“How can I relieve my baby's dry skin?”

Often, "dry skin" on a baby is the result of overbathing and irritating baby shampoos and lotions. Nature provides a natural oil on the skin to protect it -- babies don't play in the mud or do other activities that require soap to remove dirt and grime. Cleaning "the creases" -- under the neck, the armpits, and the diaper area -- is all that is required, and plain water can do that well. Sometimes "cradle cap" on the scalp can require some extra attention, but the soap/shampoo does not need to get on the rest of the baby's body. If you must use an emollient on the skin, a cream, oil, or ointment works better than "lotion" -- which has alcohol in it and is drying. Coconut oil or shea butter are good natural oils that can help keep your baby's skin healthy.

Shelley C. Springer, MD, MBA, MSc, JD, FAAP