Baby Eczema: What Finally Worked for Us (And How You Can Help Your Little One Too!)

If your baby has itchy, dry, red patches that just don’t go away, I get it. When my daughter’s eczema first showed up, I tried it all: Aquaphor, Aveeno, everything. Nothing seemed to work.

One night, after constant scratching and tears (both hers and mine), I decided something needed to change. After some research, I decided to give this ointment a try. After just a few applications, her skin massively improved. The dry patches and redness disappeared, and it looked like baby skin again. Plus, she was sleeping through the night again.

If you are feeling desperate to give your baby some relief, hang in there! I am sharing exactly what worked for us. This post includes our exact skin care routine and the go-to products we have been using for 4 years now.

Baby Eczema

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or expert on baby eczema. I am just a mom who has a daughter who suffers from eczema. I am sharing with you what works for my child and what I learned along the way. All of the tips included helped us manage her eczema so well that we have not had to use steroids for 2.5 years now.

What is baby eczema?

Baby eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, red, and itchy. Itchy patches can commonly be found on:

• Cheeks
• Chin
• Arms
• Legs (behind the knees)
• Elbows

Flare-ups can often happen because of:

• Dry air/changes in the weather
• Products with fragrances (lotions, shampoos, detergents)
• Food sensitivities
• Heat/sweating

It can take some time to identify your baby’s triggers, but once you do, it will be much easier to soothe your baby’s itchy skin.

Step 1: Create a Gentle, Consistent Skincare Routine

If there is one thing I learned throughout this journey, it is that less is more. Bathing too often and using a variety of different products can actually make things worse.

Here is our super simple routine that has worked for us (for years now):

• Short, Lukewarm Baths – 5-10 minutes tops.
• Gentle, Fragrance-Free Bath Products- We love this wash & shampoo. No harsh suds!
• Pat Dry- Do not ever rub.
• Lock in Moisture- This is where All Over Ointment comes in. It is super thick (almost like a balm), but it absorbs really well. No grease, just baby-soft skin. Apply this right after a bath, when your baby’s skin is still damp. This has been the secret sauce for us.
• Extra protection overnight- We always apply lotion before bedtime. We never skip this step. Otherwise, we will pay for it the following day.

This has been our routine since my daughter was a baby. She is now 4 years old and rarely has flare-ups.

Step 2: The Best Creams and Ointments for Baby Eczema

After trying tons of products, these are the ones that made the biggest difference:

• Tubby Todd All Over Ointment- It is our number one eczema must-have because it helps clear up problem areas super quickly. I keep a jar upstairs, downstairs, and even have a travel size that I carry with me when we go on vacations and in my diaper bag.
• Tubby Todd Hair & Body Wash- This bath essential is so gentle. I saw a big difference in my daughter’s skin after switching to this hair and body wash (especially her head, which was a big problem area for the longest time).
• Baby Brush- Typical baby brushes aggravated her scalp. This one is excellent.
• Lotion- I use All Over Ointment for problem areas, and use CeraVe all over. The combination of both has transformed her skin.
• Pajamas- We only wear bamboo pajamas. Since switching to these pajamas, my daughter actually started sleeping through the night and stopped waking up to scratch her skin.

Step 3: Avoid Common Baby Eczema Triggers

When your baby experiences a flare-up, it can be so hard to calm the irritated skin down. Remember these common triggers:

• Detergents- Always reach for fragrance-free detergents. It took me too long to realize we needed to switch detergents.
• Overheating- This is why choosing breathable materials is so important. Think cotton and bamboo!
• Food sensitivities- I suggest discussing food sensitivities with your pediatrician. Food did not trigger my daughter’s eczema, but I know it can be the case for others.
• Dry environments – You may consider adding a humidifier to your child’s room.

Step 4: When to Call Your Pediatrician

If you observe:

• Oozing
• Crusty patches
• Severe discomfort

Quick Bathing Tips

• Keep baths short.
• Limit bathing to 2-4 times a week
• Ditch the washcloth (it can actually cause irritation)
• The best bath temperature is between 97-98.6 degrees Fahrenheight. This bath thermometer will take the guesswork out of bathtime!
• Use a soft towel (like these bamboo ones) and pat your baby dry.
• Moisturize right after tubby time.

Invest in Good Clothing

Choosing the right fabrics for your little darling is crucial.

• Buy Soft, Breathable Fabrics- Clothing made of bamboo and cotton are great choices. Stick with clothing that is lightweight and does not trap moisture. We have been buying these pajamas for years (for both of our kids).
• Choose Tagless- Clothing without tags is key.
• Use a Gentle Fragrance-Free Detergent- Harsh detergents are the worst. Using them can result in flare-ups. Here is the one our family loves and uses.

(RELATED POST: Quickly Discover the Best Detergent for Toddlers With Eczema)

Create an Eczema-Friendly Environment

• Keep Nails Short- Get into the habit of trimming your baby’s nails regularly to decrease the chances of leaving scratch marks.
• Control the Temperature- Avoid keeping your home too warm.

Baby eczema can be frustrating for the whole family. Once you discover what your child’s triggers are and a skin routine that works, life becomes so much easier! For us, Tubby Todd products were a game-changer.