Sleep tips for itchy babies

If your baby has dry, itchy or eczema prone skin, you’ll already know it can cause havoc with their sleep … and yours.

According to one study, children with eczema had worse quality sleep than those without the skin condition. Even if your child simply has dry or itchy skin, it can be especially uncomfortable at night.

Dermatologist Dr Jean Ayer says:  '1 in 4 children are estimated to suffer from dry, itchy, eczema prone skin.

'Eczema can severely affect sleep as the child feels itchy, hot, and uncomfortable resulting in repeated wake ups overnight. It is essential to ensure that parents are using the right products at bedtime.'

Here are Dr Ayer's expert tips for helping your baby get a good nights’ sleep. Plus, we've also got bedtime advice from Emma Gawne, sleep consultant for Oilatum, to help your family get more zzzzz's.

Give your baby a bath

Your baby's bath time can play a big part in soothing itchy skin. It can remove any irritants that have built up on to their skin during the day. Make sure the bath is lukewarm, and use products specifically designed for your child’s skin type, says Dr Ayer.

'I always recommend an evening bath with a good bath emollient. Keeping the temperature no warmer than 37 degrees is preferred, as hot water can make eczema sting, burn and itch. Daily baths are fine, as long as parents are using the right products such as a bath emollient specifically designed for young dry and eczema prone skin.'

The length of bath you give your baby can impact their skin. 'I suggest that they are allowed to splash and play in the bath for at least 15 minutes, as this allows maximum absorption of the bath emollient', adds Dr Ayer.

Sleep expert Emma agrees. She says, 'Use mild bath additives and washes to prevent further irritation. Choose products labelled as suitable for sensitive, dry and eczema prone young skin such as Oilatum Junior Sweet Dreamz Head to Toe Wash or Bath Bubbles."

Both have been specially formulated to soothe, cleanse and protect even the most sensitive dry itchy and eczema prone skin. The range is suitable to use on your little one from birth, and even contains clever sleep enhancing fragrance technology with a calming lavender and vanilla fragrance.

Keep skin moisturised

Making sure your baby's skin is sufficiently moisturised is also essential for reducing dryness and itching.

Dermatologist Dr Ayer says, 'I always recommend to parents that they moisturise their children’s skin after bath time as damp skin absorbs product best.'

To begin your bedtime bath routine, pour some Oilatum Junior Sweet Dreamz Bath Bubbles in warm running water, then use Oilatum Junior’s Sweet Dreamz Head to Toe Wash to cleanse skin and leave hair soft and shiny. It's gentle enough to be used every day, and has been approved by the British Skin Foundation.

Gently pat your baby dry with a soft, fluffy towel before massaging in their usual emollient cream or lotion.

Make their room sleep-friendly

Ensuring your baby’s sleep environment, including their bedding and pyjamas, are skin friendly is also important.  Allergens can contribute to skin irritation and itching, so regularly washing sheets and clothing in a gentle detergent can also help. 

The temperature and humidity of their room is also important for managing dry and itchy skin. Dr Ayer adds, 'A humidifier set to less than 60% can be helpful for dry skin and I'd also recommend keeping your child’s room temperature at no more than 16-18 degrees.'

Manage flare ups

Wondering what has triggered your baby's skin to suddenly worsen? Dr Ayer says, 'Lots of external and internal factors can cause dry skin conditions to flare up, especially in babies and children because of the environments they are exposed to, including germs and allergies.

'Flare-ups can be due caused by stress, illness, allergies and of course simply because eczema is a relapsing, remitting condition. So, sticking to a consistent skincare routine is recommended when trying to manage flare ups.'

Have 'sleep cues'

When it comes to night-time, sleep expert Emma recommends giving your baby sleep 'cues'.

‘Establishing a soothing bedtime routine that includes activities like reading, gentle play, or calming music to help distract your child from the itching sensation and promote relaxation can really help’, says Emma.

As part of this, run a lukewarm bath and pour in a capful of Oilatum Junior Sweet Dreamz Bath Bubbles. It contains scientifically proven sleep enhancing technology to encourage a peaceful night. 

Emma also recommends ensuring that your baby’s nails are kept short to reduce the risk of them breaking their skin if they do scratch themselves during the night.

Don’t give up

Lack of sleep can be incredibly difficult to deal with. But don’t be disheartened if it takes a while to soothe your baby’s itching.

And if you're worried about their skin, Dr Ayer says there are experts on hand to help. ‘If you are concerned about the condition of your child’s skin, or symptoms worsen, always seek medical advice from your doctor, health visitor or dermatologist.’

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