A Pediatrician’s Guide to Baby Eczema Care
Baby eczema is one of the most common reasons parents reach out to pediatricians - and one of the most frustrating. When your baby has itchy, red, dry patches (especially on the cheeks, arms, or behind the knees), it can feel like nothing helps for long. As pediatricians who have treated thousands of infants with sensitive skin, we understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate conflicting advice, endless product options, and sleepless nights.
The good news? With the right routine and gentle, evidence-based products, most babies experience major relief.
This guide breaks down everything parents need to know—simple, clear, and pediatrician-approved.
What Is Baby Eczema?
Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a chronic condition where the skin barrier doesn’t hold moisture well. This leads to:
Dry, rough patches
Redness
Itching
Flare-ups triggered by irritants, climate, or allergies
Most babies outgrow their eczema, but early care is important to protect the skin barrier and minimize future sensitivity.
Pediatrician Rule #1: Moisturize Early and Often
Moisturizing is the single most important step. A good moisturizer:
Locks in hydration
Restores the skin barrier
Reduces flare frequency
Helps soothe inflammation
What to look for in a moisturizer:
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic
No essential oils
No harsh preservatives
Barrier-supporting ingredients (like ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, or nourishing plant butters)
Many products marketed for babies still contain irritants—fragrance is the most common culprit. Always check the label.
Bath Time: Keep It Short and Strategic
Baths can help or worsen eczema—depending on your routine.
Pediatrician Tips for Bathing Babies With Eczema
Keep baths 5–10 minutes.
Use lukewarm, not hot, water.
Choose a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser only 2–3 times/week (not daily).
Immediately after the bath, while skin is still damp, apply moisturizer within 3 minutes (“soak and seal”).
This traps hydration and protects the barrier.
Choosing the Right Products Matters More Than You Think
Baby skin is remarkably delicate. Products should be:
Fragrance-free
Dye-free
Paraben-free
Phthalate-free
Essential-oil–free
Clinically safe for sensitive skin
This is one of the core reasons we created Roo Organics—too many products labeled “gentle” still contained irritants that made eczema worse.
How to Calm an Active Flare
When eczema flares, the skin becomes inflamed and intensely itchy. Here’s what pediatricians recommend:
1. Moisturize More Often
During flares, moisturize 2–3 times per day.
2. Use Wet Wraps for Nighttime Soothing
Especially for moderate flares:
Apply moisturizer or balm
Layer a damp cotton onesie or sleeve
Add dry pajamas over it
Leave on for 1–2 hours or overnight
Wet wraps help calm inflammation and hydrate deeply.
3. Stay Consistent
Even when things look better, the skin barrier remains fragile.
When to Use Steroid Creams
Topical steroids can be extremely helpful when used correctly—and very safe under pediatric guidance.
Use if:
Moisturizers alone aren’t helping
Your baby is very itchy
The rash is spreading
Always apply the steroid first, then follow with a moisturizing balm.
Talk to your pediatrician about:
Which steroid
How often
What strength
Where to use it (and where NOT to)
Steroids should NOT be feared—they’re a tool. But they should be used thoughtfully.
Common Triggers to Avoid
Every baby is different, but common irritants include:
Fragranced lotions or soaps
Wool clothing
Dry air during winter
Overheating or sweating
Rough fabrics or carpet
Laundry detergents with fragrance
Switching to fragrance-free detergents and keeping the nursery humidified can make a noticeable difference.