Dr. Bob, Ever since the temperature outside began to drop, my baby’s skin is impossible to keep moist. How do you recommend caring for baby’s skin when it gets dry outside?
Laura J. from Arvada, CO
Great question Laura. Here are some dry skin fixes from bathtime & beyond.
Fall. Crisp air, colorful leaves, cozy sweaters… and dry, itchy skin. As the winds blow colder and the air loses moisture, our little ones can really feel the effects. Fortunately, a few simple steps can go a long way toward keeping baby-soft skin actually baby-soft.
Baby Skin 101
Think about it: your newborn has spent nine months in the hot tub. Then suddenly, they’re out in dry, chilly air. Their skin needs time to adjust. Here’s how to help:
- Go easy on soap. For the youngest babies, soap only once a week (or even once every two weeks) is enough. Every time you lather up, you wash away natural oils that protect and hydrate their skin. Plain water works wonders most days.
- Hold the lotion—for a little while. In the first week of life, skip creams and lotions unless your baby has cracked or chapped skin around the wrists or ankles. In that case, a healing ointment like Aquaphor is your friend. Otherwise, let their skin adapt naturally before introducing products.
- Choose fragrance-free. After the first week, it’s safe to use gentle lotions or creams without dyes or fragrance. Many adult favorites work for babies too—Aveeno and CeraVe are tried-and-true options.
Bath Time: Ritual and Reality
For many families, bath time is more than cleaning—it’s a soothing nightly ritual. And that’s perfectly fine, even for babies with dry skin. The key is using soap sparingly and sealing in moisture afterward.
Enter the soak and seal technique:
- Let your baby enjoy a warm soak.
- Gently pat (don’t rub) them dry.
- While skin is still warm and damp, massage in baby oil, coconut oil, or another gentle moisturizer.
The oil locks in the water, leaving your little one’s skin soft and comfortable by morning. Bonus: that gentle massage doubles as a sweet bonding moment before bed.
Toddlers and Big Kids
For older kids the same strategies apply. Of course, if your kids are like mine, you could put them in a spotless room and they’d still come out dirty—so yes, they may need soap a little more often!
Still, the soak and seal method works wonders for them too. And don’t underestimate the power of a fragrance-free lotion or cream applied several times a day when winter air takes its toll.
For those red, dry cheeks that show up after a day outdoors? A thin layer of Aquaphor helps protect against wind, cold, and even the ever-present smears of drool or snack-time spills.
When to Call the Doctor
Most dry skin clears up with these simple at-home strategies. But sometimes, rough patches linger despite your best efforts. If moisturizing and sealing don’t do the trick, check in with your pediatrician. Your child may have eczema or another condition that needs more targeted treatment.
Bottom Line
Dry skin is practically a cold weather tradition—but it doesn’t have to leave your baby (or you) uncomfortable. Keep baths gentle, go light on soap, moisturize wisely, and seal in that hydration.
Whether it’s a newborn fresh from the “hot tub” of the womb or a rough-and-tumble grade-schooler, a little TLC can keep skin soft, smooth, and ready for all the cozy cuddles this season brings.
Quick Parent Tips for Dry Skin
- Skip the soap (mostly). For young babies, soap once a week is plenty. Plain water usually does the job.
- Hold the lotion at first. In the first week, avoid creams unless skin is cracked—then use a healing ointment like Aquaphor.
- Think fragrance-free. After week one, choose gentle, dye-free, fragrance-free creams (Aveeno and CeraVe are great options).
- Try soak and seal. After bath time, pat skin dry, then massage in oil or lotion while skin is still damp.
- Protect winter cheeks. A swipe of Aquaphor shields against wind, cold, and drool.
Got a question for Dr. Bucknam?
Email it to us at:
Questions@