The short answer
A simple routine works best for most children. Lukewarm water, short baths, a gentle pat dry and very few products are usually plenty. Add one new thing at a time, so you know what you are looking at if something changes.
Why it happens
Many of the things that dry skin are ordinary parts of a child's day. Hot bath water, long soaks and frequent soap all take away moisture. Rubbing with a towel roughens the surface. Cold, windy days can leave cheeks looking dry too.
Fragrance deserves a word of its own. A product that smells lovely to a parent is not always gentle on a child. Plant based scents, including essential oils, are still scent ingredients. The fewer scented products your child meets, the fewer you have to wonder about.
Young children do not always tell you when something stings. You learn it from their face, their fussing and the look of their skin. This is the main reason the usual advice is to go slowly.
What helps
Keep baths short and the water lukewarm. Test it with your wrist or elbow before your child gets in. Use plain water for much of the body, and a mild cleanser only where it is needed. Skip bubble baths and scented washes.
Pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Pay attention to the folds behind the knees and under the arms, where water likes to hide. Leave the skin barely damp.
A small amount of moisturizer goes a long way. Smooth a thin layer onto cheeks, arms and legs while the skin is still slightly damp. A tiny dab on the inner arm for a few days gives you a first look at how the skin responds.
Dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics, and wash clothes and bedding with a mild detergent. Keep fingernails short and smooth. Most of all, keep the routine small. A short bath, a gentle pat and a quiet few minutes together does more than a shelf of products.
When to ask for help
Skin care is a small part of caring for a child, and some things belong in the doctor's office. Call your child's doctor if a rash comes with a fever, if it spreads, blisters or weeps, or if your child seems unwell. For a baby, ask before you start anything new.
If something does not look right to you, trust that and call. No one will mind, and your pharmacist is glad to help you work out whether it needs a visit.
The AHOTO note
Glowabe is our gentle children's skincare balm. It has a shea butter base with oats, soy and a light essential oil blend for scent. Patch test before first use, as the label asks.