Salaam, hi, merhaba and welcome to this Lullaby Bloom Blog! 

Our little one’s skin is delicate at the best of times, but when eczema enters the picture, it’s even more important to choose clothing that soothes, not stresses, your little one’s skin. So, what fabrics are best for babies with eczema? And what else can you do to keep flare-ups away?

Why Fabric Matters for Eczema-Prone Skin

According to the National Library of Medicine, babies' skin is on average 20% and 30% thinner in infants than in adults.

That means that baby’s skin:

• Loses moisture faster

• Is more easily irritated by heat, sweat, and friction

• Absorbs more from whatever touches it — including clothing

When eczema is involved, rough or synthetic fabrics can trap heat and moisture, trigger itching, and worsen symptoms. That’s why choosing the right fabric is super important.

Best Fabrics for Babies with Eczema

1. Organic Cotton

Why it helps: 

• It's natural, breathable, and soft on skin.

• It allows air flow and absorbs moisture, reducing the chance of flare-ups.

Look out for: 

• GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton - GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) cotton means no synthetic pesticides, fertilisers or herbicides were used -so that means that there’s no nasty pesticide or chemical residues in the cotton fabric, which can irritate your baby’s skin

2. TENCEL™ Lyocell

Why it helps: 

• Silky-smooth and naturally moisture-wicking.

• Draws sweat away from skin, keeping your baby dry and cool — especially helpful in warm climates, or for sleepwear.

TENCEL™ Lyocell uses a closed-loop process to make the fabric with non-toxic solvents, so less solvents and water are used, it’s ideal for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. 

(Also great for the environment - Lyocell is made exclusively from wood pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests, like eucalyptus, beech, or spruce trees - not bamboo.

Look out for: 

• TENCEL™ brand name – only TENCEL™ produce this super soft, non-toxic Lyocell fabric made by the Company - Lenzing,  with no harsh chemical waste and no nasty residues left on the fabric - perfect for sensitive baby skin.
  
  
• Companies with OEKO-TEX® certification (like us at Lullaby Bloom!), so the fabric, poppers and zips are tested for over one hundred harmful substances like lead and nickel, formaldehyde, pesticides, and harsh dyes.
  
  

3. Bamboo Lyocell (not Bamboo Viscose)

Why it helps:

• Bamboo is naturally breathable and gentle.
  

Look out for: 

• Companies that are OEKO-TEX® certified.
  
  
• Bamboo from FSC® certified forests.
  
  
• Not Bamboo Viscose Clothing – Avoid Bamboo Viscose clothing as the bamboo is broken down into fibre by chemicals like sodium hydroxide (a strong chemical used to break down bamboo pulp), carbon disulphide (a toxic solvent linked to health risks for workers), sulphuric acid (used to regenerate the fibres and is corrosive), and chlorine-based bleaches.
  
  
• Bamboo Lyocell clothing which says that their clothing is non-toxic and made using a closed-loop process so that the solvents and water used to make the material aren’t disposed of into the environment) polluting soil and water sources).
  

 

Fabrics to Avoid

• Bamboo Viscose: Uses chlorine-based bleaches, which can leave irritants or toxic residues in the fabric.
  
  
• Polyester & Acrylic: Traps heat and sweat, may worsen itching.
  
  
• Wool (unless superfine or merino): Can feel scratchy or cause irritation.
  
  
• Any rough seams, tight elastics, or synthetic blends not labelled skin-safe.
  
  

Other Ways to Help Manage Baby Eczema

Here’s other non-clothing related things to do to help your little ones with sensitive skin or eczema:

1. Short, lukewarm baths

• Avoid hot water and keep bath time under 10 minutes.

• Pat skin dry and moisturise immediately after.

2. Use fragrance-free moisturisers

• Choose thick creams or ointments (like petrolatum or ceramide-based formulas).
  
• Apply at least twice a day.
  

3. Use gentle, baby-safe detergent

• No fragrances, brighteners, or dyes.

• Rinse out clothes to remove residue.

4. Dress in breathable layers

• Avoid overheating - sweat can trigger flare-ups.

• Choose natural fibres close to the skin.

5. Watch for other triggers

• Common irritants include dust mites, pet dander (tiny flakes of pet skin), pet saliva, certain soaps, or overheating.

Finally….
Eczema can be tough, but thoughtful fabric choices can make a real difference. Go for for gentle, breathable materials like Organic Cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, or certified Bamboo Lyocell, which help to protect your baby’s delicate skin and prevent irritation. Always look for trusted certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX® for added peace of mind.

Pair soft clothing with gentle skincare, safe detergents, and breathable layers to help manage flare-ups. Because when it comes to baby eczema, comfort starts with what touches their skin. All the best, we hope that this helps with your little one’s skin. 💚

If you're looking for baby clothing that’s Safe, Smart and Sustainable - you’ll love what we’re creating at Lullaby Bloom. 💚