How to Safely bathe a Newborn with Eczema

You can bathe your newborn with eczema safely by using gentle routines often. Use plain water or a mild, fragrance free cleanser. Both ways help keep the skin barrier healthy.

They do not make irritation worse. It is important to follow the same routine each time. This helps your baby’s skin get used to it. Learning how to bathe a newborn with eczema helps stop flare ups. It also keeps your baby comfortable.

Always use soft towels and gently pat the skin dry after every bath.

 

Key Takeaways

• Use lukewarm water (37–38°C) for your baby’s bath. Keep the bath short, only 5 to 10 minutes. This helps protect your baby’s sensitive skin.
• Pick mild, fragrance free, hypoallergenic cleansers made for babies. Do not use harsh soaps, bubble baths, or adult products.
• Gently wash only the dirty spots. Do not scrub the skin. Use your hand or a soft cloth to stop skin irritation.
• Pat your baby’s skin dry with a soft towel after the bath. Leave the skin a little damp. This helps moisturisers work better.
• Put on a thick, fragrance free moisturiser within three minutes after the bath. This locks in moisture and soothes the skin.
• Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton. This stops irritation and keeps your baby comfortable.
• Stay away from triggers like hot water, harsh soaps, bubble baths, and chlorine. This helps reduce eczema flare ups.
• Look for signs of skin infection like redness, oozing, or swelling. Get medical advice quickly if you see these signs.

How to bathe a newborn with eczema

Best approach

Learning how to bathe a newborn with eczema starts with a gentle and consistent routine. You should use lukewarm water, never hot, and keep bath time short—no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.

This helps protect your baby’s sensitive skin barrier. Use only fragrance free, hypoallergenic cleansers made for babies. Avoid adult soaps, bubble baths, and any harsh products.

You do not need to wash the whole body with cleanser every time. Focus on areas that are dirty or smelly.

Follow these steps for the safest method:

1. Fill the bath with lukewarm water (about 37–38°C).
2. Gently place your baby in the water, supporting their head and neck.
3. Use a small amount of mild, fragrance free cleanser only on dirty areas.
4. Avoid scrubbing. Gently wipe the skin with your hand or a soft cloth.
5. After 5–10 minutes, lift your baby out and pat the skin dry with a soft towel, leaving the skin slightly damp.
6. Apply any prescribed creams to affected areas right away.
7. Within three minutes, use a thick, fragrance free moisturiser all over the body to lock in moisture.

Note: You can bathe your baby two to three times a week. On other days, use “top and tail” washing to keep your baby clean without overexposing the skin to water.

Some parents ask about emollient bath additives. Recent studies show that adding emollients to bath water does not prevent or manage eczema better than using a moisturiser after the bath.

The NHS also advises against using bath additives for eczema, as they do not offer extra benefit and may increase the risk of skin infections. Instead, focus on moisturising straight after the bath while the skin is still damp.

If your baby’s eczema is severe, your doctor may suggest wet wrap therapy or, in rare cases, a bleach bath under strict medical guidance. Never add bleach or other substances to the bath without advice from a healthcare professional.

Why special care matters

Babies with eczema have very sensitive skin. Their skin loses moisture quickly and gets dry, itchy, and inflamed.

This means you must take extra care during bath time. Using the wrong products or bathing too often can make eczema worse. Hot water, scrubbing, and harsh soaps damage the skin barrier and can cause flare ups.

You should always use fragrance free and hypoallergenic products. Avoid anything with perfume, dyes, or strong chemicals. Keep the bath water tepid, not hot, to prevent irritation. After the bath, moisturise your baby’s skin within three minutes. This locks in moisture and soothes the skin.

Tip: Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton after the bath. This helps prevent irritation and keeps your baby comfortable.

Improper bathing techniques, such as using hot water or scrubbing, can dry out the skin and disrupt its natural balance. This increases the risk of eczema flare ups.

Always follow a gentle routine and watch for any signs of irritation. If you notice redness, oozing, or signs of infection, contact your GP or health visitor for advice.

Preparation

Supplies

Getting ready before bath time keeps your newborn safe. Gather everything you need before you start. This way, you never leave your baby alone in the bath.

Emollients and cleansers

Pick a gentle, fragrance free cleanser for babies with sensitive skin. Look for non soap syndet cleansers on the label. These cleansers have a low or neutral pH.

They do not have dyes or perfumes. They help protect your baby’s skin barrier and stop irritation. Experts in Europe and Japan say these cleansers are best for newborns with eczema. Do not use normal soaps or scented products. They can dry the skin and make eczema worse.

After the bath, use a thick, fragrance free moisturiser. Choose one with ceramides or gentle oils like coconut oil.

These help the skin barrier and keep moisture in. Do not use moisturisers with alcohol. Alcohol can sting and burn. Always put on moisturiser within three minutes after the bath. This keeps the skin hydrated. This is called “soak and seal”.

Tip: Keep any creams or ointments your doctor gave you close by for flare ups.

Towels and clothing

Choose soft, clean towels made from 100% cotton. Rough towels can hurt your baby’s skin. Use one towel for the face and another for the body.

After the bath, gently pat your baby dry. Do not rub the skin. For clothes, pick loose, breathable fabrics like cotton. Do not use wool or synthetic materials. These can make your baby itch.

Water temperature

The right water temperature is very important for babies with eczema. Use lukewarm water, about 37–38°C. Babies have thinner skin than adults.

Hot water can burn or irritate them. Always check the water with your elbow or a bath thermometer. Mix the water well so there are no hot spots. Run cold water first, then add hot water. Keep your baby away from the tap during the bath.

• Lukewarm water helps stop skin irritation and flare ups.
• Short baths in tepid water are safe every day.
• Moisturising right after the bath keeps skin hydrated.

Bath environment

The bath environment can affect your baby’s eczema. Hard water has lots of calcium. It can make eczema worse.

If you live in a hard water area, you may see more flare ups. Using a water softener or filling the bath with pre boiled, cooled water can help.

Keep bath time short—5 to 10 minutes is best. Do not use bubble baths or bath oils unless your doctor says so. Make sure the room is warm and has no draughts.

This keeps your baby comfortable. Always stay with your baby during the bath to keep them safe.

Remember: A calm, gentle bath routine helps soothe your baby’s skin and lowers the risk of eczema flare ups.

 

Bathing steps

Bath duration

Keep your baby’s bath short. Most skin doctors say 5 to 10 minutes is best. This helps protect the skin and stops dryness or irritation.

Long baths can make eczema worse. They wash away the skin’s natural oils. You can see what different skin experts suggest in the table below:

Use tepid water, about 37–38°C. Always check the water with your elbow or a bath thermometer. This keeps your baby safe and comfortable.

Tip: Use a timer to help keep bath time short and avoid getting distracted.

Cleansing

Be gentle when cleaning your baby’s skin. Pick a liquid cleanser that is pH neutral or mildly acidic. These cleansers help keep the skin healthy.

Do not use normal alkaline soaps. They dry out the skin and upset its balance. Most experts say you only need a mild, fragrance free cleanser when needed. Water alone is fine for most of the body.

• Mild liquid cleansers do not dry out the skin more than water.
• Do not use aqueous cream with sodium lauryl sulfate, as it can irritate eczema.
• Stay away from harsh chemicals and strong soaps.
• Only clean areas that are dirty or soiled.

Avoiding scrubbing

Never scrub your baby’s skin. Scrubbing can hurt the skin and cause irritation. Use your hand or a very soft cloth to gently wipe the skin. Patting is better than rubbing. This helps stop flare ups and keeps the skin calm.

Note: Newborn skin is thin and delicate. Gentle cleaning helps protect the skin’s natural defences.

Washing hair

You do not need to wash your baby’s hair every bath. Once or twice a week is enough. Use a small amount of fragrance free, hypoallergenic baby shampoo or cleanser. Pour water gently over the scalp. Try not to let water get in your baby’s eyes.

Rinse well with tepid water. If your baby has cradle cap, ask your health visitor or GP before using any medicated shampoos.

Rinsing

Rinsing is very important when bathing a newborn with eczema. Always use lukewarm water to wash off any cleanser.

Make sure you remove all the product from the skin. Leftover cleanser can cause irritation. After rinsing, lift your baby out and gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Do not rub. Leave the skin a little damp to help with moisturising.

Follow these steps for good rinsing:

1. Use lukewarm water, not hot.
2. Rinse off all cleanser well.
3. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
4. Put on emollient or prescribed creams within 10 minutes after the bath.

Callout: Always use fragrance free, hypoallergenic products. Do not use bubble baths or harsh soaps, as these can make eczema worse.

After the bath

Drying

Drying your baby’s skin gently is very important. Always use a soft, clean towel after a bath. Do not rub the skin because rubbing can make eczema worse. Instead, do these steps:

1. Take your baby out of the bath and wrap them in a soft cotton towel.
2. Pat the skin dry with care. Never rub or scrub.
3. Leave the skin a little damp. This helps creams work better.

Patting the skin dry stops friction and helps avoid flare ups. Do not use rough towels or cloths. They can hurt your baby’s delicate skin.

Dry all skin folds, like under the arms and behind the knees. This stops moisture from building up.

Moisturising

Moisturising right after drying is very important for babies with eczema. Doctors say to use the ‘soak and seal’ method. This means you put on moisturiser within three minutes after patting dry. Doing this quickly keeps water in the skin and helps the skin barrier.

Applying emollients

Pick a thick, fragrance free moisturiser or emollient. Ointments with ceramides or gentle oils are good choices.

Do not use creams with alcohol, fragrances, or dyes. These can upset sensitive skin. Wash your hands before putting on any cream to keep things clean.

• Squeeze the moisturiser from a tube, not a jar, to keep it germ free.
• Warm the emollient between your hands before using it.
• Use smooth, downward strokes. Do not rub the skin.
• Cover the whole body, not just the eczema patches.
• Wait a few minutes before dressing your baby so the moisturiser can soak in.

Note: Moisturise your baby’s skin several times each day, not just after baths. You can spray a little water on the skin before using emollient to help keep it moist.

Emollients are the main treatment for eczema that is already there. Research shows they do not stop eczema from starting in newborns.

Some studies say using them every day may raise the risk of skin infections. Only use emollients as your doctor tells you for treating eczema, not to prevent it.

Dressing

Picking the right clothes after a bath helps protect your baby’s skin. It also keeps your baby comfortable. Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like 100% cotton, organic cotton, silk, bamboo, or lyocell (TENCEL). These materials are gentle and let the skin breathe.

• Do not use synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, or spandex. Do not use wool either. These can bother sensitive skin.
• Choose loose clothes with few seams to stop rubbing.
• Wash all new clothes and bedding before using them. Use a fragrance free detergent. Do not use fabric softeners.
• Dress your baby in layers. This helps you change clothes if the temperature changes.
• Cotton mittens or eczema gloves can stop your baby from scratching healing skin.

Callout: Soft, natural fabrics help stop overheating and irritation. They are best for babies with eczema.

If you follow these steps, you help keep your baby’s skin calm. This lowers the chance of eczema flare ups after every bath.

Extra tips

Oatmeal baths

Colloidal oatmeal baths can help soothe your newborn’s eczema. Colloidal oatmeal has natural antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients like avenanthramides and vitamin E.

These calm the skin and help with redness. Many parents say oatmeal baths help with dryness, itching, and rough skin.

Studies show colloidal oatmeal creams and baths make the skin barrier stronger. They also mean you may need less steroid cream. The FDA and UK experts say colloidal oatmeal is safe for babies, even those with sensitive skin.

To make an oatmeal bath, add a little finely ground, fragrance free colloidal oatmeal to lukewarm water. Stir until the water looks cloudy or milky. Let your baby soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

Always watch your baby during the bath. After the bath, gently pat the skin dry. Put on a thick, fragrance free moisturiser while the skin is still damp.

Tip: Only use plain, unflavoured colloidal oatmeal. Do not use products with scents or chemicals.

Wet wrap basics

Wet wrap therapy can help with severe eczema in newborns. This method means you put a prescribed cream or emollient on your baby’s skin.

Then you cover it with a damp, soft bandage or clothing. Next, add a dry layer on top. Wet wraps keep moisture in, cool the skin, and help creams work better. They also stop scratching and help the skin heal faster.

Doctors say wet wrap therapy is for short term use when eczema is very bad, especially after infection is gone. Studies show wet wraps can quickly make eczema better.

You usually use wet wraps for a few hours or up to a day, over several days. Some babies may feel cold or uncomfortable, so always ask your doctor before starting. For more details, see NHS: Atopic eczema in children.

Steps for wet wrap therapy:

1. Put prescribed cream or emollient on the affected skin.
2. Cover with a damp, soft bandage or cotton suit.
3. Add a dry layer on top.
4. Leave it on for as long as your doctor says.

Note: Only use wet wraps if your doctor tells you to, as using them wrong can cause problems.

Avoiding triggers

You can stop many eczema flare ups by avoiding common triggers during and after bath time. Hot water, harsh soaps, and bubble baths can all upset your baby’s skin.

Chlorine from swimming pools and spas can also cause trouble. Always use lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance free cleansers. Moisturise right after the bath to keep moisture in.

Common triggers to avoid:

• Hot baths or showers
• Bubble baths and bath oils
• Harsh soaps and chemicals
• Chlorine from pools
• Ingredients like lanolin (if allergic)

Dress your baby in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Keep nails short so your baby cannot scratch. Use a cool mist humidifier in dry rooms to help keep the skin moist.

Finding and avoiding your baby’s own triggers will help keep their eczema under control. 

Warning signs

Infection

After every bath, check your baby’s skin carefully. Eczema makes skin weaker and easier to infect. Infections can start fast, especially if your baby scratches itchy spots. You might see infection on the skin before other symptoms show.

Watch for these warning signs of infection:

• Yellow crusts on scratched or open skin
• Swelling or puffiness near eczema patches
• Skin that looks wet or leaks fluid
• Small bumps or blisters with pus inside
• Redness that spreads or gets brighter
• Your baby seems more upset or uncomfortable than normal

If you notice any of these, stop using wet wraps or dressings right away. These can trap germs and make infection worse. Always keep your baby’s nails short and clean. This helps stop scratching and lowers infection risk.

Sometimes, infection can make your baby feel poorly. A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is serious. Your baby may seem tired, not want to feed, or act like they have the flu. If you see these signs, get medical help straight away.

Tip: Trust yourself. If your baby’s skin looks odd or you feel worried, ask a health professional.

When to seek help

Contact your GP or health visitor if you spot any infection signs. Do not wait for things to get worse. Treating infection early helps your baby heal faster and stops it spreading.

Get urgent medical help if:

• Your baby has a fever of 38°C or higher
• The skin infection spreads quickly or covers a big area
• Your baby is very sleepy, hard to wake, or stops feeding well
• You see blisters, large red areas, or your baby seems very unwell

For milder signs, like a little yellow crust or oozing without fever, call your GP or dermatologist for advice. They might suggest a cream or medicine to help. Always follow their advice and finish any treatment.

If you are not sure, the NHS website has clear advice on when to get help for skin infections and eczema. Visit NHS: When to get medical help for your baby.

You have learned how to bathe a newborn with eczema safely. Always use gentle routines and mild cleansers. Moisturise your baby’s skin quickly after each bath.

These steps help stop flare ups and keep your baby comfortable. Doing this also helps you feel more confident. It can make your bond with your baby stronger. Being patient and doing the same routine each time really helps. If you want more help, you can look for:

• NHS information pages about eczema in children
• Local support groups and factsheets
• Webinars, booklets, and contact details for the National Eczema Society

You can look after your baby’s eczema with care and what you know. Trust yourself and ask for advice if you are not sure.

FAQ

How often should you bathe a newborn with eczema?

You should bathe your baby two to three times a week. On other days, use a gentle “top and tail” wash. This routine helps protect your baby’s skin and prevents dryness.

Can you use tap water if you live in a hard water area?

Yes, you can use tap water. If you notice more flare ups, try using cooled, pre boiled water or a water softener. Hard water may worsen eczema for some babies.

What should you do if your baby cries during the bath?

Stay calm and check the water temperature. Make sure the room feels warm. Use a soft voice to comfort your baby. Keep bath time short. Try again another day if your baby remains upset.

Is it safe to use baby wipes on eczema prone skin?

You should avoid scented or alcohol based wipes. Use fragrance free, water based wipes or a damp cotton cloth. These options help prevent irritation and protect your baby’s skin.

Can you use natural oils like coconut oil for moisturising?

Some parents use coconut oil, but always check with your doctor first. Not all oils suit every baby. Choose fragrance free, medical grade emollients for best results.

What should you do if your baby’s eczema gets worse after a bath?

Stop using any new products. Check for signs of infection. Moisturise the skin straight away. If redness, oozing, or swelling appears, contact your GP. You can find more advice at NHS: Eczema in children.

Should you bathe your baby before or after feeding?

Bathe your baby before feeding. A full stomach may make your baby uncomfortable in the bath. Bathing before a feed helps your baby relax and settle afterwards.