Most of us think of baby`s skin as soft and smooth, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Little ones can be just as vulnerable to the drying effects of the elements as anyone else, but their sensitive skin requires extra special care to get it moisturized once again. Find out the best way to keep your infant`s skin as soft as a, um, baby`s bottom with these tips in baby skin care.

Bath Tips

Frequent bathing increases dryness issues, so spread your baby`s baths out to alternate days instead of every day. Avoid harsh soaps that can cause irritation and dryness, and opt instead for gentle cleansers or even water only for some bath days. Water should be lukewarm and your baby should not be left in the bath for longer than 10 minutes at a time. As soon as bath time is over, gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel and immediately apply a thick moisturizer that is suitable for baby`s skin. When the skin is freshly bathed, the pores are wide open, allowing the lotion to be absorbed into the skin most effectively. Apply one layer of lotion, allow it to absorb and then apply a second layer to lock in moisture and keep skin soft for a longer period of time.

Moisture Boosts

Moisture comes to the skin from the inside out, so make sure to keep your baby well hydrated during the driest times of the year. You might be surprised to find out that the cold, winter months are actually much more drying than the warm temperatures of summer. This is also a good time of year to add moisture to the air with the help of a humidifier in the room where your little one sleeps. If you don`t have a humidifier, you can also set a bowl of water near the furnace for extra water content. Keeping the heat a bit lower in the home can also make the air less drying. If you are concerned that your baby isn`t warm enough, add an extra layer of clothing instead of cranking up the thermostat.

Skin Protection

Your baby`s sensitive skin deserves every bit of protection that you can give it, so follow these tips for safe, soft skin. First, never allow substances like chlorine or salt to stay on the surface of your child`s skin for long; rinse your baby well with plain water after spending time in the pool or ocean and apply a moisturizer immediately after. When the cold weather nips at your nose, cover as much of your baby as possible by using mittens to keep hands warm and soft. In the summertime, never forget to use sunscreen on baby`s skin to protect it from sunburn and dryness.

Your baby`s skin should be soft and smooth, but the elements and other factors can dry it out and leave it itchy and uncomfortable. Prevention is the best cure, so keep your little one moisturized and hydrated, and if dryness occurs, treat it quickly and effectively. If skin does not respond to your home treatments, check with your doctor for other options. Here`s to baby soft skin!

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