Cold weather on baby’s skin can cause it to become dry and inflamed, often causing them rough, red cheeks and hands, which will irritate and cause them discomfort.
And as babies’ mouths are often covered in dribble, they can get chapped lips too (because saliva breaks down the top layer of skin).
And while our instinct is to make them all warm and cosy, this can actually make things worse.
Wrap up in winter, but not too much
"We took Etta out properly for the first time when she was 10 days old, and as it was January I was nervous about her being outside when it was so cold” says Romily. “We were in and out of shops and she started screaming, so I took her to a café to feed her and as I undressed her, I realised she was actually sweating. I look back now and obviously know it was no big deal, but at the time I felt terrible that we’d made her so uncomfortable!”
Babies can overheat easily, which is not only uncomfortable but actually makes dry skin and other baby skin conditions worse.
How to protect from the elements without overheating
Dressing babies in thin, breathable layers is a good start. Cotton is much more breathable than, for instance, wool, nylon and polyester, and opt for things like thin leggings rather than denim jeans.
This method not only allows more air to the skin, but also means you can change their outfit with ease depending on the temperature. For instance, if you head into the store you can simply strip a layer off to make sure they don’t overheat.
Always make sure your baby is wearing a hat and possibly gloves too but check regularly that those areas aren’t feeling too toasty.
Skin care routine
Keeping your baby well-moisturized and hydrated is key to avoiding skin conditions. Use a non-perfumed moisturizer on them regularly (you can also find special lip balms for babies), and bathe them less regularly, as too much water can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing it to dry out more.
This can sound a little concerning – how can we keep them clean if too much washing is a no-no?
This is where WaterWipes come in. Made from 99.9% water and a drop of fruit seed extract they are the world’s purest baby wipe and the number one choice for newborn skin.
For pre-toddlers, try new WaterWipes for Weaning. Made from water and a natural herbal extract, they offer just as much purity as our newborn wipes, but with a little extra cleaning power – perfect for mucky hands, face and bottoms.
So, all that’s left to do now is grab your coat, don your scarf and start building that snowman.