As your baby coos in your loving arms, you see her skin begin to turn red and dry. Being a parent, you obviously begin to worry. The harsh weather can turn havoc on us adults, so you can only imagine what it can do to our precious little ones. It is best to follow certain protocols to ensure that your tiny tot is comfortable this time around too. Here, we have experts who throw light on the same…
Bathing time
Bathing time is a very important routine for your baby’s skincare in chilly climes. Begin with a gentle massage. It will not only comfort your precious one but will also increase her blood circulation and build immunity. Rub your palms together to warm them and apply warmish coconut oil which is unperfumed and meant for a baby.
As for the bathing ritual, skip the temptation of using hot water. There are chances of the temperature hurting and drying out the skin. You can do the elbow test to access it. Use a mild wash enriched with aloe, almond oil and olive oil to nourish and maintain the moisture balance of her skin. As per sought-after Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr Mira Raisinghaney, it is best to avoid using chana atta and malai on tender skin.
Take care to wipe the folds of your baby’s neck. Milk spills and throw-ups get collected there which can cause a rash. You can use a wet washcloth or soft baby wipes to clean the neck area. Dr Sravya C Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield cautions against overbathing your baby. She further states, “If you notice flares of eczema treat it immediately. Apart from using fragrance-free products, mothers can apply moisturisers which are ceramide or oatmeal-based. Use fragrance-free, gentle baby products with a pH value of 5.5 only.”
Our picks:
Bigbasket Baby Wipes
These come with natural cooling properties that comfort your little one and keep nappy rash at bay. The wipes are dermatological tested, hypoallergenic and formulated with extracts of aloe vera.
Himalaya Baby Gentle Baby Bath
Himalaya Gentle Baby Bath gently cleanses while making your child’s skin smooth. The green gram and chickpeas extract also soothes and nourishes.
After Bath
Hydrate baby’s skin with a gentle baby lotion which has natural herbs to keep the skin supple and tender. Coconut oil will always remain among the safe oils you can use on your baby. It is best to opt for an unperfumed one which is naturally derived. Almond oil too is known to protect the baby’s skin as it softens and moisturises.
Winter also demands that we use a baby cream that is made only for our delicate darlings’ scaly red cheeks, noses, knees, and elbows. However, talcum powder is a big ‘no-no’ for babies. Dr Raisinghaney says, “The powder can irritate the tender respiratory tract of the little one.” In some cultures, warm oil is applied to the baby’s ear and other parts. Dr Raisinghaney is strict about that too advising to “not put any oil in the baby’s ear or anywhere else.”
Our pick:
Aveeno Baby Bath – Daily Moisturising
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturising Bath is a blend of natural oat extract and 5 vital ingredients which are naturally found in healthy skin. This is an amazing tear-free formula which softly cleanses and moisturises. Ingredients like vitamins, proteins, enzymes, lipids, and antioxidants give a soothing effect to the delicate baby’s skin.
Diapers
Nappy rashes are common for babies. During winter, it becomes essential to change your baby’s diaper often and clean the area thoroughly with soft hygienic tissue paper. Frequent change is a must as wet diapers leads to infections and rashes. Dr Raisinghaney says that one should try and go old-school. “Try and use langot during the day at least. Though they are tedious to maintain, it is safest as the fabric is cotton. At night mothers can use diapers for their kids”.
At every diaper change, keep a gap of five a few moments ‘airing’ or ‘no-diaper time’ before you wrap another one. Be gentle with the skin. Pat dry rather than rub or wipe. And mothers, make sure to wash and sanitize hands before and after changing diapers. Lastly, use apply rash creams that are meant only for babies.
Our pick:
Mother Sparsh Baby Plant-Powered Diaper Rash Cream
It is a fast-acting baby rash cream which contains natural ingredients like calendula oil and organic shea butter. These ingredients come together to prevent and treat skin inflammation.
Shop for diaper rash cream here
Clothes: Laundry/detergents
As tempted as you are to mix your infant clothes with those of yours in the washing machine, it is best not to. The strong detergents might create an allergic reaction to your baby’s soft skin. It is best to use ones only meant for babies. Dr.Tipirneni advises going for any gentle, plant-based clothes cleaner that’s free of chlorine, brighteners, phthalates, phosphates, artificial fragrances and dyes. These products are mild and devoid of any harmful chemicals. As these are gentle, we suggest that you soak the baby’s clothes in hot water before washing them. B
Our pick:
Mamaearth Plant Based Laundry Detergent
Meant for your baby’s delicate skin, this laundry detergent has no artificial colour. It is further free of phosphorous and fluorescent. Ideal for the little one’s tiny clothes!
Shop for plant-based detergents here
Other tips for your babies clothes:
- Choose soft fabrics for baby clothes and ensure that your baby is warm and cosy not hot and sweaty. Don’t put many clothes on the baby else the little one will feel hot which could lead to dehydration.
- Be alert for rashes as babies with sensitive skin develop heat rashes in winter if the clothes are too warm or the bedroom/place in heated up more than necessary.
- Remember to keep dress babies in comfortable layered clothing made of breathable fabrics. You can also keep your baby warm at night by swaddling.
- “Don’t use any antiseptic for baby’s clothes. The chemicals in the antiseptic could cause allergies,” says Dr Raisinghaney.
Mosquito repellent
Mosquitoes and flies can be a real concern for babies. Any bite can cause pain and incessant itching will further irritate your precious one. As strong mosquito repellant cannot be used, use natural repellent gels or sprays.
Our pick:
Mamaearth Insect Repellent – Natural For Babies
This gives around 8 hours of protection from mosquitoes. Packed with pure citronella oil, lemongrass oil, and peppermint oil, it is baby-safe. Care is taken to utilise superior-quality fabric and glue use as not to irritate the tender skin.
Food
The food you feed your baby at this age plays an important role in her mental and physical development. It will also build her immunity and help ward off pesky colds and coughs that run rampant this season. So, by no means compromise on the quality and content of what you give.
Your precious one is more likely to have something with a sweet flavour. But instead of loading in the sugar opt for natural ingredients. Berries are a good option due to their attractive colours and natural sweetness. Sweet potato is nutritious as well as mildly sweet, just boil or puree it like a regular potato. Dr Sravya C Tipirneni suggests adding hearty soups such as vegetables, tomatoes and lentils to the menu.
Dr Sravya C Tipirneni immunity boosters and health tips…
- As the baby grows, add whole-fat plain yoghurt, soaked and crushed almonds, fish, chicken soup, brown rice, avocado, blueberries and such superfoods slowly in the diet.
- Never hurry to feed your little bundle of joy with superfood.
- There are healthy habits you can adopt that will give your child’s immune system a boost. Serve more fruits and vegetables.
- Boost sleep time.
- Breastfeed your baby.
- Exercise as a family.
- Guard against germ spread.
Other winter care tips:
- Prevention is better than cure. Wash hands regularly and maintains top-level hygiene.
- Consult your paediatrician for baby products which you can use.
- Use only un-perfumed products or those specifically made for infants.
- Even at home, use products which are preferably unperfumed and light. However, it is best to take the baby to another room where you use toilet detergents.
- Avoid direct contact, especially with people who have a cold.
- Avoid places with many footfalls.
- Ensure your baby gets the vaccinations on time.
- Consult your paediatrician about it.
- One should avoid dhoop. Dr Raisinghaney warns, “The smoke can be hazardous to the fragile lungs of an infant.”
Pay heed to these tips and visit the doctor if you find anything amiss. Wishing you a warm and cuddly winter with your little one!
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