Winter Skin Care Tips, Home Remedies for Newborn Babies and Infants

Your newborn baby's or infant's skincare becomes all the more important in winters due to the cold and dry weather that takes away all the natural moisture off the skin. Winter is hard on the child skin because the cold temperatures, harsh winds, and low humidity make the skin drier than normal. Children have sensitive skin, and the dry weather during winter can be demanding on their delicate hands, face and lips. Simple and home made remedies are not only safer but helpful in preserving the gentleness of your child's skin in the long run.

Natural Home Remedies to Keep Your Child's Skin Moisturized 

From moisturizing lotions, creams, gelsand balms, we are spoilt for choice by the endless winter care products in order to keep our little one's skin soft and healthy. However, it is vital for your baby's skin to be moisturized from the inside as well, and that can only happenthrough a proper diet. 

Winter Skin Care Tips for Newborn Babies

Babies need that ‘extra care' in winters because their skin is perhaps most gentle and sensitive.The ability to regulate body temperature is not developed in infants at that tender age and we need to dress them accordingly. Keeping the temperature regulated inside the house is advisable. Here are some winter skin care tips for very young babies. Follow these tips for natural moisturizing from within.

1. Staying hydrated: Keep your child well hydrated. Encourage your child to drink water.
   • Dehydration is one of the reasons for dry nose, lips and mouth. Make it a point that your kids drink warm liquids throughout the day
   • Pamper them with hot soups of all kinds; tomato soup, spinach soup, vegetable soup and so on
   • Include juicy fruits and vegetables in their diet
2. Healthy oil options: Use healthy options such as olive oil in your cooking, to provide essential lubrication.Consuming flax seed oil or cod liver oil may help inmoisturizing the skin from inside
3. Diet: Include nuts and seeds, like soaked and blanched almonds, soaked walnuts, and flaxseeds in your child's diet.
   • Nuts and seeds are a perfect snack between meals, as they contain Omega-3 fats which are healthy fats, and fiber
   • Make sure that your child has whole milk and milk products such as fresh cheese, cottage cheese and ghee to maintain the moisture balance from within
   1. Water temperature:Avoid using very hot water for bathing in winters. Hot water can deplete your child's skin off its protective oils.Use warm water, which will be gentle on your child's skin. You can also reduce the shower or bath time.
   2. Massage: A pre-bath oil massage works wonders in winter season.
      • You may usethe traditional mustard oil or nourishing oils as coconut, almond, sesame, or aherbal oil meant for body massage, especially in winters.
      • Opt for oils which do not clog the skin pores
      • If possible, keep the oil for at least 15-30mins before your child goes to shower so that the same is absorbed by the skin
      • If time is a constraint, try these on weekends. Massage is also good for building the immunity as it improves blood circulation
   3. Use mild soaps: It is better to use mild soaps in winters.
      • Soaps based on natural oils and glycerin may turn out to be a healthieralternative
      • If your child is cooperative, use some homemade non-soap herbal cleanser recipes like milk or milk cream mixed with gram flour
   4. Moisturizers: Applying moisturizer or petroleum jelly immediately after the bath helps the skin to absorb it effectively. Oil based moisturizers are better than the water based ones for winters.
      • Chapped lips are common in winter and they hurt as well
      • Advice your child to avoid licking the lips often and not to bite the skin on the surface of lips
      • Keep a lip balm handy for your child. Some natural remedies such as applying ghee to the lips and giving it a gentle massage and leaving it overnight helps too. Honey, Aloe Vera Gel, malai or Milk cream act as a natural remedy for chapped lips during winter
      • You may continue to use sun screen for your child in winter to prevent winter sun damage
   5. Fabrics: Cotton fabrics allow the skin to breathe and this in turn would prevent skin chaffing resulting from the friction caused by woolen fabrics
   6. Bedtime care:Make bedtimes cozy and warm for your child. A gentle moisturizing massage for the hands and legs followed by covering the heels with a pair of socks helps in retaining the moisture throughout the night. Cuddle up with your child for the bedtime story
   1. Reduce frequency of baths:A daily bath may not be required for babies in winter. You may choose to alternate between sponge baths and regular baths.
   2. Massages: A daily oil massage will help keep the skin supple, and improves blood flow and circulation.
   3. Soap: Use a mild soap that is formulated specifically for babies, considering how delicate your baby's skin is.
   4. Lotion: Baby lotions with greasier contents seem to be more effective during winter. Baby creams and lotions can be used instead of baby powders. Creams form a protective layer that can protect against friction and discomfort.
   5. Protect against frostbite:Babies are vulnerable to frostbite and their lips tend to dry out developing into painful sores. To prevent frostbite, apply a good quality lip care jelly,especially made for babies every 2 to 3 hours.
   6. Staying hydrated:Hydrate your baby internally as well. Depending on your baby's age, breastfeed him regularly, or give him adequate amount of lukewarm water every day. Breast feeding will provide your baby natural immunity. For babies older than 6 months,one may give dal water and homemade soups too.
   7. Clothing: Natural fabrics are better for allowing your baby's skin to breathe.
      • Ideally, avoid direct contact of skin with wool
      • Dressing up your baby in few thin layers is better as, if it gets too cold or warm, you can add or remove one layer as and when required
      • Keep woolen caps, mittens, socks, blankets and booties handy
   8. Strollers and carriers: When going out with your baby, consider using a stroller that has covers or blankets. You can also use a baby carrier strapped across your chest so that your body heat keeps the baby warm and shields your baby against the harsh winds

Skin Care Regime For Your Children in Winter

The winter season is full on... Rejoicing this winter with your family and kids can be totally fun if you fully equip yourself to meet the health and skin care challenges it brings along. Simple and wise precautions in our family’s hygiene and skincare regime may help you make this winter season enjoyable. Your child's skin is delicate and requires extra care during winter to remain soft and healthy.