Rub-a-dub-dub!

A Good Bath Time Routine Can Do Wonders

Bath water should be lukewarm or cool, as hot water will encourage flare ups and scratching. Keep your little one’s soaking time to a minimum, 15-20 minutes at the max, washing or shampooing them near the end so they aren’t sitting in soapy water.  As soon as you get your baby out of the tub, pat (don’t rub) excess water off their skin with a soft towel, or let them air dry if the room is sufficiently warm.

The best cleansers are mild soaps or natural non-soap cleansers without bubbles or drying ingredients. Fragrances and other similar additives can cause more breakouts so these ingredients need to be avoided too. Oatmeal baths can also help soothe baby’s itchy skin (see the instructions at the bottom of the post).

Lather Up!

Lotion Is Key in Eczema Prevention

After bathing, immediately apply a cream, ointment, or lotion to help retain the water in your child’s skin from the bath and seal in their natural moisture.  However, be sure to use any prescribed topical medication before applying creams, ointments, or lotions. Lotions, like our unscented Premium Moisturizing Lotion, are better for repeat daytime moisturizing as it contains no fragrances and other additives that can cause breakouts.  Make sure to bathe your little one at least an hour before bed time to let any heavy ointments soak into their skin and to not cause their skin to overheat during sleep.

Time for a Manicure!

Short Nails Keep Skin Safe

Scratching can cause your baby’s skin to become tough and infected. Be sure to cut your child’s nails twice a week to keep their skin safe. The best time to cut nails is right after bath time when their nails are still soft from the water.

OATMEAL BATH RECIPE

1. Grab a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder and 1 cup of oatmeal. Any unflavored instant oats, quick oats, or slow cooking oats will work. For babies, you’ll only need about 1/3 cup per bath.

2. Blend or process the oats on the highest setting until you have a very fine, consistent powder. The oatmeal should be so fine it doesn’t separate out and sink to the bottom of the tub. To test, stir 1 tablespoon of the ground oats into a glass of warm water. If the oats readily absorb the water and give it a milky look and a silky feel, then your oatmeal is ready for bath time!

3. Sprinkle the oatmeal into a tub of running water and stir the water with your hand several times to ensure even distribution. Feel along the bottom of the tub for clumps, breaking up any you find.

4. Assist your child into the tub because the oatmeal will make the tub even more slippery than usual. Allow your child to soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes and pat dry with a soft towel. Also, make sure to warn anyone using the bath after, as the bath may still be extra slippery.

5. Gently pat your child’s skin dry with a soft towel. Oatmeal baths can be given once or twice a day, or more frequently if your pediatrician advises it.