Winter Woes for Babies: How Parents Can Protect Children’s Sensitive Skin from Dryness

Noida | January 3, 2026 Winter brings chilly air, low humidity, and indoor heating, all of which can dry out skin—especially the delicate skin of babies. Unlike adults, children’s skin is thinner, more sensitive, and loses moisture faster, making them highly prone to dryness, irritation, and discomfort during the colder months. Experts advise that parents adapt their baby care routines to protect the skin and maintain its natural barrier. Dr Mohna Chauhan, consultant dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Prakash Hospital, Noida, explained that winter air holds very little moisture, which causes water to evaporate from a baby’s skin quickly. “When the skin loses hydration, it can become tight, flaky, or itchy,” she said. “This can worsen if moisturising is skipped or delayed after bathing.” Dr Chauhan emphasised that the key to preventing winter dryness is timely care, gentle routines, and awareness of common habits that may harm sensitive skin. One common misconception is that hot baths or long soaks make babies comfortable in cold weather. In fact, hot water strips away natural oils that protect the skin. Experts recommend keeping baths short—around 5 to 10 minutes—and using lukewarm water. Immediately after bathing, parents should apply gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers to help retain hydration. Over-layering babies in heavy winter clothes is another common mistake. Thick fabrics or multiple layers can irritate skin and worsen dryness. Dressing babies in light, breathable layers, preferably made of soft cotton, helps keep them warm without causing friction or irritation. Using indoor heaters and blowers also requires caution, as these can further dry out the skin. A cool-mist humidifier can help maintain room humidity between 40-60%, preventing excessive water loss from the skin. Chandra Shekhar, founder of Cutestory, shared that parents are increasingly using pH-neutral cleansers and mild, fragrance-free products for babies. Careful selection of bath and skincare products, along with maintaining a consistent moisturizing routine, is essential to protecting the skin’s natural barrier during winter. Experts agree that small changes, such as shorter baths, proper moisturising, breathable clothing, and maintaining indoor humidity, can go a long way in preventing dryness. By understanding how the season affects baby skin and taking proactive steps, parents can keep their children comfortable, healthy, and protected throughout the winter months. Winter Woes for Babies: How Parents Can Protect Children’s Sensitive Skin from Dryness Winter can be tough on babies’ skin. Their skin is much thinner and more sensitive than adults, which makes it dry out faster when the air is cold and humidity is low. Experts say parents need to adjust daily routines to protect their little ones from winter dryness and discomfort. Dr Mohna Chauhan, dermatologist at Prakash Hospital, Noida, explains that dry winter air makes babies’ skin lose moisture quickly. “When skin loses hydration, it becomes tight, flaky, or itchy. If you skip moisturising after a bath, it can get worse,” she says. She stresses that timely care is key to keeping baby skin healthy. Many parents think long or hot baths will make babies comfortable in winter, but hot water actually strips natural oils from the skin. Short baths with lukewarm water, about 5–10 minutes, are better. Moisturising immediately after bathing helps lock in hydration. Another mistake is over-layering babies. Heavy clothes or too many layers can irritate skin and increase dryness. Dressing babies in light, breathable layers made from soft cotton keeps them warm without causing friction. Indoors, heaters and blowers can dry out skin, so using a cool-mist humidifier to keep room humidity between 40–60% is recommended. Chandra Shekhar, founder of Cutestory, adds that parents are now focusing on gentle, pH-neutral cleansers and fragrance-free products for their babies. Combining short lukewarm baths, soft clothing, moisturisers, and indoor humidity control can make a big difference in protecting sensitive baby skin during winter. Small changes in routine can help babies stay comfortable, prevent irritation, and maintain healthy skin all season. Understanding the effects of winter on delicate skin and taking proactive care ensures babies stay happy, warm, and safe.