Babies get dry skin just like anyone else - they just can't pull out their industrial-sized Jergen's and take care of it. Severe dry skin can turn into painful eczema or just flaking skin. Here are some of the best ways to treat your baby's dry skin.
- You may want to put a humidifier in your baby's room. Indoor heating or air conditioning can dry out the baby's skin, and a humidifier will put more moisture in the air.
- Give the baby shorter baths. Long, frequent baths remove natural, healthy oils and dry out your baby's skin. If you want to give your baby a bath every day (i.e. because he or she is wearing a diaper and really, that should be cleaned up), make it a short one - 10 minutes or so. Use soap sparingly, and make sure the water is warm but not too hot. This will prevent excessive drying.
- Put on moisturizer or baby lotion immediately after the bath to hold in the moisture from the bath. Gentle, unscented lotions are the best for small babies. Thicker moisturizers are more effective, so if your baby's skin is still dry with one moisturizer, try switching to something thicker.
- Make sure that your child is protected from the elements when you go outside. Cold air is one of the worst things for dry skin, so make sure your baby is covered up - wearing a hat, bundled up as much as possible, etc.)
- Itchy red patches on the skin are signs of eczema. If they develop, make sure to pay special attention to those areas and moisturize them vigilantly. If they don't clear up, ask your doctor for suggestions about dealing with eczema.
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A happy baby is a well-moisturized baby, so make sure that you pay attention to your baby's skin to keep him or her comfortable and happy.
How to Treat a Baby's Dry Skin
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