Tips for Managing Baby’s Eczema During the Summer

Whether you’re new to baby eczema or you’ve lived with it for a few seasons, you might already be thinking about the dreaded heat that comes with summer. Rightfully so, because the hot months bring about unique challenges for eczema-prone babies and their parents. We know what you’re thinking - as if you’re not already completely overwhelmed and as if your little one needs any more eczema triggers. Alas, it’s all part of the journey.

There are several important factors to keep in mind as you’re planning your skin management routine during the summer. But before we get to those, one of the biggest culprits contributing to eczema in the summer is simply sweating. Sweat creates a favorable environment for bacteria on the baby’s skin, which in turn, leads to itching. So your first order of business should be keeping your baby out of the heat, especially out of direct sunlight where there is no breeze or shade for them to get some relief.

If you’re feeling weird about putting sunscreen on your baby’s irritated and sensitive skin, you’re not alone. However, as with everything else, there is a balance between adapting to the environment and making sure your baby stays safe and comfortable. The National Eczema Association does recommend putting sunscreen on babies older than 6 months - but with a few caveats. Make sure to do a patch test the day before spreading the product all over the baby’s body. You’re going to also want to look thoroughly through the ingredients to make sure you’re looking out for known allergens, picking a product with mineral-based ingredients such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), and choosing one that is alcohol-free. Remember that not all products are created equal. Here’s a helpful list of brands that have NEA’s Seal of Acceptance.

We don’t know about you, but we dread summer - aside from the heat and sweating, being outside in weather-appropriate clothes inevitably brings about questions and raised eyebrows toward eczema babies. Ultimately, what matters most is that your baby is safe and happy - and that you are prepared in case she gets itchy. We've done extensive research on summer clothing and here’s what we look for:

If you’re in the middle of a major city and you’re not affected by seasonal allergies, you’ve probably never thought twice about pollen. In fact, most adults don’t. However, eczema-prone babies are extremely sensitive to their environments and any added allergens. Sadly, many can and will react when the level of pollen in the air is above average. So if you’re going for a stroll or heading out of town for a weekend in the woods, check the pollen levels in your area (a nifty tool here). If they’re high, it doesn’t mean you can’t go out - just be prepared with swaddles, band-aids and whatever else you may need in case your baby has a flare-up.

If you read a lot of the testimonials from other moms of eczema babies then you've likely noted that when a flare-up comes on suddenly (as they often do), your best bet is to distract the baby until the initial itching subsides. Toys, your phone, Peppa the Pig (or Baby Shark, pick your poison), a handful of crackers or your car keys - whatever works for your kiddo. In a world where your job as their parent is to protect their skin from being damaged, it’s about all you can do in that moment.

Finally, try carrying a peppermint essential oil spray with you and when all else fails, spray a little on the affected area to give baby some relief. It doesn’t last long but it gives him a cool feeling that brings down the itch. Talk to your doctor first though, of course.

Most importantly, try to find moments to enjoy your baby. The mental load that comes with being a parent to an eczema baby is very real and it is exhausting. There will be moments when despite all of it you’re out in the sun, baby’s not itchy, and for a moment everything is as it should be - or should have been when you imagined becoming a mom or dad. Try to make those moments the memories you’ll carry with you.