicals, fragrances, and other irritating ingredients can disrupt your child’s skin barrier and lead to rashes. Make sure that their lotions and other skin care products are formulated with natural ingredients that won’t irritate their sensitive skin. As for the diaper area, we recommend using NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Cleanser and Moisturizer to naturally clean their bottoms and treat diaper rash. Some parents even use NOLEO® as an all-over moisturizer for dry or eczema-prone skin, thanks to its gentle and effective ingredients.

Dress them in warm layers

Warm layers are often the first line of defense between a baby’s skin and harsh, chilly weather. Since young babies can’t regulate their own body temperatures, swaddling them up in cozy clothes will help keep them warm during the winter. Even in the winter months, make sure to check on their body temperatures to prevent overheating. If a baby gets too warm, they can develop heat and diaper rash. Using plenty of layers while dressing your baby is the best way to allow yourself to remove and add clothes as needed to keep them comfortable.

Avoid long and frequent baths

Too much exposure to water strips the skin of its natural oils that keep it moisturized. Since baby skin is extra sensitive, parents need to be even more careful not to bathe their little ones too frequently. Bathe your child only when necessary, about twice a week, to help stave off dryness during the winter months. Keep bath time to ten minutes or less and moisturize immediately after removing them from the tub. If you typically rinse your child after a particularly messy diaper blowout, switch to a moisturizing cleanser like NOLEO 3-in-1 to clean the area without drying their skin out. Simply use a pump of NOLEO® on as many soft cotton pads as necessary to get the job done.

Conclusion

Before chilly months come around, prepare yourself to protect your little one’s skin with these tips for baby skin care in winter. Using natural, moisturizing products, avoiding frequent bathing, and bundling them up in cozy layers are just a few of the ways that you can prevent dry, chapped skin. If you suspect that a skin rash on your child could be caused by something other than winter’s chill, don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.