It can be difficult if your baby is uncomfortable, and watching him suffer from dry skin is no exception. Pregnancy Today states that a baby’s skin is more delicate than adult skin and also more prone to dryness. This may be because his sweat glands have not fully developed. Fortunately, there are ways that you can soothe his skin and make him more comfortable.
Step 1
Give your baby a bath in lukewarm water. Not only can hot water be dangerous for your baby’s sensitive skin, but it can also make it dry. Babycenter recommends bathing her for no more than 10 minutes to help prevent dryness.
Step 2
Wash your baby with a gentle, fragrance-free soap during his bath. Soaps that contain harsh ingredients and fragrances can actually make his skin drier. Avoid using baby oils, which can cause the bathtub to be dangerously slippery.
Step 3
Apply moisturizer to your baby right after his bath. Babycenter states that the thicker the moisturizer, the better. You may need to try a special moisturizing ointment or some petroleum jelly if his skin is very dry.
Step 4
Offer her fluids to drink regularly. Ask her doctor to be sure, but she may be able to drink juice or water in addition to breast milk or formula. Although drinking fluids will not completely treat dry skin, it is helpful to use along with moisturizer.
Step 5
Place a cool mist humidifier in her room at night. This will put moisture back into the air, which is especially helpful during winter months when the air inside is hot and dry.
Step 6
Dress him in cotton clothing that has been washed in a mild detergent before wearing. Cotton clothes allow his skin to breathe, and chemicals in clothing or detergents can make his skin dry and irritated.
Tips and Warnings
- Your baby does not need a bath every day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Too much bathing can strip her body of natural oils that she needs to keep her skin moist.
- If your baby’s skin is dry and also has red patches, talk to his doctor. He may be experiencing eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. If he has eczema his doctor might suggest a special kind of cream for treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle soap
- Moisturizer
- Fluids (juice or water)
- Cool mist humidifier
- Cotton clothing
- Mild laundry detergent
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