Few things can be more frustrating than seeing your little one covered in eczema and having no idea where it came from or how to handle it. Your doctor likely prescribed a steroid but if you are anything like us, you’d love to know how to prevent it rather than just treat it. Below are a few helpful ways you can try and keep eczema at bay along with a natural cream we love!
1. Try to limit bath time. We know bath time can be one of the most special times of the day. It’s a chance to really get to sit and be in the moment while you watch your babe kick their little feet around in the water and delight at the splashes. But, extended bath time can actually dry your baby’s skin out even further which then can exacerbate their eczema.
Try keeping bath times to 5-10 minutes and staying away from any harsh or scented soaps. Water should be lukewarm with no added soaps or bubbles. Afterward, make sure to gently pat baby’s skin dry, leaving a little bit of moisture on their skin. Follow up with a natural baby lotion – we like anything from the Honest Company, Arbonne, or the Puracy line.
If you can limit baths to 3 times a week, all the better! But, we know that when those babies start smashing food around all over their bodies, daily baths can be a non-negotiable, so find what works for you.
2. Identify What is Causing the Flare Ups. We know, this one may feel really frustrating because you likely have tried to do this already. But, really try and pay attention to the things that touch your baby’s skin. Even something as non-assuming as a fragrance in your or your caretakers lotion could be the culprit. Here are a few things to focus in on when identifying a trigger:
- fragrances
- harsh soaps and/or laundry detergents
- excessive saliva/drooling or sweat
- rough or chemical treated clothing
- non-breathable clothing
Try and use a fragrance free laundry detergent that is free & clear. Stick to soft and breathable clothing such as organic cotton or bamboo, and stay away from fleece and wool. Be on drool patrol – use cotton bibs to help keep the moisture off baby’s skin.
3. Look for Correlations Between Flare Ups and Foods. There are some foods which are known to be common allergens and may be linked to eczema flare ups. Here are a few foods that you can test for a link:
- citrus
- eggs
- cows milk
- nuts
4. Use a Natural Cream For Tough Spots. We love using natural remedies when we can because they tend to be less harsh on baby’s body. Don’t get us wrong, there are definitely times that call for medical intervention, but for this purpose we love to try a natural approach first. This cream worked wonders for one of our kiddos tough eczema patches.
Apply it a few times a day, especially during the night time.