The cold can be harsh to their tender skin.

Baby’s skin needs extra gentle care any time of the year. But winter can be pretty tough on those tender birthday suits. We’ll show you how to avoid typical skin problems that can be caused by the cold, dry weather.

Heat Rash

Winter is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors, but keep in mind that babies are especially sensitive to temperature changes. In winter, we try to make sure they aren’t cold. Don’t forget to make sure they’re not too warm either! Being too bundled up can bring heat rash.

No, it’s not just a summer thing. Heat rash is also common in the winter when children are overheated by too much protective clothing. Those itchy red bumps appear when baby’s extra tiny sweat glands get clogged.

Dress your child in breathable layers, so you can remove them piece by piece if she gets too hot. Dermatologist Sandra Marchese Johnson MD advices to use 1 percent hydrocortisone cream if rashes appear. Use no longer than 7 days. But you should see an improvement in about 3 days use. Stop applying the cream when the bumps are gone.

Chapped Lips

We all get chapped lips during winter… especially babies thanks to all the drooling, lip-licking and nose-dripping. All that moisture can break down the skins protective layer – leaving skin extra vulnerable to cold, windy air.

Dr. Johnson says to always use a layer of petroleum jelly or a good, kid-safe lip balm to protect the skin and keep it moisturized. If the lips are already chapped, the balm and petroleum jelly will help speed up healing. You know what worked wonders my babies? Lansinoh Lanolin cream that I had left over from breast feeding days. Completely natural and so safe.

Frostnip

This is a mild form of frostbite that will make skin red and tender, particularly skin in the fingers and toes. When babies get cold, the body sends less blood to the extremities to keep internal organs warm. The result is cold hands and feet that can lead to frostnip.

Make sure baby is dressed with mittens and a hat or hood – or both if needed. Don’t stay out too long. Protect her from harsh winter winds. If you come home and your baby’s extremities are red, give her a lukewarm bath. Call the doctor right away if the color doesn’t go back to normal in a few hours.

Rough, Red Cheeks

Chapped skin is ruddy, peely and sometimes cracked. This usually strikes in the cheeks on the face or bottom or parts of the skin that rub together like the arm folds. Chapped skin is basically dry skin that has become inflamed and irritated.

Don’t let baby out too long if the wind is too cold and strong. Use thick moisturizers like Eucerin or Aquafor regularly during winter. Lanolin ointment is also good for this. Apply on cheeks and lips before stepping out.

Sunburn

Yes, it does happen in winter. Skin cancer prevention is still important during these dark winter days. UV rays still get past those clouds and get to your skin, so don’t stop using the sunblock.

Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30. If your baby is below 6 months of age, use chemical-free sunblocks. Safe to use at this age are physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

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