Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Protecting Baby's Skin During Cold Winter

The cold, dry winter air can be brutal on your baby's delicate skin, but it doesn't have to be. With just a little extra care to baby skin, your baby's skin will remain as soft and supple as the day she or he was born.
Baby Moisturizers
Making sure your baby's skin is properly moisturized will help to prevent chapping. While it's always important to apply moisturizers before heading out in the cold, it's even more beneficial to moisturize immediately after her bath.
After having some delightful splash time in the tub, gently pat dry her skin with a clean towel. Be mindful not to rub the towel over the skin as you're more likely to irritate it. Then massage your baby lotion over slightly damp skin to help lock in the moisture.
Preventing Chapped Lips
Don't forget to care for those beautiful rosebud lips. Simply coat with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or gentle lip balm. This will create a barrier of protection from the cold and help to decrease the chances of chapped, cracked lips. Using a layer of petroleum jelly or thickened baby lotion a few times a day under the nose also works wonders for preventing raw skin from drippy little noses.
Heat Rash Occurs in the Winter Too
Strange as it may sound, your baby can get heat rash in the winter as well. This can happen when your baby is dressed to warmly or when she's sitting in an area (such as a car seat) with poor air circulation.
To prevent this annoying, itchy rash from plaguing your baby's skin, be sure to dress her in breathable layers. As her temperature heats up, removing a layer and place her in an area that is comfortable and well ventilated.
Managing Diaper Rash
Though there are many causes of diaper rash, luckily there are several types of diaper rash creams to help keep her rash in check. Change her diaper often and clean it thoroughly. Apply a layer of cream to ease the rash. For particularly problematic rashes, consider giving her some diaper-free time to allow her bum to air out.
Avoid Wet Gloves and socks : Wet socks and gloves can irritate your baby’s skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, etc.