My babies have sensitive skin.
With the cold, dry weather coming, I am anticipating another winter of skin issues, just like all the previous winters since having children. Everyone who struggles with dry, sensitive skin knows that things get bad at this time of year.
In the winter, my children’s hands crack. Their cheeks stay constantly rosy because of how dry they are. Their lips chap. We’ve also dealt with unexplained hives on both of our children, though that isn’t unique to the winter.
Mamas like me know we have to take strong action to combat the winter dry, sensitive skin woes. Sometimes combatting dry, chapped, winter skin isn’t just about the products we choose to use. It is about our everyday actions. These tips will work for the whole family, from the very littlest babies to Mom and Dad!
Don’t linger in the tub
Ironically, more tub time can contribute to dryer skin. Feel free to skip a few daily baths, and try to keep tub time to 10 minutes or less. Focus on getting clean instead of soaking and don’t use hot water.
Moisturize
Since baths can dry out skin, moisturize afterwards and try to keep up a moisturizing regime every 12 hours. Don’t forget about those lips! If you notice your child has dry lips, add lip balm to your nightly routine. My kids have their own tubes in their toothbrush drawer and apply every night after they brush.
Humidify
We all know what a dry house feels like in the winter. Consider getting a cool-mist humidifier for your child’s room or something a little bigger for the house. The outside air is damaging enough for our skin, make your inside air a little more soothing.
Stay hydrated
Staying well hydrated can do wonders for our skin too. Encourage little ones to keep drinking! While I know some people think sippy cups aren’t great for childhood development, I am all for encouraging children to walk around during the winter with non-spill cups full of water so that they can take sips whenever they want. If you’re breastfeeding, try to breastfeed a little more often to encourage this same hydration. And don’t forget to stay hydrated yourself!
Change diapers often
Trust me on this one – a bad diaper rash can be hard to get rid of (I have a recent trip to the pharmacy about this very issue to back my statement up). When your children are already experiencing skin issues, it is important to be extra careful to avoid diaper rash. The best way to do this is to take soiled diapers off quickly and to even encourage bare bum time. Use a trusted barrier cream to keep the wetness off the skin, even before signs of rash show up.
When you are purchasing trusted products to keep skin feeling healthy and soft in the winter, consider that you might want more than one option for ease of use. I have hand cream at my desk at work and beside my bed at home (I need some for my purse). My favourite lip balm can be found on my desk, by my bed, in my purse, and in my car. I have a glass of water going wherever I am, and it might be great to also have a sippy cup for the kids in the rooms they hang out in most.
Do you suffer from dry skin in the winter? What are some of your best tips and tricks for dealing with them?
Thanks to Disney Baby for sharing some of these great tips with me. I am a Disney Baby Mom which means I am sent blogging topics and great Disney products for baby.
