A peaceful, restorative night’s sleep can be hard to come by when your baby has eczema. Itchy, irritated skin often flares up at night, leaving both parents and babies struggling to rest. Fortunately, with a few thoughtful changes, you can create a calming bedtime routine that soothes your baby’s eczema and helps them drift off into peaceful slumber.
Step 1: Start with a Gentle Bath
Bath time is crucial for managing eczema, but it’s important to do it right. Dr. Maria Tweed advises bathing your baby in cool or lukewarm water, never hot, and limiting bath time to under 10 minutes. “Hot water and long baths strip the skin of natural oils and can dry it out further, making eczema worse,” she says. Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser sparingly, and avoid bubble baths or soaps with harsh chemicals.
After bath time, make sure to pat (not rub) your baby’s skin dry and immediately follow up with a gentle moisturizer.
Step 2: Moisturize with Care
The key to preventing eczema flare-ups is keeping your baby’s skin well-hydrated. Dr. Sylma’s Lovingly Soothing Balm is an ideal choice for locking in moisture and soothing dry, irritated skin. Its blend of cocoa butter, calendula, and ultra-moisturizing oils works to heal and protect delicate skin, especially when applied right after a bath. Use the balm liberally on affected areas to prevent itching and irritation during the night.
Step 3: Dress in Eczema-Friendly Pajamas
After moisturizing, the next step is dressing your baby in soft, breathable pajamas that won’t aggravate their skin. Poppy + Rows pajamas, made from our signature DemiLuxe™ bamboo fabric, are a perfect choice. Bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, making it an excellent option for babies with eczema. Our pajamas are specifically designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, reducing the risk of irritation while keeping your little one cozy all night long.
Step 4: Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Ensure that your baby’s sleep environment is as free from allergens as possible. Regularly deep-cleaning their room, using a HEPA air filter, and keeping pets out of sleeping areas can help minimize exposure to potential irritants like dust mites and pet dander. Additionally, keeping your baby’s room cool can prevent overheating, which is a common trigger for eczema flare-ups.
Step 5: Stick to a Soothing Routine
Consistency is key when managing eczema, so it’s important to establish a soothing bedtime routine. This routine should include a gentle bath, moisturizing with Dr. Sylma balm, and dressing your baby in Poppy + Rows pajamas. The combination of these products will not only help reduce eczema symptoms but also create a calming, comforting environment for your baby to sleep in.
By following these steps, you’ll help soothe your baby’s eczema while creating a peaceful bedtime routine that sets them up for a good night’s sleep.