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For a toddler with eczema, a mild, fragrance-free non-soap cleanser is generally a better choice than bar soap—and routine bathing may not require soap at all. Pediatric guidance recommends using cleanser only where needed, then moisturizing promptly after a short, lukewarm bath.
What soap can you use on a toddler with eczema?
Despite the common phrase “eczema soap,” bar soap is not usually the preferred option. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises skipping bar soaps because they can dry and irritate a child’s skin, and choosing a mild, fragrance-free cleanser instead.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says soap is not needed for routine bathing. If cleansing is needed, a gentle non-soap cleanser can be used on sweaty areas, such as the armpits, neck, and groin, and on the hands and feet. These recommendations describe what to look for; they do not establish one brand as best for every toddler.
How to choose a cleanser
- Look for “fragrance-free.” AAD distinguishes this from “unscented”: unscented products may contain fragrance that masks other odors, while fragrance-free means fragrances are absent.
- Choose mild and non-soap. Use cleanser only on areas that need it rather than automatically washing the whole body with it.
- Check the current label. Formulas and packaging can change. Confirm the product is fragrance-free and appropriate for the child’s age and intended use.
- Use the NEA directory as a screening aid. The National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance directory includes cleansers. A seal means a product or manufacturer has undergone the association’s voluntary evaluation for suitability for people with eczema and sensitive skin; it is not an endorsement or a guarantee that an individual child will tolerate the product. Check both the current directory and the product label.
How to bathe and moisturize
- Keep the bath short and comfortably warm. AAD recommends warm rather than hot water and limiting a child’s bath to five to ten minutes. AAP guidance similarly recommends short, lukewarm baths.
- Use cleanser sparingly. Skip bar soap and bubble bath. Avoid scrubbing; reserve a gentle non-soap cleanser for areas that need it.
- Pat skin dry gently. Avoid rubbing with a towel.
- Moisturize promptly. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp after bathing.
When to contact your child’s clinician
Product-selection advice is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Contact your child’s clinician if the skin is worsening, remains irritated, or may be infected. Do not substitute bleach baths for a cleanser; AAD advises discussing bleach baths with the child’s dermatologist when eczema is frequently infected.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Face, body and hair
- Mustela’s Stelatopia Cleansing Oil is a multi-use, replenishing, oil-based cleanser for your baby’s face, hair, and body
- Specifically designed for extremely dry skin, our cleansing oil envelops itchy, dry skin in a silky, hydrating barrier while moisturizing and soothing
- Simply apply the cleansing oil directly to your little one’s bath or to their wet skin and hair during bath time
Rank #4
- You will receive (2) bottles of 13.5oz Baby Body Wash & Shampoo by Cetaphil
- CETAPHIL BABY WASH & SHAMPOO: This tear free 2-in-1 formula blends into a rich lather to gently cleanse your baby's delicate skin and hair leaving it soft and clean
- MOISTURIZING: Gently cleans your baby's delicate skin and hair without drying to help retain moisture
- SOOTHING: Calendula from the marigold flower helps soothe, moisturize and soften sensitive skin while leaving a fresh scent
- DESIGNED FOR BABY'S SENSITIVE SKIN: Dermatologist tested to be safe and gentle, these formulas are also hypoallergenic and free from parabens, colorants and mineral oil that can irritate baby's skin
Rank #3
- MOISTURIZING CARE: Baby Dove Derma Care Soothing Wash is a natural baby wash that provides ultra-gentle cleansing and helps retain moisture in baby's skin to prevent dryness
- 100% NATURAL NUTRIENTS: This baby body wash is formulated just for baby skin and made with 100% skin natural nutrients.
- GENTLE FORMULATION: Baby Dove Derma Care Soothing Wash is formulated just for baby skin. This baby wash is paraben free, phthalate free, sulfate free, dye-free, fragrance free and steroid free.
- TEAR-FREE: A great addition to your collection of baby bath products, this baby wash is tear free and made with colloidal oatmeal. Also, an effective handwash.
- NEA ACCEPTED PRODUCT: Designed to soothe baby eczema and irritation, this baby body wash is gentle enough for newborn skin — and accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Rank #2
- [ DEVELOPED WITH PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGISTS, NO NASTIES & TEAR-FREE ] this gentle, tear-free, non-irritating bathtime product is a 2-in-1 baby shampoo and body wash that is free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates, and sulfates
- [ DAILY BABY SKIN CARE ] Mild body wash and shampoo for babies forms a mild foam as you lather into skin and rinses clean with no residue, leaving skin feeling hydrated and fresh, not stripped of moisture
- [ HYDRATING BABY BODY WASH & SHAMPOO ] Formulated with 3 Essential Ceramides to reinforce baby's skin barrier, Hyaluronic Acid to help retain skin's moisture, and Vitamin E to provide soothing. Cleanse skin without disrupting baby’s skin barrier
- [ National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance] Accepted by the National Eczema Association which only accepts products that have satisfied criteria for use for those with eczema or sensitive skin condition.
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. Lipids like ceramides fill in the gaps between skin cells so baby's skin can seal in moisture and keep impurities out.
#1 Best Overall
- 8-ounce bottle of Aveeno Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Baby Body Wash with natural oatmeal and provitamin B5
- Moisturizing baby wash cleanses and soothes baby's irritated, dry, sensitive, and eczema prone skin, leaving it feeling comfortable
- Baby body wash is formulated with natural oatmeal which is known for its soothing & nourishing properties along with provitamin B5 and rich emollients
- Moisturizing baby wash has been pediatrician and dermatologist tested and comes from a pediatrician & dermatologist recommended brand
- This gentle baby wash is great for baby's sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin. It is ph-balanced, hypoallergenic, tear-free, and free of sulfates, soap, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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