Eczema is a very common skin condition that causes dry, red and flaky rashes. Often these rashes are also very itchy, and very tempting to scratch. Scratching actually exacerbates the problem, continuing the eczema cycle, despite the products you’re using to treat it.
How do I know if my baby has eczema?
In babies, the most common area to experience eczema is on their face, scalp, body, arms and legs or behind their ears. Sometimes eczema will appear with a mild, slightly raised redness that seems to irritate your baby slightly. Other times they can experience what’s known as a ‘flare up’, which consists of very red and dry rashes, even weeping sores that eventually scab over. A flare up can be very painful for children and may keep them up at night.
What causes eczema?
Eczema has genetic properties, which means if other people in your family experience eczema, there’s a good chance your baby may too. It’s also common that children with eczema also suffer from other allergy-type conditions such as hayfever or asthma. Eczema may flare up after a viral or bacterial infection, following contact with irritating chemicals (such as soaps or perfumes) or fabrics (like wool or polyester), or when your baby has exposure to foods they may be allergic to.
How do you treat eczema?
There is no cure for eczema, though there are plenty of ways to treat it and keep your baby comfortable even during an intense flare up. The trick is to begin treatment of eczema as soon as signs appear. Corticosteroids are the main way to treat eczema. For mild eczema, you can find mild over-the-counter corticosteroid creams at the pharmacy, but for more severe flare-ups, you’ll need a referral from your doctor for a stronger corticosteroid cream.
The most important thing with treating eczema is not to scratch! This can be hard with children, so often an antihistamine medication is given to children in order to stop the itching of the rash. You could also try using pimecrolimus, a non-steroidal cream, which can be effective in treating mild-to-moderate eczema on a child’s face or folds of the body.
To manage the eczema at home, make sure you keep baby’s baths not too hot, and keep the use of soaps to a minimum. You should also keep baths to once daily, or even wash just the bottom and face while the eczema is experiencing a flare up. It’s important to also ensure you dry your baby really well after each bath and keep the skin well moisturised.
8 of the best eczema treatment products for babies:
We’ve gathered some of the most effective baby cream for treating eczema in baby’s skin. Read about each below to help decide which might be right for you:
1. Mustela – Baby Creams and Washes
For 70 years, Mustela is the skincare expert for babies and mothers-to-be. Their researchers have developed four specific skincare ranges according to babies’ skin types: normal, dry, very sensitive and eczema-prone skin. The French brand is a family business, committed to respecting the environment and certified B Corp. Their products are made with 95% of responsibly sourced ingredients of natural origin, and no nasties. The brand is going even further by using organic natural ingredients.
Mustela’s hero products are the Gentle Cleansing Gel for normal skin, and the Stelatopia Emollient Cream for eczema-prone skin, formulated with organic Sunflower to replenish this skin.
Read of some of the Mustela customer reviews:
Shop the Mustela range here:
Mustela
Mustela Baby Very Sensitive Skin Collection
$47.85ADD TO CART
Mustela
Mustela Baby Eczema-Prone Skin Collection
$77.85ADD TO CART
SHOP ALL MUSTELA SKINCARE
2. VATÉA Organic Baby Skincare
VATÉA is made with the knowledge of science and the kindness of nature. This award-winning Australian Certified Organic Gentle Baby Balm is enriched with beeswax, coconut oil, and the healing oils of tamanu and moringa to support baby eczema and provide a gentle soother for mum and bubs’ irritated skin. With added chamomile, Gentle Baby Balm smells like a hot cup of honey tea and can be used anywhere where healing is required.
Why is VATÉA different?
VATÉA encourages multi-use products to reduce waste and clutter for every family. Here are just some of the ways you can use their Gentle Baby Balm:
NAPPY BALM: A barrier balm that can be applied to babies’ bottom to keep the area dry and protect from harmful bacteria.
SKIN SUPPORT BALM: Supports the healing of nappy rash and baby and toddler eczema. Our Gentle Baby Balm can be applied to broken skin without any irritation or stinging to support the healing of rashes, cuts or abrasions.
MOTHERS NIPPLE BALM: Completely safe for mum to soothe cracked nipples as this Gentle Baby Balm is edible and supports healing.
FAMILY SUPPORT HEALING BALM: Our Gentle Baby Balm can be used by the whole family to support healing resulting from eczema, psoriasis, cuts, cracked lips, rashes or abrasions anywhere on the body. Keep it handy for the whole family for plant based and effective healing support.
VATÉA also have a plethora of awards including:
Winner and Editors Pick, Organic Beauty Brands Australia, Best Baby Balm, 2020
Winner: Best Baby Healing Balm, The Beauty Shortlist, 2018 and 2019
Editors Choice, Best Baby Balm, Organic Beauty Brands Australia, 2020
Their certifications include 100% safe logo, Australian Made, Cruelty Free, Australian Certified Organic, 99.9%.
Read of some of the VATÉA customer reviews:
“I bought your baby balm for my daughter who has really bad eczema and it is the only thing that worked for her. We have bought an abundance of products over the past couple of years and the baby balm has worked wonders, thank you so much!” Alissa
“Gentle Baby Balm… better than hydrozole cream. I love it” – Jin H.
Shop the VATÉA range:
3. Aromababy – Natural Baby Skincare
Aromababy was launched in 1994 by natural skincare specialist and beauty writer Catherine Cervasio, as the first brand of its kind to combine the use of natural and organic ingredients with research. Used in maternity hospitals and still unique to this day, Aromababy offers an extensive range of Australian made products designed to cleanse, moisturise, soothe, protect and pamper both mother and child. Concentrated formulations rely on eczema-friendly ingredients which have proven themselves over time, ensuring value for money together with the gentlest of care for even the most sensitive skin. Still founder-owned, Aromababy provides a beautiful, locally produced solution to caring for mother and child the natural way.
What sets Aromababy apart?
Aromababy have developed and own their formulations, and therefore they know exactly what’s in them. Using percentages of active ingredients to ensure results which often eliminates the need to have multiple products for the family – anyone can use Aromababy. The brand has a high success with sensitive skin when parents have tried many other products. Aromababy focus on mother and child. Their products are not like anything in the market and they are not an ‘add on’ to a brand – they are the brand. Aromababy’s founder is a passionate advocate for promoting natural and organic options not only in Australia but around the world – a true pioneer of the industry.
What parents love about Aromababy:
Parents love that the Aromababy brand has been in the market for over 25 years, was developed by a mother for her own child and has a long history of safety. Their best sellers including Barrier Balm – it’s like a jar of liquid gold – their ‘miracle’ product. Also parents love that they offer unscented options – the beautiful Pure Baby Moisture Cream, Pure Baby Wash and Mother and Child Oil have no essential oils or fragrance – ideal for during the first important weeks or for anyone with super sensitive skin. We’ve also heard mums get emotional when they smell their Bath Gel or Pure Hair Cleanse because it reminds them of their first experiences bathing their baby or washing their baby’s hair.
Read of some of the Aromababy customer reviews:
What parents say:
“Your barrier balm is a lifesaver for my baby’s eczema. I’ve tried everything and this is the only product that works – and it works FAST, I’m buying more online now“. – Louise
“Our son Logan was born 15 weeks premature. After a 13 week roller coaster ride he has finally made it. Having such tender skin he was most susceptible to nappy rash, the nursing staff used the Aromababy Barrier Balm on him instead of the chemical one. THE NAPPY RASH WENT ALMOST OVERNIGHT” – Anita & Kirk
“Since my 2 year old developed eczema, I’ve tried a number of cortisone and other medicinal creams prescribed by our GP. One day in a chemist I found Aromababy. I was pleased to notice that within a week of using Aromababy, my daughter was no longer scratching herself and slowly the eczema cleared up. I was pleased to note that the products were reasonably priced.” – Lynne C
“I usually purchase two of the Barrier Balm 100g at a time as my 4 month old has allergy prone skin and it’s the only thing I’ve found that works for him.” – Leah
What midwives say:
“We have had tremendous feedback from the mothers who have used the Aromababy Bath Gel” – Fiona, Midwife, Auckland
“We use the Aromababy products on the wards for young children requiring very gentle and soothing products” – Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, Australia
“We highly recommend the Aromababy products to all our patients” – Sue, Private Hospital, Melbourne
Shop the Aromababy range:
Aromababy
Aromababy Baby Massage Oil
$32.95ADD TO CART
Aromababy
Aromababy Natural Baby Lotion 250mlREAD MORE
Aromababy
Aromababy Bath Gel 250ml
$25.95ADD TO CART
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4. QV Skincare – Baby Skincare
Australian made, QV Baby is a dermatologically tested range of gentle hydrating cleansers, moisturisers and a barrier cream, specially developed for sensitive skin. Recommended by paediatricians, every QV Baby product is free from fragrance, soap and common irritants, so nothing comes between you and your baby. Originally developed for the Queen Victoria Hospital, QV Baby is now Australia’s number 1 baby skincare range.* The QV Baby Bath Oil and QV Baby Gentle Wash products are soap free and both contain moisturisers to help gently hydrate the skin while cleansing, leaving baby’s skin soft and supple. The QV Baby Moisturising Cream contains 5 different moisturisers that work in harmony with the baby’s delicate skin and provide 24 hour hydration. This rich cream can also be used for baby massage, which is a great way to bond with your baby. QV Baby Barrier Cream helps to protect your baby against nappy rash, to help keep your baby’s bot soft and smooth. The whole QV Baby range is dermatologically tested and vegan friendly. *Data sourced from IRI MarketEdge Scan MAT 04/08/2019 based on data definitions provided by Ego Pharmaceuticals.
How is QV Skincare different?
At QV Baby, they understand the differences in baby’s skin, and have scientifically formulated their range for sensitive skin. Did you know a baby’s skin is not fully developed until 12 months and soaps and harsh surfactants can actually weaken the baby’s skin barrier? That’s why QV Baby is free from soap, fragrance and other common irritants, so that nothing comes between you and your baby. All of their ingredients are carefully picked for their quality and benefit to the skin, and they formulate the QV Baby range to be gentle and keep your baby’s skin feeling soft and supple. Their moisturisers are formulated to mimic the skin’s natural moisturising system, so that you can feel confident you are using a range that is going to work in harmony with your baby’s skin. They put the science in, so your baby can have healthy-looking skin.
Top sellers:
– QV Baby Gentle Wash
– QV Baby Moisturising Cream
– QV Baby Bath Oil
Here’s what another Mum had to say about QV Baby Moisturising cream.
” This product is AMAZING!! I have been using it on my daughters skin since she was born. It’s my favourite and I recommend it to everyone! ” Hope
5. Endota Spa Skincare
At birth your baby is protected by nature’s skincare, the Vernix, and common wisdom is to leave it as long as possible. The endota Organics Nurture™ range for mother and baby has been created to extend the role played by mother nature and preserve the delicate pH balance of your baby’s skin with products that are as close to nature as possible. Endota Organics Nurture™ is COSMOS certified by Australian Certified Organic, dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin – developed in conjunction with leading women’s health scientist Dr Hayley Dickinson. With no nasties in the formulation or the packaging, what they leave out is just as important as what they put in. One of their most popular products in this range is the Gentle Baby Lotion. Designed to provide a gentle, protective moisture that nourishes baby’s delicate skin.
Read of some of the Endota customer reviews:
‘I love the endota spa Nurture range because it’s Australian Certified Organic and super gentle’ – Elle Halliwell
‘I have been using this since endota launched this product, I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and my skin has never been better! I am blown away! Absolutely amazing’ -@hillarygigliotti
‘I seriously love this stuff! My little one constantly gets bad flare ups of dry skin and eczema. I’ve been using this stuff for just over a week and his skin is so clear and soft! I’m absolutely amazed! I’ve bought another lot already for my newborn when he arrives. Thank you for creating something that is gentle and amazing for my babies skin’ –@graciekerema
‘I tried them all and they are amazing! Can’t wait to try them with bubs. The nipple balm is awesome to prepare yourself for breastfeeding and also for cracked lips’ – @luliluliris
Shop the Endota Range here:
Endota
Endota Gentle Baby Lotion 250ml
$30.00ADD TO CART
Endota
Endota Protecting Barrier Balm 100gm
$25.00ADD TO CART
Endota
Endota Mother & Baby Care Collection
$155.00ADD TO CART
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6. BUNJIE Baby Skincare
A first in baby skincare and born in Australia, Bunjie has arrived with a prebiotic + probiotic pinky promise to give little skin the best start to life! Think of Bunjie a little like kombucha for the skin, but a little less hippy and an extra dose of happy. From bubbles to barrier cream Bunjie is 100% junk-free, plant powered and has little skin and its microbiome covered from head to toe. It’s everything baby skincare should be!
Read of some of the BUNJIE customer reviews:
“I have literally tried so many things on my son’s blotchy skin including bath oil by medical experts for eczema and nothing helped. Thank you so much Bunjie! Your products have changed bath times for good. It has helped his eczema more than any countless products we’ve tried, I was so happy to see the difference! It smells like angels and we love it all, especially the nappy cream that had us from ulcerated owie bum to happy bum in a day!”
What are Bunjie baby skincare benefits?
Big innovation for little skin – patented prebiotic + probiotic technology
100% Junk-free & plant based – we say no way to over 1,300 skin unfriendly ingredients
Dermatologically tested to keep little skin protected
Totally nut oil free
Exclusive 100% naturally derived, allergen-free fragrance
Microbiome friendly
Vegan happy
A-OK for newborn, sensitive and eczema prone skin
Made in Australia by happy people
7. Ahria Organics Baby Skincare
Ahria Organics are an Australian certified organic skincare brand that prides itself on producing products for the whole family from only the best and safest organic ingredients. Their Organic Baby Top to Toe Cream is a cult fave of Ahria lovers around Australia and has helped many bubs suffering from eczema.
Read of some of the Ahria Organics customer reviews:
“I have been using this cream on my 9 month old daughter who suffers from eczema, for a couple of days, and am amazed at how quickly it has reduced the redness and itching on her skin. It smells beautiful, without containing harsh fragrances, and soaks in to her skin quickly. I also love the pump bottle as it prevents you from using too much product. Thank you Ahria Organics!” – Jessie L
Shop Ahria Organics here:
Ahria Organics
Organic Herbal Essences Cream
$49.00ADD TO CART
Ahria Organics
Baby Top to Toe Washing Gel
$25.00ADD TO CART
Ahria Organics
Organic Baby Top to Toe Cream
$29.00ADD TO CART
8. Milk&Co – Baby Cream and Wash
The Milk&Co baby moisturiser is a gentle and soothing, all-natural daily moisturiser for your bub. Filled with organic coconut oil and milk protein, this unique formulation is dermatologically tested to ensure hydrates of your baby’s sensitive skin, clearing dry and irritated patches while providing skin with all it needs for extra growth! it will also leave your bubba feeling soft and cuddly.
The Milk&Co baby bath wash is an all-natural bath wash packed with organic coconut oil, milk protein, and chamomile flower extract keeping your baby happy and clean, guaranteeing bath time is tear free, ph balanced and a joy for mum, dad, and baby.
What are Milk&Co’s signature ingredients?
Coconut oil: our coconut oil is produced in Solomon Islands and by using the Direct Micro Expelling technology. It is rich in healthy fats and vitamins; coconut oil is the perfect moisturiser for your baby. full of antioxidants and healing properties, it’s the safest way to treat your babies’ dry skin. an ideal solution for eczema, cradle cap and nappy rash. nourishes and protects your baby’s skin organically.
Milk Protein: it is considered the highest quality protein with complete amino acids, milk protein moisturises and hydrates, leaving skin feel rejuvenated with a healthy glow.