Put those ear muffs and cozy gloves on, winter chill is in full swing. Are our little newborns warm enough? This is their first winter and they need protective layering. The winter brings a unique set of challenges and learnings for new parents. As newborns need a little extra care in this season, that includes the right baby skin care and the application of right baby skin care products. When it comes to caring for newborns’ delicate skin, well, layering isn’t enough. Even a little exposure to cold, harsh winter air can strip away their skin’s natural moisture, leaving their skin chapped, dry and irritated. But what if we tell you that even indoor heated environments can also cause the same issues? Puzzled? Let Littloo explain it to you.
A newborn’s skin differs from an adult’s skin. Not only it is thinner, and more permeable but also has a less developed barrier function. It means it loses the moisture quickly and can’t hold it for long. Since it’s more permeable, it can absorb harsh elements quickly. Layering helps, in other words, we must provide their skin a layered nourishing care. It means we must use baby skin care products that can support their barrier function and keep their skin hydrated and soft. Thus, it becomes important to follow a proper winter baby skin care regime. Let us protect those precious buds from the winter harshness.
How Winter Affects Their Skin:
Before we spill the magic beans, we must understand how winter weather affects your newborn’s skin. Cold weather is not about merely the drop in temperature and wind chill, but what it influences. For example, cold weather can instigate a layer of things or factors that can strip away moisture and disrupt the natural balance of newborns’ tender skin. Cold weather leads to the following co-factors that affect a newborn’s skin-
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Low Humidity:
In winter months, the usual humidity levels drop significantly. Thus, this moistureless dry air acts like a sponge, stripping away moisture from your newborn’s skin, leaving their skin dry, itchy, and irritated.
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Indoor Heating:
We usually keep our room heaters on to prevent ourselves from winter chill. But have you ever thought that this kind of indoor heating actually is harmful to your baby’s skin? Room heaters pull the moisture out of the room, leaving a dry inner atmosphere to breathe in. Thus, babies need a proper winter skin care regime.
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Wind Chill:
Whether it’s a long exposure or for a limited period, wind chill can decrease the blood flow to the skin’s surface. This reduced blood circulation blocks the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. Hence, not only does your baby’s skin become dry but also flaky and chapped.
Read More: What are the Benefits of Baby Diaper Rash Cream
Winter Baby Skin Care Routine:
Now that we have understood how winter can be extremely harsh for your newborn’s tender skin, it’s time to follow a proper winter baby skin care routine. From carefully chosen baby skin products to precautionary measures to soothe their delicate skin, Littloo brings you the best of winter care for your baby. We must follow these following steps as their winter baby skin care routine.
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Lukewarm Water:
Say no to hot water as the best choice for winter baths. It not only disrupts their skin barrier but also strips away the natural oils, leaving their skin dry and flaky. Lukewarm water works best for baby’s tender skin, it is gentle and soothing.
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Mild Cleansing:
Baby’s soft skin needs gentle cleansing that’s why we must choose a cleanser with the utmost care. A gentle care with fragrance-free, tear-free, and hypoallergenic baby wash or cleanser would be an ideal choice. At Littloo, we choose only organic natural care for babies and thus, they are free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, or artificial fragrances. These harmful ingredients can irritate and dry out your baby’s skin. Look for options specifically formulated for newborns and those with sensitive skin.
After giving them mild and gentle cleansing, dry your baby’s gentle skin with a soft, absorbent towel and gently pat their skin. Rubbing can cause friction and irritation, especially when the skin is already prone to dryness. Littloo assures you that the gentle patting method is a more loving and effective way to prepare the skin for the next step in the routine.
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Moisturization:
Newborns’ skin requires immediate moisturization after towel drying. A generous layer of moisturizer applied in a circular motion not only locks in the moisture but also enhances the hydration of the skin. But remember, you must do it on still-damp skin. Additionally, the right moisturizer can enhance the softness and whole experience. Natural ingredient-based moisturizers such as jojoba oil, Shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerine have essential fatty acids in them and thus, provide the baby with a protective layer. These ingredients are gentle, nourishing, and hydrate delicate skin without causing irritation.
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Massage Oils:
From time to time, you can give lukewarm oil massages to your newborn. Include this as your essential step in winter baby skin care and look for the ideal massage oil in the baby skin care product range. Baby massage oils improve blood circulation and barrier function.
Key Points to Remember:
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Moisturizing is a regular practice, not just after bath time. You must reapply moisturizer throughout the day, especially after nappy changes, before dressing your baby for bedtime, and whenever you notice their skin feeling dry.
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Pay special attention to those areas prone to dryness, such as the cheeks, elbows, and knees, as these areas are often more exposed to the elements.
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Breathable warm layering protects them from cold but choose inner most layering of clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton. Cotton acts like a soft brush on the skin.
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Baby’s lips are soft and tender. Lips are particularly vulnerable to dryness and chapping in winter. That’s why we need to apply a thin layer of a petroleum-free lip balm that contains natural moisturizers, such as shea butter or beeswax, to protect their lips. Reapply as needed, particularly before heading outdoors.
Read More: Choosing the right organic baby skin care products for Newborn babies?
Choose Natural Ingredients:
Our lovely parents you already are aware of the goodness of natural ingredients but do you know which natural ingredients in your baby skin care products to look for? Worry not, Littloo has curated a list for you!
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Shea Butter:
Rich in fatty acids, deeply moisturizing, improves barrier function and is soothing.
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Coconut Oil:
Moisturizing and antimicrobial.
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Almond Oil:
Nourishing and softening.
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Jojoba Oil:
Helps to balance the skin.
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Calendula Extract:
Healing and protecting.
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Aloe Vera:
Cooling and calming.
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Glycerine:
Gentle care, hydrates naturally, and softens the skin.
Final Thoughts:
From chilly winter wind to foggy misty mornings, the season of winter brings so many things together. Newborns are delicate, and their skin is even more delicate, thus, they require a proper winter skin care routine. Protective measures such as creating a shield with these tender products are a must for winter. Littloo understands that you are worried about protecting your precious ones from winter harshness, and we are here to lighten your shoulders from worry. Our carefully measured tips can give the newborns the required hydration they need. And with these words, we wish you winter warmth and your little ones a promise of tender and soft skin.