Do you have a baby with dry skin? Our babies and young ones are always pictured as having smooth skin, but like adults, they too can get dry skin.
Why does my baby have dry skin?
Because your little one’s skin is so precious, it’s hard to believe that it can get a bit dry. But In fact, because their skin is more delicate, it is more susceptible to dryness.
Temperature can also contribute to dry skin in children. Cold, dry weather outside or indoors can rob skin of its natural moisture. Also, if your child is already prone to dry skin, he or she may break out in dry patches during warmer weather, as the sun, air conditioning, and pool water can be drying.
How to Treat Baby with Dry Skin
Dry skin can definitely be uncomfortable for your little one. To treat your child’s skin dryness, follow these helpful tips:
1. Avoid long, hot baths.
Long baths in hot water can dry your child’s skin, stripping away the skin’s natural oils. Opt for 10-minute baths using lukewarm water. If your child wants extra time to play in the tub, have him play before you wash him so he won’t be sitting in soapy water for a long time.
2. Apply moisturizer.
Immediately after bath time, quickly pat your baby dry with a towel, then apply moisturizer or lotion. This locks in the moisture on his skin. You may also want to moisturize twice a day: once after bathing and sometime during the day.
3. Don’t let chlorine or salt water dry on their skin.
Chlorine and salt water can dry out your child’s skin. So after play time in the pool or the beach, rinse off quickly with tap water. Apply moisturizer or lotion while his skin is still damp.
4. Use a humidifier.
If the air in the room is dry, this can contribute to skin dryness. Invest in a cool mist humidifier and keep it in your child’s room.
5. Keep your child hydrated.
It is also important that you keep your little one’s skin moisturized from the inside out. Offer your child plenty to drink to replace the moisture that leaves his skin. For babies, make sure they get plenty of fluids from breast milk or formula.
6. Use laundry products that are safe for baby’s skin.
Laundry products with perfumes or harsh ingredients can irritate or dry out your child’s skin. Choose laundry products that are marked as safe for babies. Also, you may want to rinse their clothes twice to thoroughly remove all traces of product residue.