Best Natural Remedies for Baby Eczema (What Actually Works!)
Hey, mama. If you’re here, chances are your little one’s skin is angry, red, itchy, and just plain miserable- and you’re desperate to help. I’ve been there! I know how frustrating it is to feel like you’re doing everything “right” and still watching your baby scratch their sweet little skin raw. Heartbreaking doesn't begin to describe it!
The truth is, eczema is more than just dry skin- it’s a sign that something deeper is going on. And while steroid creams might offer temporary relief, they don’t actually fix the root issue. Most often, they can make things worse! That’s why I want to share what actually helped my own baby—natural remedies that soothe, heal, and support your little one’s skin, without harsh chemicals.
Let’s dive in!
1. Moisturize Like It’s Your Full-Time Job
Eczema-prone skin is thirsty! Like, just-ran-a-marathon-in-the-desert thirsty. Keeping your baby’s skin moisturized 24/7 is the single best way to calm flare-ups and prevent new ones.
But here’s the thing: not all moisturizers are created equal. Many conventional lotions have water as the first ingredient, which means they evaporate quickly, leaving the skin even drier. Instead, look for thick, nourishing balms that seal in moisture and actually repair the skin barrier.
Try This: My go-to is Clara’s Comfort, an all-natural balm made with shea butter, coconut oil, calendula, and colloidal oatmeal-all powerhouse ingredients known for soothing eczema-prone skin.
*Pro Tip: Apply your moisturizer immediately after a bath, when the skin is still damp, to lock in hydration. Ideally within 3-5 minutes!
2. Ditch Harsh Soaps (Seriously, Just Throw Them Away)
Most baby soaps are way too harsh for already-irritated skin. Even “gentle” or “fragrance-free” washes can strip away the natural oils your baby’s skin desperately needs.
Instead, switch to a soap-free, ultra-gentle cleanser or a simple oat bath (more on that below).
We're currently working on formulating "Nourish & Nuzzle", my all-natural baby wash, that is free from sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and harsh detergents. Instead, it gently cleanses with botanical ingredients that won’t leave skin feeling tight or dry. Don't worry, we'll be sure to announce it as soon as it's ready!
*Pro Tip: Only bathe your baby 2-3 times a week with lukewarm water—hot water can make eczema worse.
3. Give Your Baby a Healing Oat Bath
Oats are like a magic potion for eczema—they calm itchiness, reduce inflammation, and create a protective barrier over the skin. You'll often find colloidal oatmeal in many eczema products. If your little one is in full scratch-till-they-bleed mode, this is a game-changer!
How to Make an Oat Bath:
- Blend 1/2 cup of organic oats into a fine powder.
- Sprinkle it into a warm (not hot!) bath and stir.
- Let your baby soak for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry (don’t rub!).
- Seal in the moisture with Clara’s Comfort or a high-quality baby balm.
*Pro Tip: If you don’t have time for DIY, look for a baby wash that contains colloidal oatmeal (yep, like Nourish & Nuzzle! Stay Tuned!).
4. Check for Hidden Triggers in Your Laundry & Diet
Eczema isn’t just about what you put on the skin-it’s also about what your baby is exposed to. Two of the biggest hidden triggers? Yep! You guessed it! Laundry detergent and food sensitivities. This is a lot easier said than done but be patient with yourself and if you have to, switch out products after you've used up what you currently have at home.
Switch to a Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
Most mainstream detergents contain fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals that can make eczema flare-ups worse. Try switching to a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent and skip the fabric softeners (seriously, those things are loaded with irritants). Here is my favorite and a staple in our home!
Consider Food Sensitivities
For some babies, eczema is linked to dairy, gluten, eggs, or soy. If your little one’s eczema is severe and nothing topical seems to help, it might be worth keeping a food journal or talking to a pediatrician about an elimination diet.
I should mention here that if you're exclusively breastfeeding, you can absolutely still cause an allergic reaction for your baby! But only if you have a leaky gut (like so many of us do!). I was shocked when I learned that I might have a leaky gut, but removing dairy, fish, and eggs was one of the things I believe helped Clara most!
*Pro Tip: Some moms swear by adding probiotics to their baby’s diet to support gut health (which is directly tied to skin health!). If you're a nursing mother, I learned not all strains pass via breastmilk. This is what I currently take and you can ensure these probiotics will make it to your sweet babe!
And last but not least...
5. Protect & Soothe Flare-Ups Naturally
Even with all the right changes, flare-ups will still happen ( I know). The key is knowing how to soothe them fast before they get worse.
Try This: Apply Clara’s Comfort to irritated areas throughout the day. It’s packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like calendula and shea butter to calm redness, stop itching, and protect sensitive skin from further irritation. The 1oz. size is perfect to throw in your handbag or diaper bag.
Pro Tip: Keep nails short and covered (baby mittens work!) to prevent scratching, which can make eczema worse.
Final Thoughts: Eczema Takes Time-But Healing Is Possible!
I personally know how overwhelming it can be to watch your baby struggle with eczema. You’re doing an amazing job, mama. The fact that you’re here, reading this, means you care deeply about finding the best, safest options for your little one.
I know how exhausting it can be to deal with eczema-especially when it feels like nothing is working! It's truly heart wrenching! But healing is possible, and you’re not in this alone. If you ever need support, have questions, or just want to chat, I’m here!
In the meantime, if you’re looking for gentle, effective, all-natural skincare for your little one, check out Mama’s Meadow-created by a mom (hi, that's me!) who’s been in your shoes and wanted something better for her baby. 💛
Talk soon,
Jeannine
Founder of Mama’s Meadow
💕 Have questions? Want to chat about your little one’s skin? Drop a comment below-I’d love to help!