Infant rash
I cannot be sure my baby has eczema but she has developed some dry-looking red patches in the creases of her knees, elbows and neck. What can I safely use to make her more comfortable? She is just five months old.
I have been hearing good things from mums about a new topical organic baby balm from Neal’s Yard remedies that should help soothe these sore patches.
The balm, which has just been certified as 100% organic by the Soil Association, is a moisturising combination of pure shea nut butter, coconut and olive oils with a soothing beeswax base to help protect reddened areas from further chaffing.
Free from fragrance and essential oils, making it gentle and safe enough to use with newborns, you can use it on anywhere on the body including the face. Organic baby balm costs £5.95 for 40g pot from Neal’s Yard Remedies (mail order on 0845 262 3145). Apply after bathing or nappy changes. It is also an excellent topical cream for cracked skin.
Your baby will also benefit from the addition of an infant probiotic supplement to help support her immune and digestive systems which, in turn, should also help banish the sore patches whether they are the result of a mild form of eczema or some other allergic reaction.
For babies, you need to use a probiotic powder that has been especially formulated for infants. You can mail order Bifidobacterium infantis powder - which provides the predominant strain of “good” bacteria found in the digestive tracts of breastfed babies - direct from the maker, Biocare, (0121 433 3737; www.biocare.co.uk). 60g costs £23.95. The correct dose is 1g of powder dissolved in warm water, twice daily.