If your baby or toddler suffers from eczema, it can be challenging to manage symptoms, particularly at bedtime. The itching and discomfort associated with eczema can make it challenging for your little one to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to sleepless nights and exhaustion for everyone. Here are some bedtime routine tips we recommend to create an optimal sleeping environment for your child's bedtime.
- Keep the Bedroom Cool and Comfortable
Overheating is a key trigger for eczema flare-ups. Keeping your child's bedroom cool and comfortable can help prevent itching and discomfort that can disturb sleep.
- Use an Air Purifier
Eczema can be a challenging condition to manage, particularly at bedtime when allergens can exacerbate symptoms. Air purifiers are designed to filter out airborne particles like dust, pet dander, and pollen, which can trigger eczema flare-ups. Using an air purifier in your child's bedroom can help reduce exposure to these allergens, creating a cleaner and more comfortable sleep environment. Look for a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles.
3. Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels with a Humidifier
Dry air can cause skin to become dry and itchy, making eczema symptoms worse. Using a humidifier in your child's bedroom can help add moisture to the air, preventing dryness and promoting skin health. Aim to maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50%, as excessive humidity can promote the growth of mold and bacteria.
There are two main types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist. Warm mist humidifiers produce warm, soothing mist that can help relieve congestion and promote relaxation. However, they can also pose a burn risk and may not be safe for use around young children. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, produce a cool mist that is safe for use around children and can help relieve dry skin and eczema symptoms.
*To ensure optimal performance, it is important to use high-quality filters and clean your air purifier and humidifier regularly. Replace the filters according to the manufacturer's instructions and clean the units at least once a week to prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, and other allergens.
4. Choose the Right Bedding
The right bedding can make a significant difference in managing eczema symptoms at bedtime. TENCEL Lyocell is often recommended as one of the best bedding materials for children with eczema as it is made from breathable, moisture-wicking fibers that can help regulate temperature and keep your child cool and comfortable. TENCEL Lyocell is a type of fabric that is made from sustainably sourced eucalyptus trees, which makes it hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin. It is also breathable, moisture-wicking, and has anti-bacterial properties, which can help prevent skin irritation and infection. Other bedding materials that may be helpful for children with eczema include organic cotton, bamboo, and silk. These materials are also hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin.
5. Bathe Your Child Before Bedtime
A warm bath before bedtime can help soothe your child's skin and relieve itching. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap or bath oil formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid using hot water or scrubbing the skin, as this can further irritate eczema-prone skin. Limit bath time to no more than 10-15 minutes to minimize exposure to water and prevent further drying of the skin.
6. Moisturize Immediately and Thoroughly
After bathing, pat your child's skin dry and apply a generous layer of moisturizer to help lock in moisture and prevent dryness and itching. Look for a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer specifically formulated for eczema-prone skin. Consider using a thicker, ointment-based moisturizer for particularly dry patches of skin.
7. Choose Soft & Breathable Pajamas
When selecting pajamas for babies or toddlers with eczema, it is important to look for materials that are also soft, organic, and breathable. Tencel Lyocell is a great choice for pajamas for children with eczema. Tencel Lyocell is a type of fabric that is buttery soft, breathable, hypoallergenic, and moisture-wicking. These properties make it gentle on sensitive skin, reduce the risk of skin irritation, and help regulate body temperature, which is important for children with eczema who may have trouble regulating their body temperature during sleep. Other good options for pajamas for children with eczema include organic cotton and bamboo.
In addition, ensure the pajamas do not have tags or seams in areas that may come into contact with the skin, such as the neck, cuffs, and waistband.
It is also important to wash pajamas and all bedding in a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, which can contain fragrances and other chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.
8. Avoid Triggers Before Bedtime
Some children with eczema may have specific triggers that can cause flare-ups, such as certain foods, fabrics, or environmental factors like dust or pet dander. Try to identify any triggers that may be affecting your child's skin, and avoid exposing them to these triggers before bedtime.
By incorporating these bedtime routine tips for baby eczema into your nightly routine, you can help minimize discomfort and itching and promote restful, peaceful sleep for your child and your family.