28 May 2025
With the right essentials packed in your nappy bag, you can confidently manage your little one's eczema flare-ups anywhere. Let's explore what you should include to keep your baby comfortable while away from home!
Being prepared can significantly reduce stress and help you respond quickly to your baby’s eczema needs during outings. This guide will help you prepare a well-stocked nappy bag that addresses your little one’s sensitive skin needs, ensuring you’re ready for anything when away from home.
Why It’s Worth Packing with Baby’s Eczema in Mind
Babies with eczema are more prone to flare-ups when their skin is exposed to heat, sweat, friction, allergens, or synthetic fabrics — all of which can be more difficult to manage when you’re on the move. When you’re away from home, having the right supplies can make all the difference in managing flare-ups and keeping your baby comfortable.
On the other hand, seasonal allergies can also significantly impact your baby with eczema, making it essential to consider these factors when preparing your nappy bag. Pollen, changing weather conditions, and environmental shifts during different seasons can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups in sensitive infants.
Learn more about Seasonal Eczema and Baby Eczema Flare-up Triggers:
Essential Moisturisers and Creams
The foundation of eczema management is proper moisturisation. Keep a mini pot or tube of your baby’s go-to moisturiser on hand. Apply regularly to dry patches, especially if your outing involves pram rides, messy meals, or a change in weather.
- Travel-sized Moisturiser: Pack a baby travel kit by mini size, which is fragrance-free and specifically formulated with ceramides to protect your baby’s skin barrier.
- Steroid-Free Moisturiser: Include non-paraffin creams, a steroid-free treatment specially designed for unexpected eczema flare-ups.
- Skin-Friendly Nappy Cream: Some nappy creams contain ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Choose a barrier cream that’s free from fragrance, lanolin, and harsh preservatives — especially if your baby has eczema in the nappy area.
Clothing and Fabric Considerations
Clothing plays a crucial role in eczema treatment according to NHS’s general advice:
- Eczema-Friendly Clothing Pack: Accidents happen — from dribbles and spills to heat-triggered flare-ups or baby symptoms like itchy skin and eczema rash. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a spare change of clothes made from soft, breathable, eczema-friendly fabrics. Choose natural materials and off-set seam designs that are gentle on sensitive skin and help prevent irritation throughout the day.
Try this: Our HappySkin Eczema Bodysuits and Pyjamas are specially developed with dermatologists to soothe and protect delicate skin. Seam-free, super soft, and perfect for layering — they’re ideal for packing light.
- Mittens or Eczema Gloves: If your baby tends to scratch during nap time or when feeling uncomfortable, pack a pair of cotton mittens or long-sleeve eczema sleepsuit to help protect healing skin.
- Hat and Sun protection: Protecting sensitive skin from sun exposure without irritating ingredients. If you’re staying overnight or traveling longer, check out NHS advice on sun protection for babies if using SPF.
If you're unsure how to managing itchy babies in summer, read our full guide here:
Bathing and Cleaning Supplies
Maintain proper hygiene without triggering flare-ups:
- Hypoallergenic wet wipes: a gentle clean wipes are fragrance-free, alcohol-free and specifically designed for babies with eczema-prone skin.
- Gentle cleanser: Pack a travel-sized bottle of baby wash, a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that won’t strip natural oils.
- Soft washcloths: Include a couple of bamboo washcloths for gentle cleaning without irritation.
Mini First-Aid Kit (Eczema-Friendly Edition)
Include cotton wool pads, eczema-safe hand sanitiser for you, and any creams or antihistamines your baby’s healthcare provider has recommended. Having your own clean kit helps avoid unfamiliar or scented products while out and about.
Environmental Protection
Minimise exposure to potential triggers:
- Portable air purifier: A small, portable air purifier can help reduce airborne allergens in hotel rooms, restaurants, or other indoor spaces. Especially helpful when traveling to areas with different pollen or pollution levels than your baby is used to.
- Hypoallergenic sheet: A thin cotton or bamboo sheet can be useful for laying over unfamiliar surfaces like restaurant high chairs, swing seats, or borrowed cots that might have been cleaned with perfumed detergents.
Standard Nappy Bag Essentials
Even short outings need the basics — just with a little extra care for babies with sensitive skin:
- Nappies and Changing mat: Hypoallergenic or eco-friendly diapers that are free from fragrances and chemicals that might trigger eczema flare-ups. Include a clean changing mat made of cotton or another eczema-friendly material.
- Feeding Supplies: Bottles, formula, or snacks appropriate for your baby’s age.
- Hand Sanitiser: Fragrance-free, alcohol-free hand sanitiser to avoid irritating your baby’s sensitive skin. Look for products specifically labeled for eczema-prone skin, as these will be gentler and less likely to trigger flare-ups.
Extra Tips for Managing Eczema While Out
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Keep your baby cool. Overheating can worsen eczema symptoms, especially in car seats or prams.
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Wipe gently and pat dry. Rubbing the skin can cause micro-tears and increase inflammation.
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Dress in layers. Easy to add or remove if the temperature changes suddenly.
You can also read more on the National Eczema Society for practical advice on daily eczema care.
When Things Don’t Go to Plan
We’ve all been there—you’re out for what should be a quick trip to the shops when suddenly your little one has a major flare-up! Remember that you’re doing brilliantly, even when it feels overwhelming. Take a deep breath, find a quiet spot if you can, and follow your dermatologist’s advice step by step.
One mum in our local eczema support group keeps a little note in her nappy bag that says, “You’ve got this!”—and you absolutely do! The fact that you’re reading this shows just how committed you are to caring for your baby’s skin.
First, gently clean the affected area with your hypoallergenic wipes or damp cotton cloth. Then apply your non-paraffin cream, followed by a generous layer of moisturizer. If your baby is particularly uncomfortable or itchy, dress them in their eczema-friendly clothing and consider giving any doctor-approved antihistamines you’ve packed.
To protect your baby’s skin when using public changing facilities, always lay down your own clean changing mat or anti-bacterial blanket first. Carry disposable table covers or a dedicated changing mat that can be wiped clean with your hypoallergenic sanitizing wipes after each use. When possible, choose family restrooms which typically offer more space and cleaner surfaces, and always apply a fresh layer of moisturizer after changing to protect skin that may have been exposed to environmental irritants.
Create a simple, clear instruction sheet that includes your baby’s specific triggers, signs of a flare-up, step-by-step care instructions using HappySkin products, and when to call you or a doctor. Label all products clearly and provide demonstrations of your routine if possible.
Products like the HappySkin range are specifically designed for babies with eczema and avoid common irritants like toxic chemical, certain preservatives, dyes, and potential allergens. They contain ingredients that help repair the skin barrier (like ceramides) and maintain proper moisture balance. These specialized products undergo more rigorous testing for sensitivity and are formulated by dermatologists who understand eczema-prone skin.
To explain your baby/ children eczema needs to a temporary caregiver, create a clear, concise care sheet that outlines your baby’s specific allergies, triggers, and skincare or treatment routine. Include step-by-step instructions with photos for wearing HappySkin garment and applying creams correctly, noting which products to use when and where. Provide emergency contact information including your number and your pediatric dermatology, plus instructions on when to call for help.
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