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%