Tips

What Actually Helped My Baby (And What Didn’t)

From flaky patches on his arms to angry red cheeks in the winter, my baby had sensitive skin from day one.

We were told “it’s normal” — and yes, it is — but that didn’t make it easier to watch.

So I tried everything. Some things helped, some made it worse, and some were just a waste of money.

Here’s what actually worked for us — and what I’d recommend to any parent facing baby eczema or stubborn dry skin.

What Helped:

• Daily lukewarm baths, followed immediately by moisturiser.
• Raw shea butter and virgin coconut oil — gentle, hydrating, and fragrance-free.
• Switching to a baby-specific non-bio laundry detergent — reduced flare-ups overnight.
• Layering cotton clothes — breathable, no irritation.

What Didn’t Help:

• “Sensitive” wipes with perfume.
• Strong barrier creams — too heavy, blocked pores.
• Over-bathing — stripped natural oils.

Products We Loved:

• Aveeno Baby Dermexa
• Fushi Organic Shea Butter

If your baby’s skin seems angry or dry, trust your gut.

Eczema isn’t one-size-fits-all, but you’re not alone. These little changes helped us a lot.

I remember the first time I noticed the flaky bits on my baby’s scalp — I thought, “Did I not rinse properly?!”

Turns out it was cradle cap — completely normal, totally harmless, and… surprisingly stubborn.

It’s a yellowy, flaky, waxy build-up on the scalp, and no — you’re not meant to pick it.

Here’s what helped us gently clear it:

What Worked:

• Coconut oil or olive oil, massaged in before bath time. Let it sit 10–20 mins.
• Soft baby brush to loosen flakes (gently!) after the bath.
• Mild baby shampoo — every few days, not daily.

What Didn’t:

• Scraping or picking (it makes it worse)
• Harsh shampoos
• Washing too often

It took a couple of weeks, but it cleared.

Now, I treat it like a little signal — when it comes back, I know we need to ease up on products and keep things simple again.

Let’s be real: colic is rough.

It’s not just crying. It’s relentless, soul-draining crying — for hours, for no obvious reason, usually in the evening.

We were told “It’ll pass.” And it did. But in the middle of it? That phrase is the least helpful thing anyone can say.

Here’s what helped me survive colic — and a few things that didn’t.

What Helped:

• Holding baby upright after feeds — always.
• Switching bottles to anti-colic design (Dr Brown’s was great).
• Warm baths + tummy massages (circular motion).
• Baby carrier for constant movement.

What Didn’t:

• Changing formulas constantly — just caused more issues.
• Crying it out — didn’t feel right at this stage.
• Being told to “relax” (no thanks, Susan).

Our Lifesaver:

• Gripe water at night. Worked more than not.
• White noise machine — calmed both of us down.

If you’re in the thick of it: you’re not doing anything wrong.

You’re not alone. And yes — it really will pass. I promise.