Taking care of your baby’s skin in winter is essential, as this time of year has a harsh effect on the skin. The combination of cold and heat can easily cause dryness and irritation.
If special emphasis is placed on caring for your baby’s skin, it’s because this is much more delicate than that of an adult. Therefore, it requires more detailed measurements. Add to this the fact that some children are more prone to developing dry skin.
The solution is to take care of your baby’s skin carefully at this time of year in particular. How to do it? Just apply a few simple tricks; Also, keep in mind that some practices need to be avoided.
Effects of cold on baby’s skin
It must be taken into account A child’s skin is five times thinner than an adult’s.. That is, between 40 and 60% thinner. It also has little Subcutaneous fat. This leads them to lose body heat more easily.
Moreover, the skin is particularly sensitive to external agentslike cold, wind and heat. In addition, baby’s skin has a neutral pH and this makes it more prone to irritation and infection.
Both the cold and sudden changes in temperature can cause alterations in the baby’s skin barrier. The consequence of this is the redness and peeling of the skin, accompanied by itching, tightness and burning.
The areas that tend to be most affected are the cheeks, lips and back of the hands. Even the area around the eyes can be punished by low temperatures and cold wind.
Tips for taking care of your baby’s skin
The best way to take care of your baby’s skin in winter is to take preventive measures. It’s nothing fancy, but a set of simple practices that you shouldn’t ignore, if you don’t want trouble. The main ones are as follows.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature
Sudden changes in temperature not only affect the baby’s skin, but can also cause various health problems. Therefore, It is very important not to have heating very high in the house and not too hot.
Be careful when you get out of the car. If exposed to sudden changes, dryness could be the result on the skin. It is highly recommended to have a humidifier in the room where you sleep, as it helps regulate your body temperature.
Hydration, a fundamental aspect
Hydration is essential for taking care of your baby’s skin in winter. It’s a problem that needs to be worked on 24/7. It is best to use a lotion that is suitable for your skin.. In general, you have to reapply it every three to four hours. It is convenient to moisturize your lips with petroleum jelly.
At this point, the humidifier is also important. Heating and dry winter air remove a lot of humidity from the environment and, therefore, this precaution is necessary. On the other hand, don’t forget to give him milk and liquids regularly, as hydration must also be internal.
moderate bathrooms
don’t give him a bath with very hot water, as this also promotes dryness. Indeed, it is better not to wash it every day but two or three times a week. Bathing in winter should last 5-10 minutes.
It is important to dry your skin very well after bathing. Gently pat it with the towel instead of rubbing it. It is highly recommended to apply a cream or oil afterwardsas this forms a protective film which will come in handy.
Always use sunscreen
The winter sun also emits dreaded UV rays. Furthermore, the snow reflects these rays and, therefore, also causes sunburn. So an important measure to take care of your baby’s skin during this period is apply sunscreen every time you leave the house if your baby is older than 6 months.
Avoid diaper rash
You always have to take care of the baby from diaper rash, but during the winter this is even more important. The heat caused by wearing multiple layers of clothing increases the risk of this problem occurring. If the child has a rash on the bottom, apply not the powder, but a cream with zinc or petroleum jelly.
Do daily massages
Massages activate blood circulation and make the skin more elastic and smooth. The most advisable thing is to do a 10-minute massage every day. There are natural oils that make the massage more pleasant, but they can also attract dirt to the skin. Therefore, periodic bathing should not be neglected.
Beware of eczema
If at any time your child develops eczema, the indicated thing is to wet it frequently with a detergent that does not contain soap. It is also good to wash the area twice a day and dry it gently. If the appearance of the skin does not improve, it is best to consult your paediatrician about the measures to apply.
take care of dandruff
It is common for babies to have milky dandruff on their little heads. So don’t be surprised if you see flakes of fur when you take off the hood. This is a result of the oil glands in the scalp and usually goes away on its own. Applying a soft oil helps reduce dandruff.
Appropriate clothing and shelter
Clothing in direct contact with the child’s skin must be made of soft and breathable material and, if possible, natural fibers such as cotton. It’s best to dress him in layers, so that clothing can be removed and put on without being so bulky. Please note that some children may be allergic to wool.
Products to avoid
The market is filled with baby products, and so much variety and cross-information can be overwhelming. There are some items that you need to be especially careful with, as they can be harmful. Among them are the following.
Moisturizing
Generally, moisturizers containing perfume or alcohol should be avoided. These elements can cause irritation and are therefore not recommended. The most suitable are medicated lotions and if there are very dry areas, creams or ointments are a good alternative.
Toiletries
Similar criteria as for moisturizers should be applied. Products that contain fragrances, deodorants or detergents are not good. The child doesn’t need all of this. It is best to use a soap-free cleanser.
Sun protection
No child under 6 months should use sunscreen.. At that age it is advisable to protect them with a stroller cover and limit the time they are exposed to the sun. Older children should use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, but shouldn’t be in the sun for too long.
Take care of food and house temperature
It is not recommended to over wrap the baby during this period, as this can cause counterproductive effects. It is important to include hydrating foods in your diet which also strengthen your immune system.
So many tips for taking care of your baby’s skin in winter may seem overwhelming at first. However, if you adopt them little by little, they will quickly become part of your routine without you realizing it. If a rash appears, consult your pediatrician.
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