
Your baby’s beautiful, kissable, soft, and sweet-smelling skin is incredibly sensitive, so it can easily become prone to dryness. Dry skin in babies is usually nothing to worry about, and managing it is simple when you know how.
Read on to find out what causes dryness in baby skin, what it looks like, how to tell the difference between dry skin and something like eczema that may need a different treatment, and finally our five tips to managing it.
Dry skin is very common in children, and has many causes, including:
Babies (and adults) will get a bout of dry skin from time to time, and it can come up anywhere on the body. In babies, it’s commonly seen on their arms, face, feet, legs, and lips. Symptoms include:
Dry skin and eczema can have some symptoms in common. Here’s how you may be able to tell the difference, but always talk to your GP if you’re unsure because it affects every child differently:
The best way to manage your baby’s dry skin is to manage the underlying causes. If their dry skin doesn’t improve with the following treatments, or it becomes worse, please see your baby’s doctor. They may suggest certain moisturisers or bath washes, or refer you to a dermatologist.
Ensure the bath temperature is close to lukewarm if possible (heat the bathroom instead in the cooler weather), and only use a small amount of natural, soap-free bath wash. It doesn’t even need to be daily, and you could use plain water on the other days. Use a soft towel to pat dry their skin after the bath.
After the bath, use a thick, hydrating, fragrance-free, non-irritating moisturiser. Reapply once or twice throughout the day and before bed. You might need to add more moisturiser to their face and lips when you go outdoors on a cold day. Use cotton cloths to gently wipe a runny nose or pat away any drool.
Make the air less dry by using a cool air humidifier, fans instead of long periods of air-conditioning use, and minimise close contact with heaters. A cooler room overnight is best for avoiding overheating (which is also a SIDS risk).
When indoors, dress your baby in loose, breathable cotton clothing, and when heading outdoors, add the appropriate layers to reduce exposure to cold, dry air. For instance, you may need a hat and gloves to protect their skin from the elements.
Even during the cold months, babies need to be kept hydrated. Make sure they get plenty of fluids from breastmilk or formula. Offer cooled boiled water after six months when necessary.