How to Help a Baby Eczema Itching at Night

In this guest post by Rae from 4moms, we share the best ways to soothe and reduce baby eczema symptoms to help baby eczema itching at night.

Baby skincare problems, like eczema are not uncommon, but they can be frustrating for both baby and parent. While there are multiple types of eczema, the National Eczema Association reports that the most common is atomic dermatitis, which affects around 13% of all children. In general, you can recognize baby eczema as skin irritation that is dry, flaky, or red. Atomic dermatitis typically appears within the first six months to five years of life and can eventually go away. 

As a parent, you not only want to prevent your baby’s eczema itching at night, you also want to sleep undisturbed. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can safely treat your little one’s eczema before bedtime. 

Keep Baby Cool and Dry at Night

Itching from eczema gets worse when the skin starts to sweat, so keeping the temperature cool at night is imperative. Healthline reports that the best temperature for baby’s room is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also wipe away any drool on your baby’s sensitive chin before they go to sleep as this can be irritating. 

Optimize Bathtime and Keep Nails Short

Babies with eczema benefit from having a strict bathtime routine that falls at night. To start, fill your baby bath tub with lukewarm water. Be sure to use an eczema-approved cleanser, not soap as it can affect your baby’s natural skin barrier. Immediately after the bath, it’s important to slather on a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer made specifically for the treatment of eczema. Itchy Little World recommends this all-natural Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream.  Made with just six ingredients, it’s gentle, soothing, and safe for the delicate skin of babies. 

By doing all of this right before bed, your baby’s skin will hopefully be protected through the night. Lastly, make sure their nails are short as you don’t want them to scratch their face while they are sleeping.

Choose Pajamas and Bedding Wisely

Fabrics are one of the worst culprits for triggering eczema, so make sure you dress your baby in lightweight, soft pajamas that won’t irritate them. While you’ll find a lot of synthetic fabrics in baby clothes, natural fibers like cotton are preferable if your baby has any skin issues.

If your baby does sweat, cotton is absorbent, so the sweat won’t stay trapped on their skin. Choose thin blankets that won’t trap heat, either. Be sure to remove all tags that could be irritating to your little one!

Itchy Little World Recommends:

One-Piece Footed Pajama for Kids–a soothing suit that provides full body scratch protection and a restful night’s sleep. Featuring tear-off tags and flat seams, it’s comfortable without being too hot.

ScratchSleeves Baby Eczema Pajamas–eczema sleepwear offers cooling comfort as well as scratch protection. Made with 100% cotton, the breathable pajamas are perfect for children and babies with eczema.

Remedywear™ (TENCEL + Zinc) Long Sleeve Baby Eczema Onesie with Mittens–made with super soft TENCEL and embedded with anti-inflammatory zinc, these baby pajamas protect and soothe the arms, back, and tummy. The moisture-wicking sweat controls ensure comfort all night long, without any sweaty irritation.

Use a Humidifier and an Air Filter

Your baby’s eczema may be triggered by allergens in the air, from pet dander to dust. To cut down on the pollutants floating around their room, try using an air purifier. A humidifier is another good investment as well, according to dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, as it will help put moisture back into your baby’s dry skin. It’s also recommended to remove stuffed animals from your baby’s crib as these can hold onto dust mites and allergens.

Rae, 4moms

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Rae is a graduate of Tufts University with a combined International Relations and Chinese degree. After spending time living and working abroad in China, she returned to NYC to pursue her career and continue curating quality content. Rae is passionate about travel, food, and writing (of course).