Summer Skin Care for Babies & Toddlers: The Ultimate Guide

Summer is most kids’ favourite season—who doesn’t love a month-long vacation? But for babies and toddlers, summer can be a bit too harsh if a good skincare routine is not followed. Babies’ and toddlers’ skin is much different than adults. It is still developing many of its functions, which is why it is more prone to infections, allergies, and irritation. Their bodies are still learning to regulate temperature, meaning they have a hard time adjusting to the heat. Due to all these reasons, you need to pay extra attention to your little one’s skin during summer. We have compiled the best summer skincare tips for babies and toddlers in this article so that you can be worry-free and breeze through summer!

Should I bathe my baby or toddler every day in the summer?

As long as you keep the face, nappy area, and skin creases of your baby or toddler clean by wiping as and when needed, they need to be bathed only once or twice a week. Their mobility is limited, so they do not accumulate much dirt. Bathing them more than necessary can make their skin excessively dry, and can worsen skin conditions like eczema. In summer though, your baby may sweat more than usual, and you might feel that he/she needs a bath every day to keep cool and comfortable. If that is the case, remember to use lukewarm water instead of hot or cold water for your little one’s bathtime, and keep the duration short.

Your baby’s skin barrier function is not fully developed yet, so their skin is more prone to irritation, allergies, and infections. This is why you need to ensure that you are using a natural, harsh chemical-free cleanser like CITTA’s Baby Body Wash that is gentle on your baby’s skin. It is enriched with Hydrolyzed Rice Protein which acts as an anti-irritant, while Aloe Vera and Coconut extracts soothe and hydrate it. For your baby and toddler’s hair too, use a tear-free baby shampoo that will not dry off their hair. Our Gentle Foaming Baby Shampoo is tear-free, non-dripping, and enriched with three natural oils to not only clean your kid’s hair gently but also hydrate and nourish it. Using the right baby care products is really important. If you feel like your baby needs to be bathed more than once a day, limit the use of a cleanser or shampoo to once a day. For more information about the basics of bathing your little one, check out our previous article here.

When can babies wear sunscreen?

Protecting your kid’s skin from the sun’s harsh rays is important all year round, and even more so in summer. However, it is recommended not to use sunscreen for babies less than six months old. There are multiple reasons for this. Firstly, sunscreens have not been tested on babies younger than six months. Secondly, they are unable to excrete the chemicals in sunscreens, which means they can absorb them. So it is best to avoid sunscreen for your little one for the first half year of their lives. For older babies and toddlers, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF factor between 30-50.

Also, apart from using sunscreen, try and stay indoors during the sunniest hours! Your little ones have extra sensitive skin, so it’s better to make outdoor plans when the weather is a bit more comfortable, like in the evenings. When heading out, dress your kid in loose-fit but full-sleeved clothing. Remember, clothing is the first line of protection against sun damage.

Can I use talcum powder on my baby in the summer?

Talcum powder is made with talc, a soft mineral that absorbs excess moisture and oil. However, it may be contaminated with asbestos, a very detrimental substance that is linked to several illnesses. While further studies are necessary, talc has been linked to diseases such as Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, and Ovarian Cancer. Since you cannot be sure if the baby care product you choose for your baby is contaminated or not, it’s better to steer clear of talc-based powders for your precious baby.

Instead, you should opt for a talc-free baby powder, like CITTA’s. Our baby powder is made with the best natural alternatives of talc—Corn Starch, Oat Kernel Flour, and Kaolin Clay. These natural ingredients naturally absorb excess oil and moisture from your baby’s skin and are safe to be used on even a newborn, like all our other products. It is free from harsh chemicals and dermatologist approved.

While using a powder on your baby, in summer and all other seasons, keep the following in mind:

• Use only a small quantity at a time. 
• Take a small amount of powder in your palms, away from your baby’s face, and then apply gently to the baby’s armpit, elbow creases, and neck creases—only the areas that accumulate excess moisture.
• Do not use powder on your baby’s face. Since the powder has small particles, your baby might inhale them accidentally.

What kinds of clothes are best for my baby in summer?

Summer calls for airy, breezy, light clothes. Dress your baby in breathable natural fabrics like cotton for maximum comfort. Cotton is also considered to be a hypoallergenic fabric, which means that it is less likely to cause allergic reactions than other synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics can trap sweat, leading to discomfort and heat rashes on your little one’s skin. Choose loose-fit clothes that cover most parts of your little one’s body to protect them from the sun. Also, ensure that the fabric is soft and there are no rough patches or tags in your baby’s summer clothes since that might irritate their delicate skin.

Can we use moisturizer for babies in the summer?

Your baby’s skin is thinner and hence, loses moisture at a much faster rate than yours. This is why it is essential to moisturize their skin even in summer. For babies’ skin, thicker moisturizers work better than runny creams or lotions. A good moisturization routine also helps prevent eczema flare-ups, and dry, itchy skin. Choosing the right baby care product in this category is really important, as you would be using it daily.

CITTA offers a natural Moisturizing Baby Balm which has a unique thick texture due to zero water content. It is crafted with the goddess of 7 natural oils, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E to provide deep nourishment and care along with long-lasting moisturization to your baby’s skin. Our balm also helps to prevent rashes and itchiness.

Which oil is best for baby skin in summer?

Massaging your baby with a mix of natural oils offers many benefits for the parent as well as the baby/ toddler. Many parents incorporate an oil massage in their baby’s daily routine—either before the bath or before bedtime—as it helps to calm the baby. In summer, you can continue with your massaging routine as usual, just ensure that the oil that you are using is light and non-sticky, like CITTA’s Nourishing Baby Massage Oil. It is a mix of 12 natural oils that give your baby’s skin the complete care it deserves. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients also protect your baby’s skin

How do I keep my baby/toddler hydrated in summer?

Keeping your babies and toddlers hydrated is essential in summer. Dehydration can lead to lethargy, tiredness, thirst, headaches, poor concentration, and irritability. Ensure that they are drinking enough fluids throughout the day, whether they are being breastfed, formula-fed, or eating solids. Remember to avoid any sugary or packaged drinks, as milk and water are the only appropriate fluids for babies and toddlers.

We hope that we have answered all queries you might have regarding baby skincare during the summer season. Stay cool and enjoy summer to its fullest!