The official start of winter is a few days away, but falling temps make it feel like we’re already in the deep freeze.
That’s why it’s important to protect and take care of our skin—especially the delicate skin of our little ones.
When I was a first-time mom, I remember being terrified of exposing my daughter to the frigid air and brutal winds. Her already dry skin would turn bright red the minute we stepped outside and the moisture would zap immediately—leaving behind cracked, ashy skin.
In addition to bundling your bundles of joy with layers of outwear, protecting their precious skin underneath is the key to healthy, hydrated skin.
I recently caught up with Dr. Tanya Altmann, a California-based pediatrician and Baby Dove partner who offered tips on how to keep our babies’ skin healthy all season long.
Q: How can you best prepare your baby’s skin care routine for the colder weather?
Dr. Altmann: Cold, dry winter weather often causes dry, chapped, irritated cheeks. Cleansing with a mild wash helps prevent dryness and protects skin’s natural barrier and locks in moisture. In addition, apply a mild lotion to baby cheeks regularly, or as frequently as needed to prevent chapping.
Q: If you notice a rash on your baby’s skin, what’s best practice to figure out what it is and how to treat it?
Dr. Altmann: If you find your baby’s bottom becoming red or irritated, wash your baby’s bottom each night with a sensitive, mild moisturizing baby wash and let it air dry. Consult your pediatrician about using a diaper rash cream for a few days if the redness and irritation continues and if it worsens, see the doctor in person.
Q: What baby skin issues do you see most often flare up during the colder months of the year?
Dr. Altmann: Chapped skin, especially dry chapped cheeks. In addition, any skin issues like eczema that anyone has can often be worse when the skin gets dried out during cold winter months due to indoor heaters and dry air.
Q: Are their issues more prevalent in babies with darker skin tones?
Dr. Altmann: Darker skin tends to show more irritation and scaring from itching, rashes, cuts and scrapes compared to lighter skin. It is also common for darker skin to lose hydration more quickly. Ensuring skin is hydrated is extremely important. Use a cleanser with ¼ cup moisturizing cream, such as Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash. This formula helps to repair the skins natural barrier for added protection. To lock-in moisture, apply Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion after bathing as well
Q: Are there fabrics you should avoid with babies?
Dr. Altmann: Avoid rough, non-breathable fabrics. Dress baby in layers to avoid overheating and sweating when going indoors with heat.
How do you keep your baby’s skin in tip-top shape during the cold winter months?
GIVEAWAY: Would you like to try Baby Dove? If so, leave a comment or Tweet me @BrownGirlGumbo telling me how you plan to keep your baby’s skin healthy this season and you’ll win a Baby Dove collection. One lucky winner will be randomly selected and notified via email by December 20, 2017. This contest is only open to U.S. residents.
Didn’t know Dove had baby products. I can’t wait to check them out in my local store. I make sure to keep my little one’s skin thoroughly moisturized throughout the year, especially during the winter. Thanks for the giveaway.