Preventing Eczema in Babies
by Anne Halbert
Pregnant women often ask what they can do to help prevent their baby developing atopic eczema and allergies. Studies have shown the following;
Excluding dairy, wheat and peanuts during pregnancy is associated with an INCREASED incidence of eczema and allergies.
If possible and safe, a vaginal delivery is preferable to caesarian section, helping the establishment of a normal gut microbiome.
Breast feeding is preferable to formula feeding.
Probiotics in pregnancy and early infancy may be associated with a slight reduction in atopic diseases (not enough to be routinely recommended)
Most important: Good moisturising in early infancy – can reduce the risk of eczema by up to 50%