The Best Clothing & Skincare Routine for Babies with Eczema

If you’re a parent navigating the daily ups and downs of baby eczema, you know how hard it is to see your little one uncomfortable. That dry, itchy, red skin can flare up without warning, disrupting naps, feedings, and even snuggles. It’s heartbreaking and exhausting.

The good news? While there’s no instant cure for eczema, the right combination of fabrics and skincare can make a huge difference in managing flare-ups and keeping your baby’s skin as comfortable as possible. Let’s walk through what baby eczema is, how clothing can help (or hurt), and how to build a gentle routine that supports your baby’s skin.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in babies that causes dry, red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It often appears on the cheeks, scalp, chest, elbows, and behind the knees but it can show up anywhere (1).

Symptoms may include:

• Red, inflamed patches
  
  

• Itching or fussiness
  
  

• Dry or cracked skin
  
  

• Oozing or crusty spots (in more severe cases)
  
  

Eczema is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Babies with eczema often have a weakened skin barrier, which allows moisture to escape and irritants to get in.

Common eczema triggers:

• Heat and sweat
  
  

• Dry air
  
  

• Certain laundry detergents or fabric softeners
  
  

• Fragranced soaps or lotions
  
  

• Rough or synthetic fabrics
  
  

• Allergens in the environment (dust mites, pet dander)
  
  

Important: Always consult your pediatrician or a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. This guide is for supportive care, not medical advice.

When your baby has sensitive skin, what they wear matters just as much as what you put on their skin. Fabrics that trap heat, irritate, or don’t breathe can worsen itching and discomfort (2).

Best fabrics for baby eczema:

• TENCEL™ Lyocell: Ultra-soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. It regulates temperature and wicks moisture away from the skin, which is key for keeping eczema-prone skin dry and cool. It’s also naturally resistant to bacteria, which is helpful for inflamed or open skin.
  
  

• Organic Cotton: Free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and pesticides. It’s soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive skin. When sourced ethically and finished without added toxins, organic cotton is one of the safest materials for daily wear.
  
  

Fabrics to avoid:

• Wool or rough weaves (they can cause friction and irritation)
  
  

• Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fabrics (these don’t breathe well and can trap heat and moisture)
  
  

Many parents find success by sticking to a small rotation of trusted, natural-fiber outfits—this minimizes friction and helps identify fabric sensitivities quickly.

• Choose loose-fitting clothes: Tight clothes can trap heat and cause chafing. Loose layers let air flow and reduce friction on delicate patches.
  
  

• Layer thoughtfully: Start with a breathable base (like a Cuddle Sprouts onesie) and add or remove layers as needed. Avoid overheating, which is a known eczema trigger.
  
  

• Look for tagless designs: Internal tags can scratch or irritate sensitive areas. Seamless or flat-seamed garments are even better.
  
  

• Use mittens during naps or sleep: This helps prevent scratching, especially if baby’s nails are hard to keep trimmed.
  
  

• Wash new clothes before use: Even natural fibers can carry residues from manufacturing. Always pre-wash with fragrance-free, gentle detergent.
  
  

Pro Tip: Keep your baby's sleepwear simple, footies or two-piece sets in breathable knits work beautifully for both comfort and practicality.

A gentle skincare routine can go a long way in managing baby eczema. The goal is to keep skin clean, calm, and well-moisturized without stripping its natural oils. Because babies with eczema often have a weakened skin barrier, keeping moisture locked in is one of the most effective ways to soothe irritation and prevent flare-ups. A consistent bath and moisture routine, even on days when the skin looks clear, can help reduce long-term inflammation and restore comfort. It's not just about treating the flare; it’s about building a daily rhythm that supports healing and resilience over time.

Bathing tips for eczema-prone skin:

• Use lukewarm water (not hot!) and limit baths to 5–10 minutes.
  
  

• Skip the bubbles and scented soaps. Use a fragrance-free, soap-free cleanser if needed.
  
  

• Pat baby dry gently with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing.
  
  

Moisturizing tips:

• Apply an emollient cream or ointment within 3 minutes of bathing, while skin is still slightly damp.
  
  

• Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizers. Look for formulas made for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
  
  

• Moisturize 2–3 times per day, not just after baths.
  
  

Avoid products with alcohols, essential oils, or botanical extracts unless approved by your pediatrician. These can be irritating even if they sound “natural.”

Pro Tip: Keep a travel-sized moisturizer in your diaper bag to re-apply on dry spots throughout the day.

Your baby’s surroundings can affect their skin more than you think. Small environmental changes can help reduce flare-ups and make baby more comfortable.

In the nursery and around the home:

• Keep the room cool and well-ventilated. Overheating is a common eczema trigger.

• Use a humidifier in dry climates or winter months to prevent dry, itchy skin.

• Wash bedding, clothes, and plush toys with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Rinse thoroughly.

• Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce allergens like dust mites and pet dander.

Additional lifestyle tips:

• Avoid overdressing your baby. Too many layers can lead to sweating, which often causes flare-ups.

• Use cotton crib sheets and avoid fleece or flannel, which can trap heat.

• Consider switching to Tencel or organic cotton-based mattress protectors for better breathability.

• Limit exposure to temperature swings, such as going from hot outdoors to blasting A/C indoors, which can irritate the skin.

Remember, less is more. A simplified, consistent routine makes it easier to identify what’s helping and what’s not.

While skincare and fabric changes can work wonders, it’s time to reach out for medical help if:

• Your baby’s eczema isn’t improving with over-the-counter creams
  
  

• You notice oozing, yellow crusts, or signs of infection
  
  

• Baby seems in pain or isn’t sleeping due to itching
  
  

• The rash is spreading or looks unusually red and swollen
  
  

A pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical treatments or recommend allergy testing if needed. You deserve support, and your baby deserves relief.

There’s no magic fix for baby eczema, but there are ways to make your baby more comfortable and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Thoughtful skincare and smart fabric choices can help protect their delicate skin while giving you peace of mind.

At Cuddle Sprouts, we believe in the power of soft, sustainable fabrics that support your baby’s skin. Our products made with TENCEL™ Lyocell and organic cotton are breathable, hypoallergenic, and designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.

Every baby deserves to feel cozy, even during a flare-up. And every parent deserves to know they’re doing the very best they can. You’re doing great, mama.

Resources

1. Cleveland clinic, baby eczema.

2. Mustela, the best and worst clothes for babies with eczema plus care tips.