I could tune to the difference but my baby's skin started showing signs of trouble....Back in India the weather was so humid that I was not applying moisturizer on my baby's skin daily..but once we were back to London his skin started getting dry and patchy....so parched that If felt like I was holding on to a rough newspaper.
I took a lot of efforts to make his skin soft n supple..
Massage Oil : A good massage before bath can help..but holding on to a toddler for a massage is the challenge...also gave me a good idea of his new developing strength..takes up a lot of my energy trying to hold on to him.
Cutting back on Bath time : Initially he would play in the bath for 15 -20 minutes , I cut it to just 10 minutes instead. A child's' skin looses it naturals oils while the baby enjoys his prolonged bath.
Bath Temperature : Luke warm water is good for the skin and not hot water..though I enjoy steaming shower, I decided to keep the temperature warm for my baby and his tender skin.
Soap Free Cleanser : Soap can be harsh on baby's skin so I got a gentle mild cleanser for my baby , the one recommended for dry skin and eczema.
Moisturizer : Apply moisturizers just after bath , as a moisturizer locks in the moisturizer from the bath. I tried using it twice as using once was not enough. A thick moisturizer works better I feel.
Hydrated : Keep him hydrated with more fluids, this can be really a difficult one as babies can be very picky about drinking water at times.
Well covered : Keep him well protected from the cold weather that makes skin dry and chappy.
Avoid using powders, chlorinated water ( going to the swimming pool) as they tend to make the skin more dry.
I also read running a humidifier in the child's room helps too but I didn't try this one.
After a week or so, I noticed his scalp was also getting dry, that's when I decided to see the doctor..The GP told that just that very afternoon he had attended three babies with the same problem...he prescribed a very good medicated moisturizer and asked me to apply it thrice on his skin for 4 weeks...he also prescribed a medicated shampoo and asked us to oil his scalp everyday to keep his scalp from getting dry.
His skin is coming back to its babyish cuddly cuddly state again and I am so much loving running my hands over his lil hands and legs...soft soft !!!
