What Are the Common Causes of Baby Dry Skin?

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is especially true for your baby’s skin. Why spend so much on expensive creams, soaps and lotions when you can prevent baby dry skin in the first place?

This is why learning about the common causes of dryness in baby skin is very important. You will not only save a great deal of cash; more importantly, you will not worry about your baby’s health and safety.

Common Causes of Dry Skin in Babies

1. Newborn baby skin peeling

It is natural for baby’s skin to peel a few days after his birth. Experts say that this is just some sort of natural “adjustment” of the skin. When he was still in your womb, he was protected with the embryonic fluid. Upon birth, he was exposed to dry surroundings, causing the skin to peel.

2. Winter/cold weather

Yes, snow falling from the sky is a wonderful sight; but this means that you’ll have to turn your heaters on. This causes your indoor air to go dry, affecting your baby’s delicate skin. You can remedy this by shortening baby’s bath time. It also helps to use extra virgin or high quality types of natural oils. Olive oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil are some examples.

3. Tap water

It is a bit ironical that the substances used to ensure the safety and potability of water work against sensitive skin. Chlorine and other bacteria-fighting chemicals may prevent bacterial contamination in water but strip the skin of its natural oils and nutrients. The best way to deal with this is to install a water filter to block those chemicals off.

4. Harsh soaps

In case you’re not aware, some of the baby products that are deemed safe for babies are in reality, unsafe due to their high chemical content. Why don’t you go natural instead? We use Natural Goat’s Milk Soap at home. It’s economical because we don’t have to buy separate soaps for adults, and it’s effective for baby dry skin as well.

5. Infant formula

Some infant formulas are made from cow’s milk which contain antigens or substances that cause allergies. If this is the case with your baby, consider changing his formula to a soy-based one. Better yet, breastfeed him. The Natural Resources Defense Council states that breast-fed children are more resistant to disease and infection than those who are fed with infant formulas. Aren’t you making enough milk for your baby? Then try using an Electric Breast Pump to increase your milk production.

6. Clothing

Yes, there are times when baby dry skin is caused by the clothes he wears. It can be due to the material his clothes are made of, or the soap you use for washing them. Look for soaps that are specifically made for baby clothes since they do not contain harsh detergents. Skip the fabric conditioner as well.

7. Baby Bath

Whether it is summer, winter or fall, bear in mind that baby doesn’t need to stay too long in the bath. More so if that tub is filled with fragrant bubbles; those contain huge amounts of chemicals which can irritate baby’s eyes and cause baby dry skin.

• And be mindful of how you wash him. Don’t scrub too much as you will be removing the natural oils that are present in his skin. Once done, moisturize his skin with natural oils or unscented lotion.
• Why let your little one suffer from dry skin when you can do something about it?
• Did your baby have dry skin? What did you do about it? Please share your experience with us in the comments box below. Who knows if your experience can help other mummies deal with their baby’s dry skin?