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If you want to raise a healthy baby, do not keep them indoors all the time. This valuable advice from specialists applies all year round, even during the cold months. Winter is a wonderful season for walking, even for the youngest ones, as it helps keep their energy, strengthens their immune system, and ensures their future health. So, grab your hats and gloves, put on your jackets, and head outside, just do not forget the skincare products that protect your baby’s skin from the cold.
Skincare as a "Protective Layer"
According to specialists, healthy children's skin is not more sensitive in winter than in warmer seasons. However, lower temperatures, cold winds, and humidity can irritate or dry out the skin, often causing redness and itchy rashes on exposed areas. To spare your little one from this discomfort, pediatricians recommend not only warm clothing but also a special "protective layer" for the skin.
Winter skincare products for babies create a film over their delicate skin, acting as a protective layer against harsh environmental conditions. Applying a thin layer of cream before every outing is essential, as a baby’s skin is still developing its protective barrier. The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, is 20% thinner in children than in adults. This makes it easier to moisturize but also more prone to dehydration.
Another key feature of a baby’s skin is its lower lipid content. A few weeks after birth, the sebaceous glands reduce their activity and stop producing sebum. This explains why baby and toddler skin is drier and more sensitive. When the so-called water-lipid barrier is disrupted, various microorganisms and allergens can penetrate the skin more easily, potentially leading to skin conditions, experts explain.
Hydration Against the Cold
All products that moisturize and nourish sensitive baby skin are an excellent choice for winter outings. In the first months after birth, pediatricians recommend using natural products like olive oil or coconut oil, followed by hypoallergenic skincare products.
It is best to choose creams and lotions, including bath shampoos, which are based on plant oils. Products rich in omega-6 fatty acids, evening primrose oil, grape seed oil, licorice root extract, and almond oil are ideal. Cosmetics containing green tea oil, amber oil, licorice extract, vitamin PP, fructooligosaccharides, squalene, and ceramides can be very effective against itching. For more serious issues, pediatricians recommend products with higher levels of copper or zinc. Expensive products are not necessarily better; just pay close attention to the ingredients, specialists advise.
Before heading out, apply a thin layer of moisturizing cream on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. Don’t forget the lips, as they also dry out in the cold. The combination of moisture and cold can make the skin rough. If dryness persists, consult a pediatrician.
If you’re in the mountains where there is a lot of snow, use skincare products with a higher sun protection factor—at least SPF 30. Snow reflects harmful sun rays much more intensely than water or beach sand, so sunscreen in winter should not be overlooked.
Doctors also recommend taking babies outside around noon or early afternoon when temperatures are higher. Prolonged walks are not advisable in temperatures below freezing, high winds, or foggy conditions.
Post-Walk Skincare
The main stress factor for a baby’s skin is the transition from cold outdoor air to warm indoor temperatures. That’s why many dermatologists advise parents to turn off the heating while outside and use this time to ventilate rooms. This provides fresh air at home and prevents the baby’s body from experiencing sudden temperature changes.
If you’ve spent a long time in the cold and want to warm up your baby’s chilly hands and feet, do not use warm water. Warm water is known to have a drying effect, and even lukewarm water may feel hot and cause discomfort. Instead, warm your own hands and gently massage your baby’s hands and feet until they warm up. Afterward, apply a thin layer of moisturizing cream or baby oil.
The same practice applies to evening baths. Bathwater should not be too warm, and bathing should not last too long. Daily baths are unnecessary—2–3 times a week for about 10 minutes at 37°C is ideal. Immediately after, apply a rich cream, wrap your baby in a soft towel, and enjoy plenty of cuddles with mom and dad.
Don’t Be Alarmed by Rashes
A rash is one of the most common reactions of a baby’s skin to the cold and is often mistaken for atopic dermatitis. However, rashes can also appear due to food allergies, unsuitable skincare products, irritating ingredients in laundry detergents, or various viral infections. That’s why it is essential to consult a pediatrician before starting any treatment. Finding and removing the cause will restore the baby’s skin to its smooth and soft state.
Common food allergens include gluten and dairy products. For this reason, it is recommended to delay introducing them into a baby’s diet, do it gradually, and tailor it individually to each child. Gluten is not recommended in the diet of older children either. Every child’s skin and body react differently to allergens, but if persistent rashes occur, dietary changes should be made under medical supervision.
Skin problems can also arise from an unhealthy home environment—overheating or dry air. The ideal indoor temperature is around 20°C, which is suitable for both children and adults. Some pediatricians even recommend using humidifiers in children's rooms.
Breast Milk Supports Skin Health
Nutrition in infancy is crucial for overall health and directly affects the condition of the skin. Breast milk is a natural source of essential nutrients that help build immunity, strengthen the baby’s body, and protect against allergies. It also plays a role in developing the skin’s natural barrier, helping to prevent various skin conditions.
If you are unable to breastfeed for up to six months, be careful when choosing formula milk. Follow pediatricians’ recommendations, and if necessary, do not hesitate to switch formulas. One helpful tip for parents of formula-fed babies, especially in winter, is to consider supplementing colostrum and essential fatty acids to support the baby’s health.
