It’s very common for babies to develop red, crusty patches of skin during the first few months of life. For some babies it will last into adolescence but for others they will outgrow it. It can appear anywhere on baby and the skin will appear dry and rough. Typically eczema will show up on baby’s cheeks and the surfaces of skin baby uses to crawl. There are different things that trigger eczema like heat or dry skin, but luckily it is very treatable.

1. Apply moisturizer

Since eczema is caused by the body not producing enough ceramides, your best option is to use a moisturizer that contains ceramides. It’s important that moisturizer or cream is used on a daily basis and applied after a bath to help baby’s skin retain moisture.

2. Keep baby from scratching

Baby will want to scratch at her dry, itchy skin but this will only end up making the condition worse. Trim baby’s nails often and file them so they are not sharp. You can also try to put mittens on baby to prevent scratching.

3. Use unscented products

Any kinds of creams, soaps, or even laundry detergent used should be unscented. Anything perfumed can further irritate baby’s skin and is rougher than mild, fragrance-free products. Natural, eco-friendly bath products are safer on baby’s extra sensitive skin.

4. Test for allergies

Your baby’s eczema could possibly be caused by food allergies. If this is the case, then those foods need to be removed from baby’s diet in order to treat the eczema. You can speak to your pediatrician about referring you to an allergist.

5. Let her skin breathe

Try to avoid dressing baby in thick layers and let her skin breathe. Smooth fabrics like cotton are your best option and you should avoid scratchy fabrics like wool. Heat can also dry out the skin so do not keep baby too bundled up.

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own  infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit  www.babyelephantears.com.

Interested in writing a guest blog for Baby Elephant Ears? Send your topic idea to pr@babyelephantears.com.

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