Babies with eczema need extra care during bath time.
Their skin can be very sensitive, so the products you use make a big difference.
The best baby wash for eczema is gentle, fragrance-free, and made for sensitive skin.
Picking the right baby wash can help your baby feel more comfortable and while minimizing irritation.
It is important to look for simple ingredients that will not dry out or harm the skin.
This way, you can make bath time a relaxing part of your baby’s day and not a difficult one for you.
Key Takeaways
- Baby eczema needs gentle, soothing care.
- Look for fragrance-free washes with simple, safe ingredients.
- Proper bath choices can help keep your baby’s skin healthy.
- Use a bath filter to reduce chlorine and harsh irritants
Understanding Baby Eczema and Skin Sensitivity
Eczema is a common skin issue in babies that causes dry, red, and itchy patches.
Sensitive skin is more likely to react to irritants and allergens and needs special care to stay healthy.
What Is Baby Eczema?
Baby eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition.
It often appears as red, itchy, or scaly patches on the cheeks, arms, legs, or scalp.
Eczema usually starts in infancy but can continue as your baby grows.
Several types of eczema can affect babies. The most common is atopic dermatitis, but some children may also get seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) or contact dermatitis if their skin touches an allergen or irritant.
Eczema flares when the skin barrier is weak and the gut health hasn’t fully developed yet.
This makes your baby’s skin lose moisture easily and lets irritants in.
Some common triggers are soaps, synthetic fabrics, sweat, and even certain foods.
Signs to watch for include:
- Dry, rough patches
- Intense itching
- Red or dark spots
- Cracked skin
One thing to remember is that baby eczema is a natural response to the immune system developing.
All we need to do is support the body and patient.
Most babies eventually outgrow eczema.
How Sensitive Skin Affects Babies
Babies have thinner, more delicate skin than adults.
Their skin barrier is not fully developed, making it easier for irritants, allergens, and bacteria to cause problems.
This sensitivity can lead to dry skin, irritation, and rashes.
Here are some factors that make your baby’s skin sensitive:
| Factor | How It Affects Skin |
|---|---|
| Weak skin barrier | Skin dries out quickly and loses protection |
| Exposure to irritants and fabrics | Triggers eczema flares and redness |
| Allergens | Can cause contact dermatitis |
You may notice your baby reacts to soaps, lotions, laundry detergents and rough fabrics.
Even gentle baby products can bother some babies if used too often or if they contain fragrance or harsh chemicals.
Careful skin care helps protect your baby from irritation and discomfort.
Using mild, fragrance-free soaps and keeping the skin moisturized lowers the risk of flare-ups.
Key Ingredients in the Best Baby Wash for Eczema
When choosing a baby wash for eczema, it is important to look for ingredients that are gentle, moisturizing, and proven to help with sensitive skin.
Avoid products that use harsh chemicals, perfumes, or dyes.
Colloidal Oatmeal Benefits
Colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) is a common ingredient in gentle baby washes. It helps soothe itching and redness by forming a protective barrier over the skin.
Colloidal oatmeal is known for its calming properties.
It helps lock in moisture and supports the skin’s natural barrier.
It is often used in eczema care because it reduces irritation without using strong chemicals.
Many washes like Aveeno include this ingredient because it is gentle, works for most babies, and is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
If your child’s skin is very sensitive, this is a good option to try.
Natural Oils and Moisturizing Agents
Natural oils like coconut oil, sunflower oil, or shea butter can be found in some baby washes.
These oils help keep your baby’s skin soft and offer extra moisture.
Other moisturizing agents you might see are glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5), and tocopherol (vitamin E).
These help draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated for longer.
Cetyl alcohol is another gentle ingredient that helps smooth and soften the skin.
Steroid-Free and Non-Irritating Formulas
Most baby eczema washes are steroid-free.
This means they don’t contain medicines like hydrocortisone, which is great!
Using a steroid-free wash is safe for daily use and lowers the risk of long term side effects.
Choose a wash with a short ingredient list.
Fewer ingredients make it less likely your baby’s skin will react.
Always patch test a small amount first on your child’s arm or leg.
Wait 6 – 12 hours to see if a reaction occurs.
How to Choose the Right Baby Wash for Eczema-Prone Skin
Picking a baby wash for eczema-prone skin is not only about gentleness, but also about knowing what ingredients to look for and which to avoid.
Some labels may be misleading, so paying close attention to details can help protect your baby’s skin.
Evaluating Product Labels and Claims
As a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, I always read the front and back of skincare product labels carefully.
Look for washes labeled as fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested.
These usually mean fewer harsh chemicals or added scents that can upset eczema-prone skin.
Check for certifications like the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
This symbol means a product meets standards for use on eczema-prone skin.
Don’t always rely only on phrases like “natural” or “organic.”
These words do not always mean the product is gentle or non-irritating. You might have to research a little deeper.
Avoid baby washes with sulfates (like SLS or SLES), as they can strip moisture and make eczema worse.
Avoiding Potential Allergens and Irritants
Babies with eczema-prone skin react more easily to certain ingredients. A
void baby wash products with artificial fragrances or perfumes. These can cause stinging or worsen redness and itching.
Steer clear of washes that contain dyes, parabens, or formaldehyde releasers (such as DMDM hydantoin).
These chemicals may be hidden triggers that irritate sensitive skin.
Watch out for essential oils like lavender or citrus—though natural, these can sometimes cause allergies.
It’s a good idea to make a checklist of ingredients to avoid before shopping.
Spot test any new product on a small patch of your baby’s skin first.
If you notice redness, rash, or itchiness, stop using it right away and choose a different baby wash.
*This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase the product, I will receive a commission. These commissions help pay for website hosting, keeping it ad-free and to spread the word on clearing eczema!
3 Best Baby Wash for Eczema
Gentle body washes can help soothe your baby’s eczema-prone skin.
Most top brands choose mild ingredients that avoid harsh soaps and strong fragrances.
Here are my 3 favourite brands and products as a Holistic Nutritionist that I would recommend if your baby has eczema.
Recommended Products and Their Features
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
This product uses natural oatmeal to ease dryness.
It’s fragrance-free and tested by dermatologists, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
This also doubles as a shampoo saving you from buying another product.
Shoosha’s Organic Sensitive Skin Wash
Shoosha’s Organic Sensitive Skin Wash is made with natural ingredient’s free from the most common allergens and irritants. It’s so safe for babies that it’s food grade.
This also doubles as a shampoo so you don’t have to purchase another product.
Live Clean Baby Shampoo & Wash
This product is derived from 97% plant-based ingredients. It’s hypoallergenic, SLS, Paraben and Dye free.
It’s also Pediatrician tested.
It’s one of the most trusted brands in Canada voted by Parents.
Expert Tips for Bathing Babies with Eczema
The way you bathe your baby has a direct impact on eczema.
Choosing the right temperature and post-bath and water filter care can help prevent moisture loss and protect delicate skin.
Bathing Frequency and Water Temperature
Doctors recommend giving babies with eczema a short bath once a day or every other day.
This helps prevent from overwashing, drying out the skin and stripping away it’s natural oils.
Use lukewarm water—between 97°F and 100°F (36°C–38°C). Hot water can dry out your baby’s skin and damage the skin barrier, which makes eczema worse.
Keep baths short, between 5 to 10 minutes.
Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin. Use a mild, fragrance-free baby wash, and skip bubble baths, which can strip your baby’s natural oils.
Pat your baby’s skin dry gently with a soft towel, leaving a bit of moisture on the skin for the next step.
| Bathing Tips | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Short baths | Prevents moisture loss |
| Lukewarm water | Protects the skin barrier and preserves skin’s natural oils |
| Mild, fragrance-free wash | Reduces irritation and dryness |
| Gentle towel drying | Avoids damage and extra dryness |
A bonus tip to make the bath even more soothing is to use a bath filter.
My go to is Santevia’s Bath Filter.
It filter’s up 99.9% of chlorine while adding back minerals like magnesium and zinc all which is beneficial to healing eczema.
Moisturizing After Bathing
Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer within 5-10 minutes after each bath.
This helps lock in moisture and supports your baby’s skin barrier.
Look for products labeled “for sensitive skin” or “eczema-friendly.”
Creams, ointments, balms and salves are better than lotions because they offer a stronger layer of protection.
Be sure to cover all areas, especially the face, hands, and any areas with dry skin.
Reapply moisturizer as needed throughout the day, especially after hand washing or diaper changes.
Keeping your baby’s skin moist reduces itching and can make eczema flare-ups less common.
However, do not over apply moisturizer throughout the day.
Let the skin breathe and dry out naturally.
Baby Wash and Beyond
Just as important the right baby wash is, baby lotion and creams for eczema is equally important.
While you focus on providing relief topically, the next step is to also the body from within.
Remember to provide anti-inflammatory and hydrating foods to support your baby’s skin needs.
And remember, the body has the ability to heal, we just need to support it.