baby skin: why hydration matters in winter
May 21, 2024
As a mum of 4 and a midwife, I understand just how important it is to cater to the delicate nature of baby’s skin. But one thing I didn’t realise until I became a parent was just how much the seasons can impact a baby’s skin! Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated goes deeper than just comfort.It’s all about ensuring their overall wellbeing. Throughout this blog, we will dive into why winter can be tough on a baby’s skin, the benefits of keeping your baby hydrated and practical ways you can incorporate this into your everyday life.
why is winter tough on baby's skin?
Throughout winter, the combination of cold temperatures and low humidity can create a challenging environment for your baby’s skin. The dry air can lead to an increased amount of water that is lost through the skin, which can have a disrupting impact on the skin’s barrier. But what does this mean for your baby? Dryness, flaking skin, irritation and even eczema flare-ups – something we were all too familiar with in our two middle children. Lifestyle factors during winter can also exacerbate these issues, including bathing your baby too often and dry indoor heating.
what are the benefits of massaging your baby?
Helping your baby maintain proper hydration is essential in laying the building blocks for healthy skin. Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated through a daily moisturising massage can help to improve elasticity and, therefore, reduce dryness, flaking and irritation. But more importantly, it can help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, which is essential for reducing irritation and improving baby’s overall wellbeing. In addition to improving your baby’s skin health, a daily massage, especially in the evening, is a great bonding and tummy time exercise for you and your baby to do together.
See the below graphic for a guide on how to massage your baby in winter
READ MORE: How to Massage Baby in 5 Easy Steps plus Many Benefits
hydration strategies for newborns in winter
During winter,breastmilk or formula are the primary sources of hydration for babies under six months. On those colder winter days, you may notice your baby wanting to breastfeed or formula feed more frequently to help them stay hydrated. For babies over six months, offering small sips of water throughout the day can help improve hydration and in turn, skin hydration. Due to baby’s kidneys not being mature, it is essential not to introduce water before six months. In the first few months, all your baby needs is breastmilk or formula.
During bath time, making sure the water is lukewarm rather than hot will help reduce moisture loss. When bathing your baby, it is essential to use cleansers that use natural fragrances rather than chemicals to avoid skin irritation and excessive dryness.
Pat dry rather than wiping your baby. Why does it matter? Well, our skin is more sensitive than we often realise. Rubbing vigorously can cause friction, leading to irritation, redness, and even damage to the skin's surface. This is particularly crucial for babies, whose delicate skin is still developing and requires extra care and attention.
Incorporating a nightly massage routine consisting of a back and tummy massage using hydrate or nourish can create a beautiful bonding experience, relieve stress, promote better sleep, encourage tummy time and support your baby’s skin health. It doesn’t need to be fancy; just a quick and simple massage will do the trick.
what products are best to use on my baby’s skin?
hydrate baby body lotion
‘hydrate’ is made specifically for delicate baby skin, including its calming products thanks to the natural calendula and roman chamomile. These ingredients work together to gently soothe your baby’s skin.
When should you use ‘hydrate’? To help prevent nappy irritations, use it after each bath, whenever your baby’s skin appears dry, or after nappy changes.
nourish baby massage oil
Another product that we are obsessed with is b.box body ‘nourish oil’ – which has a variety of different uses, from a gentle massage oil to addressing common skincare complaints, such as cradle cap. ‘nourish’ is a lightweight, non-greasy oil enriched with jojoba oil, Kakadu plum, mandarin and roman chamomile to replenish your baby’s moisture and soften any dry patches. Definitely a product that we don’t go anywhere without.
why b.box body?
One thing that is not well known is b.box body’s dedication to creating products that prioritise the health and wellbeing of families but also the sustainability of our planet. This is essential to me as a midwife and mum of four. So, when I stumbled across b.box body and learnt about their commitment to using natural ingredients and reusability with their refill packs, I was eager to dive into exactly what this brand had to offer.
In a world inundated with products full of harsh chemicals, some of which are even targeted at babies, b.box body’s natural ingredients initially stood out to me. Their innovative refill packs quickly became one of my favourite features. With the ability to reduce the constant waste that comes with parenting and reduce single-use products, b.box body is empowering parents to make better choices for their families and the planet.
what are common skincare problems for babies?
what if my baby develops dry, flaky skin?
If your baby’s skin is dry and flaky, it is essential to focus on rehydrating and nourishing the skin. Opting for a mild, fragrance-free moisturiser such as b.box body Hydrate or an oil such as Nourish that are designed specifically for babies can replenish lost moisture and soothe irritated skin.
Look for products that contain natural ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera, as these can provide gentle yet effective hydration without causing further irritation – this is where your b.box body ‘hydrate’ and ‘nourish’ will be your best friend.
are there any additional tips for sensitive skin?
After having two babies with eczema, I’ve found it is essential to choose non-fragranced products as they can significantly reduce irritation, dryness and itchiness. Chemical fragrances can be harsh on delicate skin, causing discomfort and redness. When browsing through the aisles, keep an eye out for gentle, hypoallergenic options specifically formulated for sensitive skin, such as b.box body ‘hydrate’, ‘nourish’ and “protect” for bub’s sensitive skin
READ MORE: 5 Signs of Sensitive Skin in Babies
is my baby drinking enough milk?
The best way to know that our baby is staying hydrated and getting enough is to monitor their output. Newborn babies should have 6-8 wet nappies in a 24-hour period (after the first week of life). If a baby becomes dehydrated, they will reduce the amount of urine they put out, they may be sluggish or lethargic, may not be putting on weight as expected, the soft spot on their head (fontanelle) may be sunken down, and you may have a gut instinct that something isn’t right.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to consult with a health professional immediately for guidance and reassurance.
conclusion
Winter poses unique challenges for newborn skin, but with consistent hydration practices and gentle, natural products like the b.box body range, you can ensure your baby's skin stays healthy and happy. Remember, consulting your GP or Paediatrician for any persistent concerns is always a good idea. Let's keep our little ones cosy and hydrated throughout the winter season!
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Written By Lauren Brenton Endorsed Midwife and Founder of One Mama Midwife Pty Ltd I’m Loz and I’m an Endorsed Midwife who runs Antenatal Classes in the Sutherland Shire. I have completed a Bachelor of Midwifery and a Master of Midwifery. My favourite area is in the labour ward, this is where you can find me most days. One Mama Midwife came about in the height of Covid in 2020, when so many women were missing out on the chance to have antenatal education. Aimed at empowering you with the tools you require to have the pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey that you want to have, with advice and recommendations you can trust. |