Aveeno baby moisture cream: how to use it

What does a baby moisture cream do?

An emollient is a moisturizing treatment that covers skin with a protective film to hold in moisture. Creams are generally less greasy than ointments and absorb quickly, making them practical for daytime use. Very dry, thickened skin can need a richer ointment.3

For a child with eczema, moisturizer is the foundation of care, including when the skin looks clear. Apply the chosen emollient across the body rather than only to visible patches. Active eczema can also need prescribed treatment to control inflammation. More moisturizer is not a substitute for following that treatment plan.2

How do you apply baby moisture cream?

1. 1Check that your exact product is suitable for your baby's age and follow its application directions.
2. 2After a lukewarm bath, gently pat the skin dry, leaving it slightly damp.
3. 3Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing.
4. 4Smooth the cream gently over the skin rather than rubbing it in.
5. 5If your child has eczema, continue moisturizing when the skin is clear as well as during treatment.

General emollient guidance is to apply at least 3 or 4 times daily, and whenever skin feels dry or tight. Morning and evening are convenient opportunities, but moisturizer does not need a fixed clock time. Follow any different instructions on your product or from your child's clinician.3

Can you use it with prescribed eczema cream?

Leave 20 to 30 minutes between an emollient and a steroid cream or another skin treatment. Ask the prescriber which to apply first. Separating them avoids diluting the treatment or spreading it onto skin that does not need it.3

What does oatmeal do in a moisturizer?

If your cream lists colloidal oatmeal, that means specially prepared oatmeal that mixes into creams, lotions and water. Colloidal oatmeal holds moisture against the skin and creates a protective barrier against irritants. Its moisturizing action can improve the itch of dry skin. These are general ingredient benefits, not a reason to assume every Aveeno baby cream has the same formula.1

What is Aveeno baby 1% cream?

Read the ingredient name beside "1%" before deciding what the cream does. For example, CeraVe Baby Eczema Relief Cream lists 1% colloidal oatmeal as its active ingredient and is steroid free. That is a different brand, not an identification of your Aveeno cream.5

What if the skin is still itchy?

Getting eczema under control is the best way to relieve eczema itch, and that can take time. There is no fixed improvement timetable for the exact Aveeno cream identified only by this name. A cool, damp compress can give temporary itch relief; apply your child's moisturizer after removing it.4

For very itchy skin, an eczema suitable ointment such as petroleum jelly can provide more relief than a cream or lotion. Keep your child's nails short to reduce damage from scratching. Use an additional itch relief product only if your child's dermatologist recommends it, because some can worsen eczema.4

For childhood eczema, choose an unperfumed emollient that is practical to use every day. One product or a combination can work, so the bathroom shelf does not need to become a moisturizer audition panel.2

When should you get medical advice?

Seek advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist for persistent burning or stinging, inflamed hair follicles or a new facial rash after using an emollient. Oatmeal applied to skin can also cause allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin rash.13

Arrange a review if frequent itching disrupts sleep or eczema becomes widespread, cracked, bleeding or oozing. Increased dryness, itching, redness, swelling and irritability can signal a flare. Follow your child's flare plan rather than relying on moisturizer alone.2

Keep clothing and bedding with emollient residue away from flames and cigarettes. Washing does not completely remove that residue. If using a tub, remove cream with a clean spoon or spatula to reduce contamination.3