Seasonal Baby Care

Metanium’s expert midwife, Marley Hall shares her hints and tips on how to care for your baby this winter

Winter is the perfect time of year to cosy up and enjoy some snuggly time with your little one. But many parents may wonder how they can ensure their baby is happy and healthy during the coldest of months. So, Metanium, has teamed up with expert Midwife, Marley Hall, to share some useful hints and tips on how to care for your baby and their delicate skin as the temperature starts to drop.

Winter weaning

During the winter, your little one may experience nappy rash more so than they would during the summer months due to the change in temperatures, however, there are seven other triggers parents should be aware of that can also cause nappy rash.

Marley says: “Introducing solid foods at the weaning stage, changes in milk, common colds, teething, upset stomachs and taking antibiotics can all cause babies to have runny poo and in some cases diarrhoea – so it can become trickier to keep on top of cleaning little ones’ bottoms properly, increasing the chance of nappy rash occurring.

“Nappy rash is an irritation to the skin that is often caused by wet or dirty nappies being in contact with a baby’s bottom for a long period of time. It is recognised by a well-defined red rash with some areas of the skin appearing raised or swollen around the nappy area and your baby may become distressed or agitated due to itching or pain.

“If you are weaning this winter and introducing new foods, try simple soups to keep them warm. You can add mashed or pureed vegetables or chicken. Be aware that any change in diet may change the consistency of your baby’s stools and could potentially cause nappy rash, so use a good barrier cream, such as Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment (The Purple One) to help protect baby’s delicate skin from the nasties that can cause nappy rash.”

Wrapping up warm

Wintertime brings with it cold dry air, often with windy weather. Many people notice that their skin feels drier in the winter as the dry, cold air holds less moisture. Your baby’s skin is much more delicate and sensitive than adult skin and this may make babies even more prone to moisture loss, which means their skin can dry out much quicker.

Marley comments: “It’s best to avoid anything that can irritate baby’s skin or make dry skin feel worse. Too much product can also cause drying of the skin. Choose alcohol-free wipes and unscented lotions, soaps, and laundry detergents.

Marley continues: “Chapped dry lips are common in babies, especially when they are teething. This can cause their delicate skin to become irritated and may even crack. Use a gentle lip balm made with safe ingredients for your baby. If you’re breastfeeding a newborn with cracked lips, you can apply some breast milk. Your baby’s cheeks can also become irritated when exposed to cold dry air, especially on a windy day. Using a plastic stroller cover if you are outside for long periods will shelter your baby on chiller days.

“In the winter, nappy rash can be increasingly difficult to manage as extra layers and thicker clothing may mean that dirty nappies are not detected quick enough, meaning your baby is left in contact with poo or wee for a long period of time, which can lead to nappy rash. When the temperature drops, there may also be less opportunity for nappy free time. It is however important that your little one can kick and move freely whilst allowing warm air in the house to reach their skin.

Comfort is key!

“It’s natural to want to keep your baby wrapped up warm in the colder weather, but by following these simple tips, your little one will stay snuggly whilst ensuring they’re as comfortable as possible:

• Regulate a constant temperature in your home. A baby’s room should be between 16-20°, with 18° being the perfect temperature.

• Dress your baby comfortably in soft breathable clothing that fully covers their body but is not constricting and does not irritate their skin or cover their face. This can include gloves and socks to keep them warm and help them to sleep peacefully at night.

• Don’t put a hat on your baby in bed (or anywhere indoors) as your baby loses excess heat through their head… covering it up could lead to overheating.

• Avoid using duvets or heavy blankets. Overheating is thought to be one of the major causes of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Use a fitted cotton sheet and layers of cotton blankets to keep your baby warm in bed, or you may choose to use a baby sleeping bag. These have the benefit of keeping a baby covered up, no matter how wriggly or squirmy they might be in bed. They allow the baby’s arms to stick out, without restriction, so are a good choice for babies who don’t like being swaddled.

• Don’t use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket. Children cannot regulate their own temperature until they are around 2 years old when their ability to sweat and shiver is fully developed.

• Layers of clothing can be helpful if you are unsure of the weather conditions. Adding a snow suit that has a good layer of insulation, with feet and mittens is ideal, but as soon as you get in from your trip outside, take off your baby’s hat and outer layer of clothing, even if this means waking them up.

Be ready to help protect your little one’s skin this winter

Most parents don't think about nappy rash until it appears – we've all been there! However, it can be uncomfortable for little ones, especially during winter, so it's worth adding an extra step to your baby's nappy change routine to help protect their delicate skin.

Marley recommends: “When treating nappy rash, parents should clean the affected area as quickly as possible, dry gently with a soft towel, or a muslin cloth and then apply a pea-sized amount of nappy rash treatment cream to the affected area.”

Marley concludes: “By following my tops tips and ensuring that your little one’s skincare routine is the kindest it can be during the colder months, your baby is sure to stay healthy and happy this winter.”

If you are worried about nappy rash this winter, Metanium is here to help. Apply a thin layer of Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment after each nappy change forms a protective layer on baby’s bottom, helping to shield the skin from irritation-inducing nasties. As well as protecting the skin, the gentle formula seals in the skin’s natural moisture keeping skin soft, smooth, and supple too.

All Metanium products are unscented and 100% vegan friendly. Available from: Amazon, Asda, Boots, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco, Waitrose, Wilkinson, Lloyds Pharmacy and independent chemists.

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