Eczema and Baby Sleep: A Parent's Survival Guide

For babies and children with eczema, it’s common for itchy skin flare-ups to cause sleep disturbances. According to the National Eczema Foundation, up to 83% of children experiencing an eczema flare will have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. While sleep disruptions are not unusual in little ones in general (believed to be prevalent in around 20-30% of children across the board*), it's still a significant figure. And as parents, we know that their quality of sleep is everything - lack of sleep not only takes a toll on their overall health and behaviour, but it affects our ability to get good sleep, too! That’s why it’s so important to do what we can to help them get better sleep, especially during an eczema flare-up. 

We know there are many different ways to approach baby and toddler sleep, depending on what works best for your family. But no matter your sleep style, there are some things you can do to help reduce the itching and discomfort eczema-prone little ones may feel during the night, to help them get more restful sleep.

If you’re going through a period of rough sleep at the moment, we see you. Here are some routine and lifestyle tweaks you can make to set your family up for more sleep success.

Tips for better baby sleep when they have eczema-prone skin

Try to keep on top of eczema symptoms

Working with your medical professional to treat flare-ups as they happen, and maintaining a consistent soothing and nourishing skincare routine, are essential to help break the itch-scratch cycle and minimise sleep disruptions.

Temperature and humidity control

Feeling hot and sweaty can intensify itching for those with eczema-prone skin. Choose a room for your little one that can maintain a reasonably steady temperature and keep it cool during sleep time - around 16-18°C. Fewer temperature fluctuations mean your little one is less likely to wake up too hot or cold, and makes it easier to manage dressing them for bed. It’s also best to keep humidity levels around 30 - 50%; lower humidity can leave skin feeling dry, whereas higher humidity can encourage mold growth or dust mites that can trigger eczema.

Help them unwind with a soothing bath routine

Bath time is the perfect opportunity to help your little one relax into sleep mode, while also soothing and hydrating their dry skin. Adding some of our Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak to their bath is a quick and easy way to boost moisture at bath time, while soothing and calming itchiness. Avoid soaps and other products that can dry or irritate the skin - our Natural Shampoo and Body Wash offers a gentle way to cleanse their skin, without any harsh sulphates, fragrances or dyes.

Apply a long-lasting moisturiser

To keep their skin nourished through the night, consider opting for a thicker moisturiser or ointment like Itchy Baby Co. Eczema Moisturiser. Our bestselling moisturiser contains coconut oil and shea butter to provide longer-lasting moisture, and 1% colloidal oatmeal to help soothe itching. For best results, we recommend applying immediately after bath time with our Oatmeal Bath Soak, when their skin has been towel-dried but is still damp.

Getting dressed for bed

Breathable cotton sleepwear is a good choice for eczema-prone little ones, and it’s best to choose options without any scratchy tags, zips or other fastenings that can irritate sensitive skin. If your little one tends to scratch at night, onesies with mittens can be helpful, or try putting some soft cotton gloves over their hands while they sleep. This will help to minimise any skin damage from scratching. 

The right bedding

Just like their pyjamas, opt for breathable cotton bedding wherever possible to help prevent overheating through the night. 

Create a clean, trigger-free sleeping space

The room where your little one sleeps should be kept free from triggers like dust, pet dander and fragrances. Some ways to minimise triggers in their space can include: 

• Frequently vacuuming and damp dusting all surfaces (don’t forget any skirting boards, fans and light fittings)

• Removing soft furnishings like rugs, decorative pillows, blankets and curtains that can collect dust

• Regularly hot washing bedding and stuffed toys to kill dust mites (if the stuffed toy cannot be washed on hot, you can also place it in a plastic bag in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites, and then thoroughly wipe clean)

• Keep clutter and decorations to a minimum, as they can quickly accumulate dust

• Don’t allow pets in the bedroom or on the bed

• Open windows daily when practical to allow fresh air to circulate (except on days when there’s a high pollen count)

• Watch out for and eliminate any mold growth, particularly in cupboards

• Avoid air fresheners or fragrance diffusers

A good night’s sleep can make all the difference for both you and your little one, especially during an eczema flare-up. By creating a soothing bedtime ritual, a nourishing skincare routine and minimising triggers, you can help set the stage for more restful nights - and happier mornings!

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

*Figure shared by National Eczema Association.

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