The cold weather is approaching, which is usually a big change for babies. For new moms experiencing their first winter with a newborn, they may not know what to expect with their baby’s skin. Pediatrician, and Baby Dove partner, Dr. Tanya Altmann is here to answer the season’s most popular questions and provide moms solutions on ways to best prepare and care for baby’s skin during the colder months of the year.

Q: How can you best prepare your baby’s skin care routine for the colder weather?

Dr. Altmann: Cold, dry winter weather often causes dry, chapped, and irritated cheeks. Cleansing with a mild wash helps prevent dryness and protects skin’s natural barrier and locks in moisture. In addition, apply a mild lotion to baby cheeks regularly, or as frequently as needed to prevent chapping.

Q: If you notice a rash on your baby’s skin, what’s best practice to figure out what it is and how to treat it?

Dr. Altmann: If you find your baby’s bottom becoming red or irritated, wash your baby’s bottom each night with a sensitive, mild moisturizing baby wash and let it air dry. Consult your pediatrician about using a diaper rash cream for a few days if the redness and irritation continues and if it worsens, see the doctor in person.

Q: What baby skin issues do you see most often flare up during the colder months of the year?

Dr. Altmann: Chapped skin, especially dry chapped cheeks. In addition, any skin issues like eczema that anyone has can often be worse when the skin gets dried out during cold winter months due to indoor heaters and dry air.

Q: Are their issues more prevalent in babies with darker skin tones?

Dr. Altmann: Darker skin tends to show more irritation and scaring from itching, rashes, cuts and scrapes compared to lighter skin. It is also common for darker skin to lose hydration more quickly. Ensuring skin is hydrated is extremely important. Use a cleanser with ¼ cup moisturizing cream, such as Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash. This formula helps to repair the skins natural barrier for added protection. To lock-in moisture, apply Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion after bathing as well

Q: Are there fabrics you should avoid with babies?

Dr. Altmann: Avoid rough, non-breathable fabrics. Dress baby in layers to avoid overheating and sweating when going indoors with heat.

Q: What is a great skincare gift for babies during the holidays?

Dr. Altmann: A wash made specifically for baby, such as Dove Baby Tip to Toe Wash that goes beyond mildness