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How to Deal with Newborn Dry Skin

How to Deal with Newborn Dry Skin

As a new parent, one of the joys of having a baby is watching them grow and develop - but with that can come some unexpected surprises. One such surprise might be newborn dry skin, which can be particularly worrying to parents. Fortunately, newborn dry skin is a common occurrence.

While it may seem daunting at first glance, there are simple steps you can take to help keep your little one's skin soft and healthy. Read on to learn more about common causes of dry skin, tips for how to deal with newborn dry skin, and when to check in with your pediatrician.


Why Do Newborns Have Dry Skin?

As your baby grows older, their skin will become thicker. Until then, your newborn’s skin is delicate and paper thin since their skin is still developing and maturing. Their thin skin makes it easier for moisture to escape and makes their skin more susceptible to damage and dryness from outside factors.

Some of these factors include using harsh soaps or detergents, taking too many baths, being exposed to cold or dry weather, having certain medical conditions, or even just being born with skin that dries easily.


How to Deal With Newborn Dry Skin

Taking proper care of your newborn's skin is incredibly important to maintaining your baby’s health and preventing dryness. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to help alleviate dryness in your baby’s skin. Following these steps will help keep your baby's dry skin at bay so that you may both enjoy easier days ahead!


Limit Bath Time

Newborns do not need daily baths as their skin is delicate and can easily dry out. Bathing your newborn too often can strip away the natural oils that protect their skin. Instead, limit baths to 2-3 times a week using lukewarm water. As precious as bath time is, keep it short to help your little one’s skin stay healthy and prevent newborn dry skin after bath.


Use Gentle Soap Products

To prevent irritation to your baby's sensitive skin, avoid using soaps and bath products that contain harsh chemicals and fragrances. Instead, opt for gentle cleansers, mild soaps, or hypoallergenic and fragrance-free baby wash like our Baby Shampoo + Body Wash.

baby shampoo + body wash


Pat Your Baby’s Skin Dry

While you may be tempted to quickly rub your baby’s skin dry after a bath, doing so may cause more harm. Instead, pat your baby’s skin dry to avoid removing natural oil on the skin that could result in newborn dry skin.


Moisturize Often

To avoid newborn dry skin after bath, apply a fragrance-free thick moisturizer formulated for baby skin like our Baby Cream. Apply the moisturizer while your baby’s skin is slightly damp to seal in moisture to avoid newborn dry skin. And apply often, as needed, to keep your baby’s skin hydrated.

baby cream


Feed Your Baby Regularly

This may seem like a no-brainer but it’s important to keep your baby on a regular feeding schedule. Keeping your baby well hydrated and fed is crucial in preventing newborn dry skin. Breastfeeding or providing formula supplies the necessary fluids and nutrients that help maintain their skin's natural moisture barrier. And hydrated skin is less likely to become dry.


Use Fragrance-Free Detergent

To ensure your baby’s delicate skin stays soft and supple, consider using fragrance-free detergent when washing their clothes. Fragrances may trigger sensitivity reactions, leading to newborn peeling skin and irritation. This could cause further discomfort for your little one and additional stress for you.


Wash All Fabrics Before Use

Keeping newborn skin moisturized is essential for soft and healthy baby skin! But something that often gets forgotten is to always wash all fabrics that come in contact with your baby, such as clothing, blankets, and bedding. Taking these precautionary steps can make a big difference in preventing newborn peeling skin.


Maintain Indoor Air

Maintaining the environment in your home at a certain temperature and humidity level can help combat newborn dry skin. To avoid drying out your baby's delicate skin, especially dry skin on newborn head and dry hands on newborn, try your best to keep the thermostat on a moderate setting, so that the room is neither too cool nor too warm. Additionally, as the air gets drier in colder weather, consider investing in a humidifier - this will certainly aid in preventing pesky newborn dry skin.


Bundle Up Before Heading Outdoors

It's important to consider the weather before taking your newborn out as their skin is thinner and more fragile. On cold, windy, and even hot days, you’ll need to layer your newborn in appropriate clothing to keep their skin protected. Soft newborn hats are essential for cold days to prevent dry skin on newborn head.


When to Check In With Your Pediatrician

While newborn dry skin is completely normal, it’s important to keep an eye on dry patches. If the patches start to spread or irritate your baby, this could be a sign that they have an underlying skin condition such as eczema which may require different treatments than above. When in doubt, check in with your pediatrician.


The Bottom Line

While newborn dry skin can be a source of stress and anxiety, parents can feel at ease knowing that this is very common and can be easily prevented with the right care. To avoid newborn dry skin, follow the tips above such as using gentle skincare products like our Baby Shampoo + Body Wash and Baby Cream, and avoid over-bathing your newborn, pat your newborn dry, and moisturize often.

Taking care of newborn dry skin takes patience and attention but it’s well worth it to make your baby comfortable, happy, and healthy. Remember that healthy skincare habits are key, from day one!