As the warm, sunny summer days fade and the temperature begins to drop, it’s important to adjust your baby’s skincare routine. Your baby’s skin is still in the process of developing so it needs extra care to overcome the challenges of the changing weather. Colder outdoor air combined with indoor heating can cause dryness and irritation, making your little one’s delicate skin more vulnerable. Along with switching up skincare products, you’ll need to modify your daily routine, such as when and for how long you take your baby outside, to keep their skin healthy throughout the fall and winter.
Baby Skincare Tips for The Fall and Winter
- Apply Baby Sunscreen Before Leaving Home
We associate sunscreen with summer but the fact is that your baby needs sunscreen when they’ll be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. While you may be tempted to just slather some of your own sunscreen on your little one before going out, this is not a good idea. Sunscreens for adults typically contain a lot of additional chemicals that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin which is why you should get a sunscreen for babies. There are plenty of baby sunscreens in the market and a review of the top baby sunscreens by experts and moms who have used them will allow you to compare products and choose one that suits your baby’s needs.
- Switch to a Thicker Moisturizer
When you live in an area with scorching summer heat, you can’t take your baby out for too long during the summer months. However, fall presents the perfect opportunity for your little one to enjoy the outdoors since the weather is cooler and not too cold. While lightweight moisturizers are perfect for summer, they don’t offer enough protection in cold months. Switch to a thicker moisturizer as these are occlusive in nature, meaning that they form a barrier on your baby’s skin. This locks in moisture and protects your baby from the cold dry air.
- Skip Daily Baths
You probably had to give your baby a daily bath or even multiple baths a day during summer. Daily baths are often necessary in summer not just to cleanse your little one but also to help them cool down. According to guidelines from the AAD (the American Academy of Dermatology Association), you can bathe your baby two or three times a week. When bathing your baby, make sure to rinse off all the soap as any residue can irritate your baby’s skin and could result in rashes. While it’s okay to bathe your baby just a couple of times a week, you need to clean their entire diaper area gently but thoroughly during every diaper change.
- Avoid Overheating
A lot of parents worry about their babies feeling cold when they go out so they dress them in thick clothing. However, this can result in overheating which will make your baby sweat and even cause skin rashes. Instead of dressing your little one in thick clothing, layer their clothes so that if you see that they are sweating, you can take off the outermost layer or layers. Fall and winter are not just cold, they are also dry which increases the risk of skin problems. Indoor heating will help to raise the temperature but you might need to use a humidifier in your baby’s room so that the air is not too dry.
- Be Mindful of Drool
The National Eczema Association warns parents that the dry air in winter along with drool can cause irritation on your baby’s chin and neck. Babies tend to drool more in colder weather which can lead to dry and chapped skin. When wiping drool off your baby’s face, use a clean, soft, and absorbent cloth and gently dab the area so that you don’t irritate the skin even further. If you notice dry skin, you can apply a protective ointment to your baby’s chin as this will act as a barrier from the continuous drooling.
Make it a habit to inspect your baby’s skin, especially the folds and creases for signs of irritation and dryness. If you notice any dry skin, start using a generous amount of moisturizer on the area until the dryness or irritation subsides.
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