Winter’s chilly weather and dry air can be tough on delicate baby skin, especially for those prone to dryness or eczema. While dry skin often reflects an internal issue, such as gut health or nutritional imbalances, a thoughtful bath routine can keep your baby comfortable, soothed, and happy. Our winter bath routine combines nourishing additions and moisturizing care to support your little one’s skin.

Here’s why we do what we do, the benefits of each step, and product recommendations to make bath time a nourishing experience for your baby.

Why the Right Bath Routine Matters

Baby skin is more sensitive and delicate than adult skin. It loses moisture faster and is more prone to irritation, especially during colder months. Key challenges include:

• Dryness: Caused by reduced humidity and frequent bathing.

• Eczema Flare-Ups: Often linked to an overactive immune response or a compromised skin barrier. Try adding some meat stock in your babies diet to start.

• Moisture Loss from Hot Water: Hot water strips natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation.

With a soothing, moisturizing routine, you can manage these symptoms while creating a calming experience for your little one.

How Often Should You Bathe an Eczema-Prone or Dry Skinned Baby?

💧 Every Other Day: Bathing every other day helps prevent over-drying while keeping your baby clean. Daily baths can strip away natural oils, which are essential for protecting the skin barrier.

💧 When to Skip a Day: For very young infants or during eczema flare-ups, consider bathing every three days to allow the skin to rest and repair.

💧Limit bath time: Keep baths short (5-10 minutes) to prevent further drying out the skin if they are having a bad flare-up.

The Importance of Temperature Regulation

🌡️ Why Temperature Matters: Hot water removes natural skin oils, leaving the skin dry, irritated, and more prone to flare-ups. Cold water, on the other hand, may not dissolve bath additions properly or provide a soothing effect.

🌡️ Optimal Temperature: Use a bath thermometer to maintain a temperature of 98–100°F. This range is warm enough to be comfortable and soothing but not so hot that it damages the skin barrier.

🌡️ Product Recommendation:

• Floating Bath Thermometer: Keeps water at the perfect temperature while doubling as a fun bath toy for your baby.

Bath Additions That Transform Skin Care

1. Magnesium Flakes

🛀 Why They Work: Magnesium flakes (magnesium chloride) are gentler than Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and more hydrating for the skin. Magnesium supports skin barrier repair, calms irritation, and promotes relaxation—helpful for both eczema-prone babies and stressed parents! Bonus, magnesium flakes provide helpful sleepy-time vibes for baby!

How to Use: You can add 2 tablespoons to bathwater, stirring to dissolve completely. I tend to just grab two scoops with my hand for ease.

Product Recommendation:

• Ancient Minerals Magnesium Flakes: High-quality magnesium flakes sourced from pure, natural deposits.

2. Colloidal Oatmeal Powder

🌾 Why It Works: Colloidal oatmeal soothes irritated, itchy skin and locks in moisture. Its anti-inflammatory properties create a barrier that helps eczema-prone skin stay hydrated while reducing redness and swelling.

How to Use: Add 1–2 tablespoons to the bathwater, ensuring it’s evenly mixed to avoid clumps.

Product Recommendation:

• Shea Organics Colloidal Oatmeal Powder: This was one of the only organic products I could find, if anyone else has more recommendations please leave them in the comments!

3. Coconut Oil in the Bath

🥥 Why It Works: Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids that moisturize and nourish the skin. Adding it to the bath helps seal in hydration, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. It also has natural antimicrobial properties to soothe irritation and prevent infection.

How to Use: Add about a teaspoon or two of organic, unrefined coconut oil to the bathwater after washing baby’s hair. Mix well for even distribution.

Product Recommendation:

• Dignity Coconuts Coconut Oil: USDA-certified organic and unrefined - perfect for sensitive baby skin. We also use this for cooking!

Post-Bath Skincare Routine: Locking in Moisture

1. Beef Tallow Moisturizer

🛡️ Why It Works: Beef tallow is a nutrient-rich fat loaded with vitamins A, D, E, and K. Its composition is similar to the natural oils in human skin, making it deeply nourishing and perfect for repairing dry, irritated areas.

How to Use: Apply a small amount to damp skin immediately after the bath, focusing on any dry patches or areas prone to eczema.

Product Recommendation:

• Flying Cow Tallows Baby Balm: Made from 100% grass-fed and finished beef tallow, this balm is gentle and highly effective. I AM NOT AN AFFILIATE of this product but we use this DAILY and I love it. It’s whipped up with organic coconut oil too and is just the best.

2. Maty’s All Purpose Ointment

💦 Why It Works: This gentle, natural ointment provides an additional layer of hydration, protecting the skin from moisture loss and soothing flare-ups. It’s especially effective on areas like cheeks, elbows, or knees.

How to Use: Apply a thin layer to dry or irritated areas if baby needs a thick seal. Remember, dry skin and eczema is an inside problem but you are just helping the skin to repair - it’s best to work on their diet while dealing with these issues. Any skin care item will not solve it alone.

Product Recommendation:

• Maty’s All Natural Baby Ointment: Safe for sensitive skin and free from harsh chemicals. It does have an odd texture but thats because there is beeswax in the product.

3. Layering with Gentle Oil (Optional)

💧 Why It Works: For extra hydration, layering an oil like jojoba, coconut or avocado over the tallow helps lock in moisture and creates a protective barrier against dry winter air.

How to Use: Massage a few drops of oil onto the skin, focusing on areas prone to dryness.

I will posting how to make your own homemade herbal oil soon - this is the best route!

Why This Routine Works

✨ Protects the Skin Barrier: By regulating temperature and using nourishing additions, you prevent moisture loss and support natural skin repair.
✨ Soothes Inflammation: Magnesium and oatmeal calm irritation and reduce redness, while coconut oil and beef tallow nourish and protect.
✨ Hydrates & Heals: Each step locks in hydration and delivers nutrients essential for maintaining healthy, eczema-free skin.

Caring for Baby’s Skin Inside and Out

While dry, eczema-prone skin often reflects internal factors like gut health or nutritional imbalances, this routine offers effective, external support to keep your baby comfortable and happy. With the right products and gentle care, you can help protect their delicate skin throughout the winter months.

💬 What’s your go-to winter baby bath routine?

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