Care For Your Baby During Winter

Unlike adults, newborn babies feel the cold more because they do not fully possess the ability to regulate their body temperature. So if your baby’s skin has suddenly turned mottled-looking and his cheeks appear pale, chances are that he is feeling the cold excessively. It is, therefore, of extreme importance that you pay special attention to how you take care of your child.

Massage:

An effective way to combat excessive chills and dry air is by regularly massaging your baby. This will help invigorate his skin and also stimulate his blood circulation. Use special baby oil, as this will prevent his skin from turning dry and flaky.

Tips for a good massage:

• Before you begin, relax and warm your hands by shaking, clenching and releasing them. Make sure your fingernails don’t extend beyond the tip of your fingers. This will make sure you don’t inadvertently scratch his skin and will also be a safeguard against germs.

• Young babies like to be held close and securely. For this, you should lean back against some cushions, raise your knees and lay your baby on them to massage. Older babies can be massaged on a soft surface, like a folded towel or blanket placed on the floor.

• Don’t put the oil directly on your baby. Instead, oil your hands first.

• Use only the relaxed weight of your hands without exerting any force. The direction of the massage should complement the functions of the body. Tummy: clockwise; chest: upward and outward; back and limbs: downwards.

Moreover, you may notice that sometimes, even after a good massage, your baby’s skin will still feel dry and stretched.

Here are a few tips that will ensure your baby’s soft skin remains that way all year through.

• Apply gentle baby moisturizing lotion or baby cream gently on the cheeks and petroleum jelly on the lips.

• The rough spots around the elbows, knees and heels of the feet should first be gently scrubbed with a soft sponge. Following this, you should apply the cream to the areas.