Baby Skincare Challenges

The Nordic climate, with its cold winters, dry indoor air, and occasional bursts of heat in the summer, can take a toll on delicate baby skin. While babies’ skin is naturally soft and sensitive, these environmental factors can make it prone to dryness, irritation, and other challenges.

The good news? Most baby skin issues are harmless and temporary, and with the right care, you can keep your little one’s skin healthy and comfortable throughout the year.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most common baby skin challenges, why they occur, and practical ways to manage them.

What You’ll Learn on This Page :

• Common baby skin challenges and their symptoms
• Gentle care tips to soothe and protect your baby’s skin 

Dry Skin

The cold, dry air in Nordic winters combined with heated indoor environments can strip moisture from your baby’s skin, leading to dryness. Dry skin can appear as rough, flaky, or scaly patches on the legs, arms, or cheeks.

How to care for dry skin:

• Keep baths short (5–10 minutes) and use lukewarm water. Hot water can dry out the skin.
• Replace soap with a gentle cleansing oil, like our Baby Caring & Cleansing Oil, to hydrate while cleansing.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer like our Baby Caring & Cleansing Oil or Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream immediately after bathing to lock in moisture. 
• Some may find relief to dry skin challenges with humidifiers, especially in the winter.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema can be triggered by environmental factors such as cold weather, dry air, or irritants like synthetic fabrics. Genetics also play a role. Eczema appears as red, itchy patches, often in skin folds like the elbows, knees, or behind the ears. Maintaining a healthy immune system is important, as it can help reduce flare-ups and keep the skin barrier functioning properly.

How to care for eczema:

• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer like our Gentle Cleansing & Moisturizing Cream regularly to keep the skin hydrated. 
• Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce irritation.
  
• Keep the baby’s nails short to avoid any scratching
• Always consult a healthcare professional for advice and possible treatments if eczema persists or gets worse.

Nappy Rash

Prolonged contact with moisture and friction in the nappy area can irritate the skin, resulting in red, inflamed skin in the diaper region, sometimes with raised bumps.

How to care for nappy rash:

• Change nappies frequently to keep the area dry and clean. Also offer your baby nappy-free time, when possible, to allow their skin to breathe.
• For extra gentle protection during diaper changes, our Baby Caring & Cleansing Oil can soothe and clean at the same time.
• Our Nipple & Barrier Cream can also be used to protect the baby’s skin and care for irritated areas.

Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis)

An overproduction of oil in the scalp, often linked to maternal hormones, can lead to cradle cap. The cradle cap appears as yellow, greasy, scaly patches or crusts on the scalp, sometimes extending to the eyebrows.

How to care for cradle cap:

• Massage the scalp gently with Baby Caring & Cleansing Oil to gently loosen scales. Wash the scalp with a mild baby shampoo to remove flakes. You can use a soft brush after washing to help remove scales.
• Avoid picking or scratching the scales to prevent irritation.
• Be gentle – the cradle cap will most often go away on its own and doesn’t necessarily require treatment.

Fungal Infections in Children and Babies

Fungal infections are common in both infants and slightly older children – and are usually completely harmless. In newborns, they typically occur in skin folds, where moisture and warmth make it easy for the fungus to thrive. It can appear as redness, irritation, or small rashes, also known as intertrigo. Fungal infections can also occur in the mouth in the form of thrush – a white coating that can make eating uncomfortable.

To prevent discomfort, it is important to keep the skin clean and dry, especially in the folds. Air out the skin when possible, and use a gentle, moisturizing cream at the first sign of irritation. If the discomfort does not go away, or if the child seems affected, you should contact healthcare for advice and possible treatment.

Caring for Baby Skin in a Nordic Climate

The changing climate brings unique challenges for baby skin, but with a gentle, thoughtful approach, you can help your little one feel comfortable and cared for. Simple practices will go a long way in keeping your baby’s skin soft, healthy, and soothed.

When it comes to baby skincare, having the right products can make all the difference. The Baby Care Basics Bundle combines trusted solutions like the Baby Caring & Cleansing Oil and Nipple & Barrier Cream to simplify your routine and support your baby’s delicate skin through every season.