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You always want the best creams available when it comes to your little one’s irritated skin and here we are to your rescue!
We all know and want our baby to be “baby-smooth.” Baby eczema normally shows up as pink, dry, itchy patches on the skin between 2 and 4 months of age. It is a skin condition most common in babies. Although it can affect any area of the body, the diaper area is usually spared.
Although, there’s no cure for eczema, moisturizing the skin generously is the gold standard for baby eczema treatment. This is because moisturizers help restore the barrier function of the skin, which thereby reduces dryness and irritation. Moisturizers can also help to prevent eczema flares. You need to use baby eczema cream strategically: apply plenty of a thick layer right after bathing and at least a few more times each day. An easy way to remember is moisturizing during diaper changes.
How common is eczema in babies?
Eczema in babies is fairly common as nearly 10 to 20 percent of all infants have or will have it. After the age of 2, many babies usually grow out of it or at least see their symptoms improve over time. Doctors and professionals have not yet been able to fund the real cause behind eczema, genetic factors are supposed to play a significant role. Babies, where at least one of the parents has eczema, are two to three times more likely to get the same. However, even with no family history of the condition, some babies tend to have eczema.
For adults, eczema usually appears as pink or reddish skin that is dry and rough but on babies, the skin condition can show a little differently. One of the first signs of infant eczema itchy cheeks are usually.
For most infants, eczema is not a cause of an allergic reaction. It reflects an intrinsic tendency for skin that is drier and easily irritated by temperature, clothing, and other external triggers. The most fool-proof treatment for eczema the only treatment for Eczema is good, nourishing skincare.
Choosing the best baby eczema cream
First and foremost, avoid using lotions. Apart from the fact that they are thinner, which means they won’t be creating as thick of a barrier on the skin, lotions also contain alcohol that causes dryness and irritation. They also may contain alcohol which causes dryness and irritation. An important tip is to look for a “fragrance-free” label on the product.
Although it is easy to be led astray by buzzwords such as ‘organic’ and ‘natural,’ parents should always keep in mind that organic products are not intrinsically hypoallergenic. Many contain fragrances and botanicals which can further irritate the baby’s skin. However, do not get worried if your little one’s eczema doesn’t get better right away as it is a trial and error sometimes. As the body’s healing process takes time, give any new product a minimum of two weeks to see if it works before abandoning it.
Last but not the least, if the baby’s eczema doesn’t improve after baths and gets worse even after applying cream, talk to your pediatrician. They may recommend a pediatric dermatologist, who can analyse your baby’s symptoms and recommend a stronger steroid cream. Since this could lead to an infection, you should also tell your pediatrician if you notice scabbing on the baby’s skin.
So which eczema cream is the best for babies?
Since heavier products do a better job of locking in moisture, the best baby eczema lotions are, almost greasy-feeling creams or ointments. When buying an eczema baby wash and shampoo look for one that’s soap-free, as well as free of irritating ingredients like preservatives or fragrances.
For the most part, any products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance are a good bet, since they’re vetted to make sure they don’t contain any irritating ingredients.
Still unsure as to what fits the bill? Here’s a list of the best products for baby eczema, all designed to offer sweet relief to your little one.
10 Best Eczema Creams For Babies
Whether you’re looking for a basic everyday moisturizer or a heavy-duty ointment for those supersensitive hot spots, these are some of the best eczema creams for babies:
1) Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream
For: $9
Available at: Amazon.com
This dermatologically developed baby eczema cream boasts of hydrating colloidal oatmeal along with dimethicone which forms a barrier on the baby’s skin and locks in moisture. What makes it a good all-purpose option is the fact that it’s thick and rich without being greasy or tacky.
2) Triple Cream Eczema Care
For: $11
Available at: Amazon.com
Beeswax and oat kernel extract are just two of the ultra-hydrating ingredients used in this lotion. Because of its extra-thick and long-lasting qualities, it’s a good one to use right before bedtime.
3) Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Cream
For: $26
Available at: Amazon.com
Now we have this wonderful pick from Mustela. It’s packed with naturally derived moisturizing ingredients like sunflower oil and avocado, and the light, fast-absorbing texture makes it great for quick daytime applications (especially when you’re out and about). It’s also an ideal baby eczema cream for a baby’s face since the non-occlusive formula won’t sting if it accidentally gets in their eyes.
4) CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream
For: $10
Available at: Amazon.com
Ceramides aka lipids, a magic ingredient used in this top-rated baby eczema cream helps form the skin’s barrier and boost the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Additionally, it’s designed to deliver up to 24 hours of soothing relief, earning its place among the best eczema creams for babies.
5) Vaseline Baby 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly
For: $17
Available at: Amazon.com
Plain old petroleum jelly has always been a dermatologist’s favorite for its deep hydration properties. It’s among the best products for baby eczema. It is also one of the thickest ointments out there. The only drawback? Your baby will turn into a slippery, greased-up if applied every day. So, instead of applying it every day, save it for hot spots or intense flare-ups.
6) Baby Pibu Bathtime Tear-Free Hair and Body Wash
For: $15
Available at: Amazon.com
To keep your little one’s skin and scalp stay hydrated use this 2-in-1 eczema baby wash and shampoo. It should be noted that this revolutionary cream contains soothing ingredients that also happen to smell great, such as lavender oil and cucumber fruit extract.
7) Cetaphil Baby Soothing Wash
For: $8
Available at: Amazon.com
On days when your baby seems especially uncomfortable go for this eczema baby wash. This hypoallergenic wash soothes inflamed skin with the help of ingredients like Shea butter and sunflower seed oil. As it’s also formulated with Filaggrin technology it helps repair dryness and irritation.
8) Triple Wash Gentle Baby Body Wash/Shampoo
For: $12
Available at: Amazon.com
The optimal pH formulation of this head-to-toe shampoo is designed to ensure the protection of your little one’s skin barrier. It brings a great sense of relief to all kinds of irritations, from eczema flare-ups to diaper rashes.
9) Live Clean Baby Eczema Body Wash & Shampoo
For: $24
Available at: Amazon.com
Thanks to a multi-oat complex of colloidal oatmeal, oat kernel extract, and oat oil, the formula of this eczema shampoo and body wash are ultra-hydrating. With an added bonus of it being certified organic, cruelty-free, biodegradable (plant-based), and recyclable.
10) The Honest Company Eczema Soothing Therapy Body Wash
For: $13
Available at: Amazon.com
This gentle eczema baby wash cleans and soothes your little one’s sensitive skin by harnessing the power of prebiotics and natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil. With dermatologists’ stamp of approval, it is hypoallergenic and free of steroids.
Other Best Products for Baby Eczema
There are several other smart products out there designed to relieve baby eczema, aside from baby eczema creams, body washes, and shampoo. Here’s a list of a few items that help make a baby’s condition more manageable:
11) Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Soothing Bath Treatment
For: $40
Available at: Amazon.com
While offering a megadose of moisture, this finely milled colloidal oatmeal soothes and cleanses your little one. Pour a packet of this gentle baby eczema treatment into your baby’s bath on days when their skin needs some extra love.
12) Mustela Stelatopia Skin Soothing Pajamas
For: $33
What makes it one of the best products for baby eczema is the 100 percent cotton duds as they boast microcapsule technology to deliver moisturizers like ceramides and avocado oil while they sleep. Dress your babies in these special skin-soothing jammies on nights when they’re particularly uncomfortable.
13) CeraVe Baby Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 45
For: $12
Available at: Amazon.com
This lotion does double-duty as a moisturizer and broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen as it’s made with essential ceramides. Along with the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. Like with all sunscreens, remember to use this on babies 6 months and older.
14) Tide Free and Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
For: $15
Available at: Amazon.com
This detergent is powerful enough to tackle stains from spit-up and diaper blowouts but gentle enough that it won’t irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. It is also hypoallergenic and free of dyes and perfumes. To put it in another way, it’s a lifesaver.
That’s all folks! These were the top picks of the best baby eczema creams, shampoos, and washes, so get your best purchase and aid the baby’s skin. You may also opt to purchase the best absorbent newborn diapers to completely do away with the redness and rashes that could be caused in infants. Find all the best diapers now!
Final conclusion
You may want to consult your child’s pediatrician, before rushing to the store to pick up some baby eczema creams. As with newborn babies, it’s completely normal for them to have some dry skin and redness as it has to adapt to an arid environment. During these cases, it’s frequently advised to leave the skin alone. Your doctor can at times rule out any other medical issues that might be at play or they might advise you on some of the creams which they prefer.
Do check out our blog on the best diaper rash cream for babies.
Always remember: When in doubt, never hesitate to reach out!
Best Eczema Creams FAQs
1) Should I bathe my baby daily?
2) Why does the baby's eczema get worse at night?
3) What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby with eczema?
Reviewed By:
Nimrat Sidhu - Pediatration
Dr. Nimrat S Sidhu is a practicing pediatrician for about 5 years now and holds an MD pediatrics degree. She was the topper of her batch, has always had a keen interest in her core medical field, and is specially trained for neonatal resuscitation.
She has published multiple research papers on pediatrics and is interested in topics like Neonatal care, skincare, baby growth, vaccination, growth, and development.
