Winter and its elements can be harsh on your skin, so imagine what it can do to your baby’s! According to Johnson and Johnson:

• Your baby's skin is more susceptible to irritants and to changes in temperature and humidity.
• While your baby's skin is naturally more hydrated than your own, during the first 12 months of life, it also loses water more quickly.
• Your baby's skin requires more protection to keep it clean and moisturized.

To keep baby’s skin soft and healthy be sure to use products that are designed for baby, not adults. Products rich in vitamins A and D are great for soothing chapped skin.

It’s ok to skip daily baths since bathing can also dry out baby’s skin. Every other day is just fine, especially if baby doesn’t get that dirty during the day. Be sure to clean baby’s face, hands and diaper area though if you do decide to skip bath time.

If you do have to brave the winter elements, be sure to take extra precautions to keep baby safe:

For babies in an infant seat, dress them warmly in normal “inside” clothes plus a hat. Buckle the child into the infant seat, then cover the baby with a light blanket tucked around the sides. Make sure nothing is behind baby's back! Finally, add another loosely weaved blanket over the top of the infant seat just to transport them to and from outside. Make sure that it is loose over your baby’s carrier and that your baby is able to breath.

For older babies and toddlers, take the child's coat off before buckling them into the car seat. Once the harnesses are secure, put the child's coat on backwards over their arms to keep them warm without compromising safety. Whenever possible, warm up your car before putting the baby in the vehicle.

Finally, don’t forget about your house. The constant running of the heat this time of year can create dry air. The EPA recommends keeping the humidity level between 30-50%. You can control your nursery humidity level with an inexpensive temperature/humidity indicator and humidifier. Talk to your pediatrician about the pros and cons of warm and cool mist humidifiers.