Winter is the season of snowfall and ski weather, but it’s also the season of chapped lips and dry skin. When the winter breeze blows and temperatures dip down to below freezing, it’s no secret that it takes more concentrated effort to care for your baby’s skin. Babies are fragile enough as it is. Leave it to the elements to make tending to their sensitive skin even more challenging. But have no fear, we’ve got some simple suggestions to make sure you handle the weather with grace and ease so your little one’s skin is as soft as can be.
BABY
7 Ways To Look After Your Baby's Skin In The Winter Months
no. 1
Moisturize Daily
Before heading outside, moisturize your baby’s skin by gently massaging them with baby lotion, baby oil or coconut oil. This is also important after bathtime to lock in moisture. Plus, massaging your baby with lotion can help them fall asleep and serve as a nighttime bonding ritual for you and your baby. It’s important to choose products with a water or oil base but without too many other complicated ingredients. If you’re not sure what’s best to use, consult your pediatrician for recommendations.
no. 2
Protect Their Mouths
Drool, spit, and slobber are just a part of baby life, but when it’s chilly out, it’s extra important to wipe their faces often to avoid irritation. In order to avoid cracked lips, apply a layer of petroleum jelly each time before going out into the big wild world and bracing the cold.
no. 3
Use Best Bathtime Practices
Too much tub time can actually be a bad thing, especially in the winter. It’s important to keep your baby clean, but it’s not necessary to bathe them every single day as this can cause skin to dry out. If you don’t already, consider bathing them every other day or three days a week, and use a damp cloth to wipe down the diaper areas on non-bath days. It’s also crucial to ensure that the bath water is lukewarm as hot water can cause skin to become overly dry.
During bath time, be sure to clean them gently with a sponge and avoid using scented soaps or shampoos. Simple, clean baby products are best. Remember that a baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than yours so extra care and attention will help you protect it.
No. 4
Be Selective With Fabrics
It’s obvious that you have to be selective about what products you use on your child’s skin, but it’s equally important to consider what fabrics you’re putting them in. That’s where Livly comes in! We use the highest quality Pima cotton to ensure that your little love bugs are snuggly, cozy and cared for. If it weren’t for her twin daughters’ supremely sensitive skin, Lisa Carrol may have never ventured to Peru to source the super fabrics that make up the Livly lines. Mothers will always go the extra mile for their babies, but luckily for you, you don’t have to book a flight to South America to find fabrics that are soft enough for your baby. We’ve taken care of that for you.
Fabrics for the season
no. 5
Layer, Layer, Layer
In the winter, your baby is more prone to frostnip (frostbite’s less lethal cousin). It’s extra important to make sure you’re clothing them in a sufficient amount of layers and covering their hands and feet properly. A scarf, hat, mittens, thick socks and boots, and an insulated coat with a hood are all essential. It’s also a good idea to bring a blanket for the car seat when moving from point A to point B.
no. 6
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Your baby still needs sun protection in the cold months. On sunny snowy days, the reflection of sunlight on the snow can be just as potent as sunshine on the beach. Be sure to apply some baby-safe sunscreen on their faces before heading outside as an extra precaution.
no. 7
Watch Your Heat Habits
When the winds are whistling and the air is biting, it’s tempting to make the interior of your home warm and toasty. However, turning up the heat too much can end up drying out your baby’s skin (and your own!) and create too much contrast when you transition from the outdoors to the indoors. Keep it warm enough to be comfortable, but cool enough to want to dress warm and cover up at night.
We hope these tips are helpful for those of you trying to make sure your baby is protected from the winter air. We’ve even got a bonus tip for you: extra cuddles are strongly encouraged. Stay warm out there, mamas!
