Just noticed cracked patches, rough and dry skin of your little angel? When the baby arrives in this world, the top layer of the skin dries and sheds a few days right after birth. It is no wonder dry skin happens to be common among babies. The good news is that baby’s dry skin can easily be treated using simple home remedies without any kind of medical intervention.
Here are some of the ways to prevent dry skin in babies:
1. Get rid of harsh soaps
Make sure you use soaps that are actually meant for babies as they are devoid of any harmful and harsh chemicals. Go for shower or bathing gels which contain added moisturizers and are mild on the skin. When you are out shopping for a baby soap, choose the ones that contain added moisturizers like oils. Don’t use soaps that contain added fragrance and alcohol because they can quickly dry your angel’s skin.
2. Restrict your baby’s bath time
When your baby spends too much in the bath tub particularly in hot water, it can easily wash away all the natural skin oils leaving your skin prone to dryness. Ten minutes is a good enough bath time for your baby and that too with warm water and not hot water. If your baby happens to be a tub lover, you can let him stay in the tub without water or really shallow water.
3. Make use of moisturizing lotions
After you give your baby a bath, make sure you use a moisturizing lotion on the entire body of the baby. You can even give an oil massage to your baby from head to toe. Moisturizers contain fat that form a thin layer on the skin. It helps to prevent any further loss of moisture.
4. Use a humidifier
If there is a worst enemy of your baby’s skin, it is dry air. It is only best to use indoor humidifier in the baby’s room. It helps to retain a good amount of moisture level and prevents any loss of water from your baby’s skin. It is highly recommended that you use cool-mist humidifier for babies.
5. Choose appropriate cloths for babies in winter
Make sure you dress your baby in winter clothes particularly when you take him outside. Cold air does not contain any moisture and can easily make the existing dry patches worse and accelerate skin dryness. Make your baby wear a full sleeved jacket and cover the baby’s hands with glove. Use a cap to cover the scalp and ears.
6. Keep your baby well hydrated
Hot weathers come with low humidity. In summers, make sure you give your baby enough fluids like breast milk and water. Babies who are breast fed should be given some extra feeds.
7. Make use of a baby laundry detergent
There is more to laundry care than just using natural fabrics. You should wash your baby’s fabrics solely in baby laundry detergents. Opt for a detergent that caters to laundries of a baby with sensitive skin.
8. Opt for clothes made of natural fabric
Natural fabrics like cotton tend to be gentler towards the baby’s skin because they let the skin breath easily and are non-abrasive. If your baby is a victim of dry skin, make sure you go for cotton clothes.
