Around the 18 month mark, Liam started developing baby eczema. He never had particularly sensitive skin, diaper rashes, or reactions as an infant, so we were a little surprised to hear from our pediatrician that it was, in fact, a mild case of nummular eczema.
The reality is that about 20 percent of babies and young children develop eczema. It usually starts in infancy, with 65 percent of patients developing symptoms in the first year of life and 90 percent developing symptoms before age 5 (babycenter.com). The tendency to have eczema can be inherited , but it can also be caused by an allergic reaction or a simple reaction to irritants, changes in temperature, and dry skin. It isn’t contagious, and the good news is that many children do outgrow baby eczema. For others, it is simply seasonal with flare ups in the colder months.
Although the steroid ointment our pediatrician suggested worked right away to clear his eczema, Liam has had some mild flare ups again, especially during particularly cold weeks.
Since I am not a fan of always having to go the “medication” route if not 100% necessary, I did some research on natural ways to prevent eczema flare ups. Here are five solutions I’ve found that could help you too:
Although the cause of eczema is still unknown, it is important to figure out what your child’s triggers are to alleviate flare ups.
Eczema flare-ups can sometimes be triggered by skin irritation caused by chemicals, such as the detergents in bubble baths, shampoos, washing powders and fabric softeners (babycentre.co.uk). You could also try changing your washing detergent because, believe it or not, even the washed clothing and other linens that come in contact with your baby’s skin can cause flare ups. We use Seventh Generation and Babyganics.
As mentioned above, there are many toxins and chemicals in traditional shampoos and body washes. Sometimes, even organic products can be too harsh on your baby’s skin! Aim for products with simple ingredients, and definitely no strong smells. Less is more!
Since Liam was a newborn, we’ve been using the Babyganics Foaming Shampoo and Bodywash. It’s super foamy so you don’t need a lot, and it’s hands free which is always nice during crazy bath time.
I’ve had the opportunity of working with two amazing Etsy vendors who are beyond passionate about baby skin. Their products have done wonders on my son’s dry, winter skin!
Made and shipped from Louisiana, Cake Face Soaping products are made with premium ingredients, some even grown in Kelsey’s own backyard. Does it get more authentic than that? There are no chemicals, fragrances, or parabens in their products.
Although I received this lovely set only a few days ago, the Baby Body Lotion and Bye-Bye Dry Patch! have become staples in our household after bath time. Liam’s skin has definitely improved as a result and I can already see the dry patches fading, becoming softer to the touch. I cannot wait to test out the baby oils as well!
Baby Body Lotion Ingredients: A delicate blend of organic avocado oil, avocado butter, grapeseed oil, pistachio butter, pumpkin seed butter, fractionated coconut oil, olive oil, and essential oil blend (lavender, chamomile, patchouli).
Bye-Bye Dry Patch Ingredients: Distilled water, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and a Cake Face blend of chamomile and lavender essential oils.
The founder of Meadowlark Botanical, Jessica Yaw, started her brand based on a personal need. In 2009, she started getting hives from packaged foods, skin products, and stress. She thought she could control the symptoms with topical ointments, but realized the problem was deeper than that. After countless MD appointments, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Mast Cell Activation Disorder, in which mast cells excessively release chemical mediators, resulting in a range of chronic symptoms. The products she was using at the time were only aggravating the situation.
Jessica made her first eczema cream on the 4-burner stove in her kitchen, using a host of organic ingredients that came together in what she believes was a “truly divine way”. Within days, her skin started clearing. She felt better, no longer itchy, her bran fog began to lift… Since then, she’s continued her training in medicinal aromatherapy and herbal medicine and has created a wide array of products she is exciting about sharing with the world. Her passion for holistic health changed her life, and she yearns to empower others to do the same, living a mindful, well-intentioned and beautiful life.
Jessica’s eczema cream is our go-to multiple times a day. It smells delicious and rubs on beautifully. Liam always asks for a quick sniff before I put it away! When my mother-in-law tried it on her psoriasis, she was quick to order one for herself. It’s that good.
Ingredients: Organic shea butter and coconut oil combines with organic cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, evening primrose oil, chamomile, house-infused calendula oil, and a few soothing, medicinal grade healing essential oils such as calendula that bring immediate relief from eczema, psoriasis, and dry, inflamed, or chapped skin.
If you’re interested in trying out Jessica’s product line, she was generous enough to give my readers a 15% off coupon (MAMALUV). I promise you that you will not be disappointed!
I can’t stress this one enough, because it’s made a huge difference in our household. Avoid polyester, nylon, and even wool, as it may trap heat and worsen itching. Cotton and bamboo are two of your best options because they are soft and gentle on the skin, breathable, and absorbent.
Bambi Bamboo is a brand I found on Amazon that sells baby linens and swaddles made of bamboo, a fiber that keeps baby’s skin clean & clear while also being hypoallergenic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-static, as well as odor and germ resistance. The advantage of bamboo is that it regulates your skin temperature. Perfect for our babies!
This adorable, organic bamboo hooded towel is great because it actually dries Liam in half the time cotton does (I know, I was shocked too!) and gets softer with every wash – so much softer than the organic towels I previously purchased for Liam! It comes with a washcloth set, too.
The Bambi Bamboo swaddles may be even better than my Aiden and Anais ones. Made of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, they’re super light and breathable, therefore great on the go as nursing covers and blankets for the warmer months. I love the summery prints!
If you want to try out either one of these products, Bambi Bamboo is generously giving Mama Naturelle readers 20% off their product line! Comment below for more info 🙂
Another fantastic organic bamboo brand is The Parent Diary. I actually discovered them a few months ago when I purchased their ChooseMyPlate silicone place mat which we love (especially at Grandma’s or when we go out to eat!)
The Parent Diary had the super clever idea of creating a large, hooded towel that is hands-free for parents. You heard that right, no more wriggling away! You clip the towel around your neck and all you have to do is hug your little one and pick him up. The clip can be removed as your child grows, turning the towel into a large, hooded towel. It is much larger in size than most of his other towels I’ve seen on the market, so I expect to use it for many years as Liam grows with it. Like the Bambi Bamboo towel, it also came with a washcloth set.
Both are great options to replace your old, scratchy towels. To get rid of eczema triggers, you first need to know what they are… and that can be your child’s clothing, towel, bed sheets, etc.
Speaking of bed sheets, I’ve recently switched out my older organic cotton sheets for these two brands, Sweet Jojo Designs and Copper Pearl. Both are 100% woven cotton, making them durable, lightweight, and breathable. Check them out!
We always use a humidifer during the winter months to prevent Liam’s room from getting too dry.The National Institutes of Health recommends the use of humidifiers to not only help relieve congestion from the common cold, flu, and sinus infections, but also alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes, eczema, itchy skin, dry nasal passages, cracked lips, and nose bleeds due to dry air, allergies, or asthma.
We love the Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifer. Aside from its benefits for Liam’s skin, it is proven to help reduce mold and bacteria growth up to 99.96%. Sounds good to us!
Mama Naturelle 