A baby is fragile. Period. As a parent you get trained to hold your baby properly, nurse it, bathe it, and diaper it. Unfortunately, no one really focuses on just how delicate your baby’s skin is. What our skin can tolerant, most babies cannot. That is why you need to do your research when it comes to putting lotion on your baby, which materials you select for sheets, and also what you dress your baby in.
Fabric allergies are real, and they can be a really big problem for little ones. If you’re new to motherhood, be sure to read on so you can learn everything you need to know about fabric allergies and babies.
What Are Fabric Allergies? Does My Baby Have One?
Fabric allergies are just that-intolerance to certain fabrics and materials. You will know if your baby has a fabric allergy if you notice any of the following:
- Blotchy skin, almost resembling blisters (some of which may ooze if an allergy is severe)
- Extremely dry skin
- Bumps or hives (especially in folds of skin)
- Excessive crying and scratching of the skin
- Burning skin (which can be assumed due to excess crying and contorting since babies can’t verbalize this)
- Irritated when exposed to the sun
- Cold-like symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat, loss of appetite and sleep).
Often times, you will know if your baby has a fabric allergy if you notice these symptoms soon after introducing them to a new article of clothing, a new sheet, a blanket, or a swaddle.
How Can I Help My Baby If They Have a Fabric Allergy?
If you suspect your baby has a fabric allergy, the first thing you should do is call your pediatrician. They need to know about any and all symptoms your baby is experiencing in case they believe something else is going on instead or in addition to a fabric allergy.
In the meantime, the first thing you can do is remove the fabric that you believe your baby is allergic to. If you’re anything like most parents I know, you probably love dressing your baby or toddler up in boutique clothes such as Bitsy Bug Boutique. Sometimes though, new baby clothes can cause break out or excessive crying. If this happens, put that baby outfit away. Same goes for sheets, blankets, a swaddle, etc.
You may also have to swap out your laundry detergent. Whatever you’re washing your child’s clothes or sheets in may be the culprit.
If your child has any kind of physical or noticeable skin irritation, there are steps you can take to treat the problem areas. Try some of the following so your baby can get relief:
- Use only warm water when wiping down your baby if they have a rash. Soaps may irritate your baby even more. Warm water will do the trick until the irritation subsides. After that, consider only washing your baby with hypoallergenic substances, since they don’t contain any kind of chemicals and are usually organic.
- Ditch fragrances. Fragrances are highly irritating to a baby that is sensitive to fabrics. Fragrance can also tend to dry out their skin. Go with fragrance-free washes, soaps, and lotions when possible.
- Pat, don’t rub. You know how your skin feels when its red or irritated. Rubbing their skin dry will only make matters worse. Pat gently!
- Once your baby is bathed, pat them down with a hypoallergenic moisturizer. This will not bother their skin and will in fact; protect their derm from harmful irritants.
- Apply cream. If your doctor grants you permission, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream. This treats redness, rashes, and patchy dryness that form from a fabric allergy. Do not use this cream long term. Only use it as your pediatrician directs you to (and for an infant, they will not advise you use it long term).
- Wrap their hands. It may seem like torture to your baby, but if they scratch their irritation, they are only going to make it worse. Put a sock on their hand, or even a mitt designed especially for babies that stop them from scratching themselves. If they continue to scratch any rashes or blisters, they can end up infecting themselves since their nails tend to be so long.
When It’s Serious…
If you try all of these remedies and nothing is bringing your baby relief, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. Your baby may be so sensitive to various fabrics (especially the scent), you may need to swap out pillows, other linens, drapes, or even get rid of some stuff animals.
If your baby’s symptoms are not clearing up, they are excessively crying, and seem as if they are in intense pain, you are probably going to need to make an appointment with an allergist and get specialized help.
While this is extreme and rare side, it can and does happen.
Being a mom is a tough job. Throw in a fabric allergy into the mix and you’re going to have your hands full. The good news is that there are things you can do to avoid making your child sick and uncomfortable. Always look out for signs and symptoms, and remain in close contact with your child’s doctor so you can come up with the best plan of action for their health and well-being.
