Going into the winter months (of course, winter means different things in different areas), you probably notice that your grooming habits change a bit. This is no different for babies; as the air gets cooler and dryer, making a few tweaks to your child’s bath and skin care can make life a little more comfortable for them.

If you don’t already, a moisturizing baby wash or soap is a good swap to start with in the bath. If the air is especially dry in your home, adding a bit of oil to the bath can help as well. If you can, avoid bathing everyday as that can excessively dry out skin and even negatively effect their immune systems. If your child has curls, skipping shampoo sometimes and using just conditioner (co-washing) can help keep delicate hair from getting too dry. Using a conditioner on hair can help with fly-aways and static in dry, winter hair as well. If your child has very fine hair, there are many lightweight conditioners that won’t weigh their hair down.

After bathing, make it a point, if you don’t already, to always moisturize. You may find that the lotion you used all summer and fall is no longer cutting the mustard during the dry winter months. A heavier lotion, body oil, or cream can help, and for dry patches, a balm type product (or even diaper cream) will help seal in the skin’s moisture and prevent it from drying out. A spray-in de-tangler or conditioner can help hair stay tangle and static-free while hair is still wet. Curly haired babies may need more moisture in their hair; coconut oil or leave-in conditioner applied sparingly can be a big help.

If you live somewhere that gets very cold, consider applying a body cream or balm to your baby’s cheeks before going outdoors as well. Winter winds can chap sensitive skin incredibly fast; a balm or ointment is an effective barrier.

Finally, if you live someplace cold, furnaces and heaters can make the air in your home even dryer than it already was. A humidifier can be helpful for everyone in the house and can make breathing easier, too.

Meaghan Howard is a stay-at-home mom to three little boys. She and her family are currently enjoying living overseas and exploring their new little corner of the world.