How Often Should You Bathe a Baby With Eczema?

Regular baths are an important part of caring for little ones with eczema-prone skin. Bath time helps to wash away irritants that might be sitting on the skin’s surface, and it helps to dampen their skin so they can get the most hydration out of their eczema moisturiser.

Today, we’re exploring how often to bathe an eczema-prone baby or toddler and sharing practical tips for getting the most nourishment out of your little one’s bath time.

Can I bath my eczema baby every night?

The general recommendation is usually to bathe a baby with eczema-prone skin every day. However, your medical professional may have other recommendations based on your little one’s condition.

Children with eczema often have irritated, itchy and red skin on different parts of the body. This can be because of an overactive immune system that causes issues with the skin barrier, which can result in bacteria and other allergens getting into your child’s skin. It can also make it difficult for the skin to retain enough moisture, making it feel dry, itchy and irritated. A daily bath can help wash away bacteria and allergens from the skin’s surface and give it a much-needed moisture boost.

How does regular bathing help to add moisture to the skin?

Eczema and dry skin go hand in hand, so it’s essential to keep their skin nourished by adding the extra moisture it needs.

Keeping their skin clean and moisturised can help to reduce flare-ups by reducing their need to scratch their dry, itchy skin. Introducing a daily bathing and moisturising routine is a great way to do this. It’s also the perfect chance to nourish their skin with some colloidal oatmeal bath soak, which can help boost hydration and create a protective barrier over the skin. Soaking in a lukewarm bath for up to 10 minutes can help prepare your little one’s skin to absorb more moisturising goodness from their emollient.

Tips to maximise moisture for dry skin during bath time

When doing your daily bath routine, there are some things to keep in mind to help you get the most benefits and prevent any further triggers from aggravating your little one’s sensitive skin.

• Keep bath time short, no longer than ten minutes
• Make sure the bath water is lukewarm – not too hot and not too cold (hot water can zap moisture from skin)
• Avoid using soaps and bubble baths, which can dry the skin out by stripping it bare of its surface protection
• Avoid using bath products that have fragrances, sulphates or other harsh ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin
• Consider adding a moisturising and cleansing bath soak to the lukewarm bath water
• Avoid scrubbing their skin with washcloths or sponges
• Gently pat their skin dry using a soft towel, or even ‘cuddle’ them dry – this can help to minimise irritation and leave their skin feeling slightly damp and ready for moisturiser
• Moisturise the skin within two minutes of taking your child out of the bath while their skin is still damp to seal in hydration.

Remember, don’t skip the moisturiser!

As eczema-prone skin can struggle to retain moisture, it’s vital to apply a moisturiser immediately after bath time – if you skip it, the skin can become even drier after a bath.

A good moisturiser that contains more oil than water (like our Eczema Moisturiser, which is a waterless ointment) can help to create an artificial barrier that slows down water loss, seals in moisture, and keeps irritants and germs from getting into the skin. Apply your little one’s moisturiser in a gentle downward motion within two minutes of getting them out of the bath when their skin has been gently towel-dried but is still damp.

Here's to many happy, soothing and nourishing bath times ahead!

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

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