5 Moisturizing Lotions to Heal and Protect Baby’s Skin in the Winter

There is nothing sweeter than a baby's soft skin. Unfortunately, this soft, perfect skin is also 10 times more sensitive than adult skin -- and cold winter weather is making my daughter's skin do all kinds of new tricks. In our search for a solution to her dry skin patches, we've tried lots of different remedies (some of which I'll even sneak a pump of for my own relief).

My pediatrician's first advice for treating dry skin was to give up daily baths; the soap and water in a bath dry out baby's skin, and in colder weather it's just that much worse. (In lieu of a bath, use a damp cloth and some baby oil to clean off dirt and grime without drying out skin.)

If -- like me -- you can't stand the thought of sending your baby to bed without a real bath, here are a few products to consider.

1. Johnson's Baby Lotion

The minute you get home with your baby, you realize the hospital really knows what they're doing. From the baby blankets they send home to the Johnson's Baby Lotion lotion they use, they know what works. I've found this is a great moisturizer for everyday, but in colder temperatures it's not cutting it on my daughter's skin. We needed something with a little more ooompf in the winter time. (Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment for any skin ailment, from a scratch to dry skin. It is kind of like Vaseline, but not quite so greasy. We keep a travel size in the diaper bag at all times and a tube at the changing table because it works so well. (Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $6)

3. Burt's Bees

Burt's Bees is the rock star of the au naturel world; Though it's a little greasy for my taste and I don't love the fragrance of their original lotion, friends of mine -- and even Oprah -- swear by it. If you're looking for a lotion made from natural ingredients, this may be the one for you. (Burt's Bees, $13)

4. Mustela Hydra Bebe

I used some products from Mustela to help prevent stretch marks when I was pregnant and, frankly, just liked the smell of the lotion. So, I registered for the Hydra Bebe soap and lotion set. It also smells great and isn't greasy, but it didn't stand up to the coldest weather with my little one. (Mustela Hydra Bebe, $14)

5. Cetaphil Restoraderm

Cetaphil Restoraderm is the clear favorite in my house when it comes to soothing dry skin. I lather my daughter up when she's still a little wet from her bath, and I see (and feel) a difference almost immediately. It doesn't have a strong fragrance at all and is not greasy. (Cetaphil Restoraderm, $14)

I've heard great things from friends about Aveeno Baby Lotion and California Baby products, which seem to be among the priciest out there, but I haven't tried them myself. Bottom line: When your baby has dry skin, talk to your pediatrician about what works best depending on your baby's age and any allergies he or she may have. After all, you want to keep that skin "softer than a babies' bottom" as long as you can.