Parent’s Guide to Bathing Babies With Eczema

Parent’s Guide to Bathing Babies With Eczema

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Close up newborn baby bathing in bathtub. mother bathing her son in warm water. Happy adorable newborn infant smile in tub relax and comfortable good moment with mom. Newborn baby care concept

Bathtime should be a calming, joyful part of the day, but for babies with eczema-prone skin, it can be challenging. Cleansing formulas, water temperature and long baths can set off skin sensitivity. The good news? Our gentle guide can help make bathtime a soothing, bonding experience for you and your little one.

Eczema in Early Life

Eczema in children is more common than you think and affects one in five infants, developing in the first year of life1. The hallmarks of eczema are dry, itchy and red skin on the face, tummy, arms and legs. Infantile eczema is common, with more than half of sufferers experiencing eczema signs within the first 12 months of life2. Most children will outgrow the condition, though a small percentage can experience severe symptoms into adulthood2.

Why Do Babies Get Eczema?

Babies have a skin barrier that is still developing, with less of the skin’s natural moisture protection. A baby's delicate skin can dry out faster, and can make it easier for unwanted irritants to get in. Once irritants get through, a baby's skin can become inflamed and eczema symptoms of rough and flaky skin may appear.

Triggers include extreme temperature, synthetic fabrics, allergens like dust and pollen, and irritants such as soap and detergent2. Food allergies can also be an underlying cause, but more likely in severe eczema cases3.

Top Three Eczema Triggers to Avoid

  1. Synthetic fabrics, and coarse wool. TIP: Choose soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo for your baby’s clothing and bedding.

  2. Harsh soaps, bubble baths and detergents. TIP: Try bath oils and hydrating cleansers for babies and sensitive laundry formulas.

  3. Keep the baby’s room temperature around 21°C to 24°C4 to help prevent overheating. TIP: Use an air purifier to filter out irritants, and pair with a humidifier. 

Basic Bath Time Guide for Babies with Eczema

Bathing your Baby with Eczema

  1. Prepare everything you need ahead of time
    Before undressing your baby, have towels, clothes, and skincare products ready to go. This keeps bathtime calm and reduces your baby’s exposure to cool air.

  2.  Add a gentle bath product
    Use a mild, fragrance-free product like QV Baby Bath Oil or QV Baby Gentle Wash. These products help maintain moisture while gently washing away dirt without irritating your baby's skin.

  3. Use your hands or a soft cloth
    Skip harsh flannels. Use clean hands or a soft muslin cloth to gently wash your baby, focusing on skin folds and areas that get dirty like the neck, behind the ears, and under the arms.

  4. Don’t scrub
    Baby and eczema-prone skin is delicate. Avoid any rubbing or friction which may damage the skin barrier and increase irritation.

  5. Wash the baby’s hair and scalp
    Don’t forget the baby’s hair and scalp. Try the QV Baby 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner – a gentle foaming formula, suitable to use daily.

Baby Bath Time Tips to Keep Skin Hydrated

Skip a bath

Bathing too much can dry out delicate and eczema-prone skin, so try ‘spot cleaning’ their face, hands, neck folds and nappy area daily with a damp cloth and QV Baby Gentle Wash. Be sure to wipe off any residual product.

Keep bathtime short

Bath time can be a wonderful part of the bedtime routine, signalling it’s time to wind down. If a bath is part of your daily routine, keep it short – about 5 to 10 minutes is ideal.

Warm, not hot water

Bathe your baby in lukewarm water, about 37°C  to 38°C5 – hot water can dehydrate skin and weaken the skin barrier.

Bubbles or no bubbles?

While bubbles make bathtime exciting, it’s best to skip them for babies and those with eczema-prone or sensitive skin. Ingredients that create bubbles may cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Bubble baths often contain fragrances and dyes designed for appealing scents and colours, but they’re not recommended for babies or toddlers with sensitive skin as they can easily irritate6.

TIP: Add a capful of QV Baby Bath Oil to lukewarm water, or use QV Baby Gentle Wash and a muslin cloth. Want more bathtime fun? Add bath toys.

After-Bath Care

Choose gentle, hydrating products free from common irritants as part of your baby’s daily eczema skincare routine to lock in moisture and protect against dryness. Establishing a consistent skincare routine will help with eczema and your baby's sensitive skin.

  1.  First, gently pat baby’s skin dry with a soft towel.

  2. Generously apply the QV Baby Moisturising Cream all over the baby’s body to moisturise the skin and use QV Baby Barrier Cream if they are prone to nappy rash as this will help protect the delicate skin around this area.

  3. Dress your baby in comfortable, cotton or bamboo clothing.

  4. Keep your baby’s room around 21-24°C and use a humidifier to maintain air moisture.

  5. Keep your baby’s nails trimmed so they can’t scratch themselves.

How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?

 
  • Newborns (0-3 months): Newborns don't need daily baths. Two to three times weekly is enough5.

  • Infants (3-12 months): Although babies are growing and becoming more active, 2-3 baths a week is still optimal. However, you can bathe babies daily if your baby enjoys baths6.

  • Toddlers (1+ years): Once babies start crawling or walking, as toddlers they may need more frequent baths for hygiene and comfort.

Bathing a baby with eczema or sensitive skin can feel daunting, but with these practical tips – like limiting bath time, skipping bubbles, and selecting fragrance-free, hydrating products – you can help protect your baby’s delicate skin and ease discomfort.

It’s best to consult your GP or dermatologist for tailored advice and treatment options if you are concerned about your baby’s dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

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