When your baby develops eczema, every clothing decision suddenly becomes even more important. Their sensitive skin means choosing fabrics that minimize irritation and flare-ups. As a mother who’s been there myself, I’ve gathered the ultimate tips on dressing little ones with eczema comfortably. Follow this advice and watch your baby’s skin heal!
Seek Softer Fabrics
Common triggers like scratchy wool or synthetic materials that restrict airflow often aggravate eczema. Check clothing labels and opt for super soft natural fibers next to baby’s skin, ideally 100% organic cotton. The tighter the weave, the less potential for skin to get caught and become further inflamed.
Better still, choose ultra gentle bamboo fabric for maximum comfort. Bamboo viscose helps regulate temperature while its silky properties avoid painful rubbing. Discover how beautifully soft a bamboo sleepsuit feels against sore skin! Just ensure any bamboo clothing carries the Oeko-Tek Standard 100 certification showing chemical safety.
Prioritise Loose Layers
The looser the better is key when dressing an eczema baby! Skin needs breathing space. Onesies and leggings often cling too tightly, especially when baby wriggles. Seek loose styles allowing air to circulate while avoiding painful chafing.
Opt for soft cotton shirts with envelope neck openings slipped over a vest base layer. Combine with harem pants in lightweight jersey or cotton blends. The extra room moves freely with baby, preventing inflammation flare ups from friction. Always choose wider neck openings and fold-over scratch mitts too for painless dressing.
Avoid Harsh Detergents
Vigorously washing new clothes before dressing removes excess dye and chemicals that linger next to delicate skin after manufacturing. Harsh detergents often contain irritants, so stick to gentle baby formulas for any future washes.
Use an extra rinse cycle when washing to banish soap residues and lower the alkaline level that dries their skin further. Consider non-bio washing powder or better yet, replace with sensitive skin-friendly soap nuts for clean clothing without chemicals.
Outsmart Scratching
Clever clothing choices outwit even the most determined baby scratcher! Footed leggings and sleepsuits with fold-over mittens built into long sleeves prevent claws reaching sore spots. For daywear, choose tops with mittens secured by poppers rather than flimsy velcro – determined babies easily rip these open!
Natural Soothing Remedies
Some traditional remedies can actually soothe flare-ups when applied to clothing. Add a few drops of cooling chamomile, lavender oil or aloe vera to the fabric conditioner drawer while washing. Infusing garments helps calm angry skin without ingesting anything orally. Just remember to test wash any garment first in case of sensitivity.
Beyond Fabric
Metal snaps, scratchy stitching or unnecessary decorative details also exacerbate delicate skin. Opt for clothes featuring poppers rather than fiddly buttons to enable pain-free changes. Seek flatlock seams that lay flat against skin. And remove any unneeded appliques with sharp edges or abrasive textures close to flesh. The simpler the clothing design, the better for your baby’s comfort.
Protect Skin Daily
Whatever they’re wearing, always apply emollient creams right after bath time to lock in moisture while skin remains damp. Even when sleeping, layer pure cotton sheets over silk liners allowing slippery smooth comfort. Sooth sore spots with cooling hydrogel pads inside clothing layers during the day. Keeping dressings sterile prevents infection setting in broken skin.
With some thoughtful choices, baby’s clothing can make all the difference helping their eczema heal rather than heighten sensitivity. Opt for super soft, loose layers without harsh chemicals or unnecessary irritants. Your baby will feel calmer, happier and most importantly, comfortable playing without persistent scratching! Here’s to seeing that innocent newborn skin glow beautifully again.
