The Ultimate Bath Time Checklist for Eczema-Prone Babies

Your little one’s daily bath time can be an excellent opportunity to nurture their delicate skin while establishing a consistent routine to help them relax into bedtime. When our little one has eczema-prone skin, a daily bath routine is even more important: it helps wash away triggers that might be sitting on their skin from the day, can help boost skin hydration and prepares their skin to absorb more goodness from their moisturiser.

As parents, our evenings are often busy, so we thought we’d share a quick bath time checklist for eczema-prone little ones to help you feel more prepared to make the most of each bath! 

The Eczema-Friendly Baby Bath Time Checklist

• A bath thermometer. All babies should bathe in lukewarm water, never hot. This is especially important for our eczema babies, as hot water can irritate and further dry their sensitive skin. Getting their bath temperature right can be tricky, so using a thermometer can be reassuring!

• Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak. Adding our colloidal oatmeal bath soak to your little one’s bath can help gently cleanse their skin, soothe itching, and give them an extra moisture boost. As the oatmeal acts as a gentle cleanser, there's no need to use soap that can be harsh on eczema-prone skin. If using a baby bath, we suggest adding one heaped spoonful of soak per bath (using the spoon provided), or if using a full-size bath with enough water for a toddler or young child, we recommend two heaped spoonfuls per bath.

• A gentle, no-tears baby shampoo. If using shampoo at bath time, choose one that is fragrance-free and has gentle ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin or sting their eyes. Itchy Baby Co. Natural Shampoo & Body Wash contains no irritating sulphates, fragrances or dyes and is gentle on little eyes and skin. 

• A rinsing cup. It's helpful to use a rinsing cup to remove any shampoo residue after washing your little one’s hair. You can use something simple and lightweight that you already have at home, or there are purpose-made rinsing cups on the market that mould to your little one’s head to avoid getting water in the eyes (a fantastic baby shower gift idea!)

• Soft washcloths. Anything rough against eczema-prone skin is a big no-no, as it can cause irritation. Choose washcloths that are nice and soft and be extra gentle when using them to avoiding scrubbing.

• A soft towel. The same goes for their towels - softness is essential! And be sure to gently pat them dry rather than rub their skin. Tumble drying cotton towels on low heat with wool dryer balls can help them feel softer without resorting to chemical fabric softeners, which can irritate sensitive skin.

• Nappies. This one goes without saying, but always have a few nappies on hand at bath time ready to get your little one dressed and account for any accidents. And don't forget your nappy cream, if you use one!

• Itchy Baby Co. Eczema Moisturiser. Moisturising is a vital step in any eczema bath routine. After taking your little one out of the bath, gently pat their skin dry and apply their moisturiser while their skin is still damp. You’ll want to act quickly to help seal in all that moisture from bath time and create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. Our Eczema Moisturiser also contains 1% colloidal oatmeal to help relieve symptoms of mild eczema. This is the perfect time to connect and help them relax with a gentle, loving massage for their precious skin. 

• A soft hair brush. If you need to brush your little one’s hair after bath time, use a super soft bristle brush to avoid irritating their delicate scalp. Using a soft brush can also be helpful for managing cradle cap. 

• Pure cotton pyjamas. Soft, breathable cotton is the ideal fabric for eczema-prone skin. Dressing your little one in cotton pyjamas (and with breathable cotton bedding) can help them stay cooler and prevent sweating overnight, which can help control itching. 

We hope this simple checklist helps make bath time a soothing, skin-loving experience for your little one. A gentle and consistent moisturising skincare routine can go a long way in managing eczema symptoms and minimising uncomfortable flare-ups. Plus, these tender moments of care and connection create a beautiful opportunity to wind down together at the end of the day.

Remember, every baby’s skin is unique, so finding what works best for your little one may take some trial and error. Trust your instincts, and consult your healthcare provider for additional support if needed.

With the right approach, bath time can become a cherished ritual that nurtures their skin and fills their evenings with comfort and love.

This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from the Itchy Baby Co. team x

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.