Your baby's dry skin is common, especially in winter. A baby's skin is more delicate than an adult's, making it prone to moisture loss. Several factors contribute to dryness.
Causes of Dry Baby Skin
- Environmental Factors: Dry air, especially during winter, can quickly dehydrate your baby's skin. Hot water in baths also strips away essential oils.
- Irritants: Certain soaps, detergents, and even some fabrics can irritate and dry out a baby's sensitive skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lists water, hot water, and chemical irritants as key contributors.
- Underlying Conditions: Conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) are common causes of dry, itchy, bumpy skin in babies. Eczema causes the skin to lose moisture and become inflamed. Seborrheic dermatitis, another condition, leads to dry, scaling, and thickened skin, often on the forehead, cheeks, and behind the ears.
What to Do
- Moisturize: Regularly apply a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer after bathing. Thicker creams or ointments are more effective than lotions for severe dryness. (BabyCenter)
- Warm Baths: Avoid hot water; warm water is gentler on your baby's skin.
- Hydration: Ensure your baby gets enough fluids. (WhatToExpect)
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier, especially in winter, helps add moisture to the air. (WhatToExpect)
- Gentle Detergents: Use mild, fragrance-free detergents for washing your baby's clothes and bedding.
- Clothing: Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton.
Remember, if your baby's dry skin is accompanied by other symptoms like persistent itching, redness, or rash, consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying conditions like eczema. (Cleveland Clinic)
