Baby Eczema Treatment: Best Remedies for Itchy, Dry Skin

Battling Baby Eczema: What Actually Works

If you’re looking for the best baby eczema remedies, you’re in the right place. If your baby has rough, red patches on their cheeks that won’t go away, or they scratch their skin until it’s raw, you’re not alone. Baby eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in infants, but the good news is there are effective treatments to help soothe and heal your baby’s skin.

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common skin conditions in babies and young kids, and if you’re dealing with it, you’re not alone! The itching, redness, and unpredictable flare-ups can feel like an endless battle.

The good news? There are things you can do that actually work. Let’s break down the essentials to help your little one get relief and feel more comfortable.

Medical Disclaimer: As always, be sure to consult your doctor. I am not a doctor, and this is not intended to be medical advice. It’s important to discuss any skin or health concerns with your pediatrician before trying new products, treatments, or remedies. Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If your child’s eczema is severe, persistent, or worsening, be sure to seek professional medical guidance.

Affiliate Disclosure: Just a heads-up—some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase through them, MeaningFull Living earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support MeaningFull Living and allows me to continue sharing helpful content for parents like you. I truly appreciate your support!

Step 1: Strengthen Your Baby’s Skin Barrier for Eczema Treatment

The first step in baby eczema treatment is repairing the skin barrier. Eczema isn’t just about dry skin—it’s about an underdeveloped or weakened skin barrier. Think of the skin as a brick wall. The bricks are skin cells, and the mortar holding them together is lipids (fats) that help seal in moisture and keep irritants out.

For babies and young kids, this protective barrier is still developing. When it’s weakened, moisture escapes too easily, and irritants like allergens, bacteria, and toxins sneak in—leading to dry, inflamed, and itchy skin.

Eczema-prone skin tends to overreact to everyday triggers like pet dander, dust, or certain fabrics. Instead of handling these exposures calmly, the immune system kicks into overdrive, triggering redness, inflammation, and itching.

How to Strengthen the Skin Barrier

• Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize—And Then Moisturize Again. Thick, fragrance-free ointments (like shea butter, a good eczema balm like this or this, or Vani Cream) are your best friends. Apply at least twice a day, and even more often on specific flare-up areas, and always right after bath time to lock in moisture.
• Skip Lotions. Lotions are mostly water-based, which can evaporate quickly and dry out the skin more. Stick to thick creams and ointments instead.
• Look for Ceramides. These are fatty molecules that act as glue in the skin’s barrier, helping it retain moisture and block irritants. Kids with eczema tend to have fewer ceramides, making their skin more prone to dryness. Look for a ceramide-rich moisturizer like Vani Cream and apply generously.

Step 2: Bath Time Tips for Baby Eczema Relief

A gentle bath routine is essential for an effective baby eczema treatment plan. Water can be both a friend and a foe for eczema-prone skin. Done right, it hydrates and soothes. Done wrong, it dries and irritates.

Many baby soaps contain surfactants—cleansing agents that strip away oils. But in babies and kids with eczema, their skin is already struggling to hold onto moisture, so harsh soaps can make things worse.

The Best Way to Bathe an Eczema-Prone Baby

• Keep it short and warm. Stick to 5-10 minutes max in lukewarm water (not hot!). Most of the time, reducing bath time to 2-3 days a week makes a big difference. On non-bath days, you can gently wipe down your baby with a warm organic washcloth.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Harsh soaps? Nope. Choose something mild and hydrating and only use soap on areas that actually need cleaning (like sweat glands or private parts).
• Pat dry, don’t rub. Be gentle—rough towel drying can irritate already-sensitive skin.
• Lock in moisture immediately. Apply a thick layer of moisturizer within 3 minutes of getting out of the tub. This helps trap hydration and prevent dryness. (See Step 1 for recommended products!)

Step 3: Diet & Gut Health for Baby Eczema Treatment

Food allergies and sensitivities can trigger eczema flare-ups, but not always. Instead of eliminating foods randomly, focus on patterns and gut health. Did you know that gut health plays a role in baby eczema treatment? Emerging research suggests a strong link between gut health and skin conditions like eczema. A weaker gut lining allows inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger flare-ups. Nutrient deficiencies (like omega-3s, vitamin D, and zinc) can also make it harder for the skin to repair itself. If your baby has eczema, it’s important to take a targeted approach based on their age and feeding stage. Instead of cutting out foods randomly, pay attention to patterns and focus on gut health, essential nutrients, and reducing inflammation. 

For Breastfeeding Moms

If you’re breastfeeding and notice eczema flare-ups, your diet may play a role. Certain foods can pass through breast milk and affect your baby’s skin. Common triggers include dairy, eggs, soy, and gluten, but every baby is different.

• Keep a food journal. Track what you eat and note any changes in your baby’s skin.
• Consider an elimination trial. If you suspect a food sensitivity, work with your pediatrician to eliminate a potential trigger for 2-4 weeks before reintroducing it to assess the impact.
• Focus on real food and anti-inflammatory foods. Eating a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet with omega-3s (salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts), antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, and probiotic-rich foods can support your baby’s skin health. For supplementation, Needed (vegan), Nordic Naturals (liquid version, capsules, vegan), and Carlson’s have high-quality options. 
• Prioritize gut health. Your gut microbiome influences your baby’s. Adding fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut to your diet or taking a high-quality probiotic may support a healthier skin barrier. If you’re considering probiotic supplement, Seed and Genestra Brands, are high-quality options

Probiotic Tip for Breastfed Babies: Evivo probiotic populates the gut with beneficial B. infantis bacteria, which supports digestion and immune function.

For Babies Who Have Started Solids

If your baby has started solids, it’s important to introduce a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods while monitoring for potential eczema triggers.

• Introduce potential allergens early (unless advised otherwise by your doctor). Research shows that early exposure to the top 9 allergens—dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat—may help reduce the risk of allergies, even in babies with eczema. Introduce them one at a time, in small amounts, and watch for reactions such as increased skin irritation, hives, or digestive discomfort. Learn more about safely introducing allergens and baby feeding in my Feeding Baby Solids course.
• Increase Omega-3s & Anti-Inflammatory Foods. Offer wild salmon, ground flaxseeds, walnuts (in a safe form such as small amounts of walnut butter), and avocado to support skin and immune health. If you’re considering an Omega-3 supplement, Nordic Naturals and Carlson’s are high-quality options—just be sure to check with your pediatrician first.
• Support Skin Repair with Zinc-Rich Foods. Zinc rich foods like chickpeas and lentils can help strengthen the skin barrier and support healing. If you’re looking for a supplement (and your pediatrician agrees), Mary Ruth’s has a great zinc supplement for babies.
• Encourage a diverse microbiome. Fermented foods like full-fat yogurt, kefir, miso, and sauerkraut introduce beneficial probiotics that may help improve gut and skin health. If you’re considering a probiotic supplement (and your pediatrician agrees), Klaire Labs, and Mary Ruth’s are high-quality options.
• Limit processed foods. Many processed baby snacks (like teething crackers and puffs) are marketed as must-haves, but they aren’t necessary and can increase inflammation, potentially contributing to eczema flare-ups. Instead, try whole-food-based or non-food teething options like these.

For Toddlers & Older Kids:

As kids get older, gut health, nutrient intake, and minimizing inflammatory foods continue to play a big role in eczema management.

• Limit processed foods and refined sugars. Processed snacks, sugary treats, and ultra-processed foods can increase inflammation, which may contribute to more frequent or severe skin flare-ups. Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods whenever possible.
• Continue offering omega-3-rich foods. Foods high in omega-3s, such as fatty fish (wild salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. For younger kids, be sure to serve nuts and other choking hazard food safely such as ground walnuts or walnut butter (since whole nuts are a choking hazard). If your child doesn’t eat enough omega-3s through food, talk to your pediatrician about supplementation. Nordic Naturals and Carlson’s are high-quality options. 
• Support Skin Repair with Zinc-Rich Foods. Zinc rich foods like chickpeas and lentils can help strengthen the skin barrier and support healing. If you’re looking for a supplement (and your pediatrician agrees), Mary Ruth’s has a great zinc supplement for toddlers and for kids.
• Prioritize gut health. A healthy gut microbiome supports skin health and can help reduce inflammation. Offer probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso regularly. If your child is a picky eater, a high-quality probiotic supplement can help ensure they’re getting beneficial bacteria to support digestion, immunity, and skin health.

Probiotic Tip for Toddlers & Kids:

• Genestra Brands HMF (for ages 1-4) is a great option for toddlers and young kids.
• Seed Pediatric (for ages 3-17) contains 9 probiotic strains and a fiber-based prebiotic to support digestion, gut health, and regularity. (Use coupon code: LIVING to get 20% off your first month!)
• Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic is a great option for infants, toddlers, and kids and can be easily mixed into food.
• Mary Ruth’s Kids Probiotic is a great all-around option.

Anutrient-rich diet, gut-friendly foods, and mindful allergen exposure can make a big difference in reducing eczema flare-ups and strengthening the skin barrier from the inside out!

Get tested if needed. If you suspect a food allergy, work with your pediatrician or an allergist instead of guessing.

Vitamin D & Eczema: Why It’s Important

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function and skin health, and low levels have been linked to increased eczema severity. Ensuring your child gets enough vitamin D may help support a strong skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

• For Breastfed Babies: Because breast milk does not contain enough vitamin D, it’s important to supplement your baby with liquid vitamin D drops. These can be added to a bottle or placed directly on the breast before feeding. Additionally, some studies suggest that zinc supplementation for breastfeeding moms may be beneficial, as zinc passes through breast milk and plays a role in skin health, immune support, and reducing inflammation. If you’re considering adding zinc to your routine, consult your pediatrician to determine the right dosage for you and your baby.
• For Formula-Fed Babies: Formula already contains vitamin D, so additional supplementation is not needed unless advised by your pediatrician.
• For Babies on Solids & Toddlers: If your child isn’t getting enough vitamin D from diet and sun exposure, ask your pediatrician about supplementation. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk and foods.

Best Vitamin D and Zinc Supplements for Babies & Kids:

• Newborns & Infants: Mary Ruth’s Organic Vitamin D3 Drops, Genexa, Wellements
• Toddlers & Older Kids: Mary Ruth’s Organic Vitamin D3, Genexa Vitamin D, Mary Ruth’s Ionic Zinc Supplement (also great for breastfeeding moms)

Key Takeaways for Eczema & Nutrition

• For Breastfeeding Moms: Watch for food triggers, eat real-food, minimize processed food, and support gut health with probiotics.
• For Babies on Solids: Introduce diverse foods, support skin repair with omega-3s and zinc, and monitor allergens carefully. 
• For Toddlers: Minimize processed foods, support digestion with probiotics, and ensure adequate vitamin D intake.

Step 4: Focus on the Environment

Eczema-prone skin is super sensitive, so what touches their skin all day matters. Choosing the right fabrics, cleaning precuts, and air quality can enhance baby eczema treatment results.

• Go fragrance-free. That includes detergent, body products, cleaning products, and even baby wipes.
• Skip fabric softeners & dryer sheets. They leave a residue that can irritate the skin. Opt for dryer balls instead.
• Choose breathable fabrics. When your baby has eczema, what touches their skin all day and night matters. Certain fabrics can trap heat, cause friction, or irritate sensitive skin, making eczema flare-ups worse. Choosing soft, breathable, and non-toxic fabrics—like organic cotton, bamboo, and silk—can help create a more comfortable, skin-friendly environment. Organic cotton, bamboo, and silk are best—wool and synthetic fabrics can be irritating.
  • Clothing: 
    • Mini Mioche (pricey but the quality is great and they have a great buyback program)
    • Touched By Nature
    • 1212 has amazing organic PJs and onsies 
    • Organic Bedding: Simply Bamboo Organics (they have incredible organic bedding for all ages) 
    • Silk Crib Sheet
• Always wash new clothes before wearing. Manufacturing chemicals can trigger eczema. It’s also important to stay up on laundry to keep bedding and clothes clean. 
• Keep the air clean. High-quality air purifiers reduce airborne irritants. Air Doctor (discount code automatically applied when using the link) and IQ Air are top choices if you’re looking to invest in cleaner air.
• Keep Your Water Clean. High-quality water purifiers are essential for both drinking water and bath/shower water, especially for eczema-prone skin. Harsh chemicals like chlorine and chloramine can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Using a water filter for bath time can help reduce exposure to these irritants and support better eczema management. AquaTru is my go-to trusted brand for water purification. For drinking water, they offer a countertop carafe and an under-the-sink purifier to remove contaminants while preserving essential minerals. For bath and shower water, the AquaTru Shower Filter helps remove chlorine and other harsh chemicals, creating a gentler bathing experience for sensitive skin.

Step 5: Know When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, despite all your best efforts, eczema needs a little extra help. Don’t hesitate reaching out to your pediatrician. While there are many more times than the following to reach out, below are situations where seeking medical advice is definitely recommended for baby eczema treatment. 

If you feel your child has eczema or a skin condition. Always loop in your pediatrician with any concerns as early as possible.

If your child’s skin is cracked, weepy, or infected. This could mean a bacterial infection that needs medical attention.

If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working. Prescription creams (like steroid or non-steroidal options) might be necessary for short-term relief.

If itching is out of control. Scratching can make things worse—your doctor may recommend antihistamines for severe cases.

The Bottom Line

Making small, intentional changes can make a world of difference in helping manage eczema and keeping flare-ups at bay. An effective baby eczema treatment includes daily moisturizing, gentle baths, and the right skincare routine for soothing baby eczema. Eczema isn’t something you “fix” overnight, but with the right approach, you can make a huge difference in your child’s comfort. To truly help, we need to strengthen and support the skin barrier from the outside (with moisturizing, protective skincare and keeping environmental triggers low) and the inside (with a nutrient-rich, gut-supporting diet). With a consistent baby eczema skincare routine, many parents see improvement in their child’s skin. Try these baby eczema remedies to soothe and heal your little one!