If your baby has eczema, the thought of taking them swimming might feel daunting. Will the chlorine make it worse? Could the pool trigger a flare-up? These concerns are completely understandable, but the good news is that swimming offers tremendous benefits for babies with eczema when you know how to protect their delicate skin properly.

Swimming helps babies develop confidence, improves coordination and balance, and strengthens their cardiovascular system. With the right preparation and protective measures, your little one can enjoy all these benefits whilst keeping their eczema comfortable and controlled.

Can Babies with Eczema Go Swimming Safely?

Yes, babies with eczema can swim safely and comfortably. Whilst swimming pool water contains chemicals that can potentially irritate sensitive skin, proper skin protection before and after swimming can prevent flare-ups. Many dermatologists and the National Eczema Society support swimming for children with eczema, recognising both its physical and developmental benefits.

The key is understanding how pool water affects eczema-prone skin and taking proactive steps to create a protective barrier between your baby's skin and the pool chemicals.

Chlorine is the most common chemical used to keep swimming pools clean and safe. Whilst it effectively kills bacteria, it can also strip natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and potential irritation for babies with eczema.

However, research shows chlorine isn't entirely negative for eczema sufferers. In some cases, chlorinated water can help reduce bacteria on the skin that may contribute to infections. The challenge is managing the drying effect whilst benefiting from chlorine's antibacterial properties.

Important safety note: According to the National Eczema Society, you should avoid taking your baby swimming if their skin is actively infected or experiencing a severe flare-up. Wait until the condition has settled before introducing them to the pool.

How to Protect Your Baby's Eczema Before Swimming

Choose the Right Pool for Sensitive Skin

Not all swimming pools are created equal when it comes to being eczema-friendly. The type and concentration of chemicals used to clean the pool can make a significant difference to your baby's comfort.

Chlorinated pools are the most common type. The National Eczema Society recommends contacting your local pool to determine when they add chlorine to the water and avoiding swimming immediately afterwards when chemical levels are highest.

Ozone-treated pools use ozone gas as a sanitiser and are generally gentler on sensitive skin as they're less drying than traditional chlorine pools. These are less common but worth seeking out if available in your area.

Saltwater pools can be soothing for some babies with eczema, though they may sting if your baby has any broken or scratched skin. The salt content is much lower than that of seawater, making them a gentler alternative.

Finding the right pool for your baby may require some trial and error. Consider arranging a short taster session at different pools to see how your baby's skin responds.

Apply Barrier Cream and Emollient Before Swimming

Creating a protective barrier on your baby's skin is one of the most effective ways to prevent chlorine irritation.

Here's how to prepare your baby's skin properly:

One hour before swimming, apply a generous layer of your baby's regular emollient or moisturiser all over their body. This extra time allows the moisturiser to absorb properly and provides better protection against pool chemicals.

For babies with open scratches or particularly vulnerable areas, apply a barrier cream over the emollient. This creates an additional protective layer that shields the skin from irritants. Barrier creams are thicker than standard moisturisers and won't rub off as easily in the water.

Dr Adam Friedmann from The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic explains: "Before swimming, I suggest applying a greasy moisturising cream all over the child, as this acts a little like a barrier and can prevent the chlorine irritating the eczema, whilst hydrating the skin."

Use a Baby Wetsuit for Extra Protection

A Baby Wetsuit provides comprehensive protection for eczema-prone skin during swimming. Here's why wetsuits are particularly beneficial:

Full-body coverage protects vulnerable areas from direct contact with pool water and prevents your baby from scratching irritated skin while in the water.

Barrier cream protection – the wetsuit stops any creams applied underneath from rubbing off, maintaining that crucial protective layer throughout your swimming session.

Temperature regulation is especially important for babies with eczema. Overheating can trigger itching and discomfort, whilst being too cold isn't ideal either. A good wetsuit maintains comfortable body temperature.

Better grip – the material of wetsuits allows parents to maintain a firmer, safer hold on their baby in the water, giving you confidence and peace of mind.

The Warm In One™ wetsuit is specifically designed with babies' sensitive skin in mind. It features a soft fleece lining that's gentle against delicate skin, while providing excellent warmth. The full-body coverage ensures barrier creams stay protected, and it's comfortable enough for extended swimming sessions.

Our baby swimming bundles include everything your baby needs to feel confident and comfortable in the water. The wetsuits and swim caps can all help keep necessary barrier creams and emollients in place.

How to Care for Eczema-Prone Skin After Swimming

Your post-swim routine is just as important as your preparation. Proper after-care helps restore moisture and prevent irritation from developing hours after you've left the pool.

Rinse Off Immediately

As soon as you finish swimming, rinse your baby thoroughly with fresh water. This removes chlorine and other pool chemicals from their skin before they can cause dryness or irritation. Don't wait until you get home; use the pool's shower facilities immediately for the best results.

Use Gentle Cleansers

When washing your baby after swimming, avoid harsh soaps and detergents that can further strip the natural oils from already compromised skin. Dr Friedmann recommends: "I normally advise to wash the child using only creams (e.g. aqueous cream, Dermol 500), not soaps."

Gentle, soap-free cleansers or emollient wash products are ideal for babies with eczema. These clean effectively without causing additional dryness.

Apply Water Temperature Carefully

Water temperature matters more than you might think when bathing babies with eczema. Hot water can worsen eczema symptoms and increase itching, whilst lukewarm water is much kinder to sensitive skin.

Use warm (not hot) water for your post-swim shower or bath, and keep washing time short. Extended exposure to water, even warm water, can irritate eczema-prone skin.

Reapply Moisturiser Generously

The final step in your post-swim routine is crucial: apply your baby's regular moisturiser immediately after patting their skin dry. Avoid rubbing the skin vigorously; gently patting with a soft towel is best.

Apply moisturiser whilst the skin is still slightly damp, as this helps lock in moisture more effectively. Be generous with the amount you use, covering all areas of your baby's body thoroughly.

What Pool Temperature is Best for Baby Eczema?

Pool temperature can significantly impact how comfortable your baby with eczema feels during swimming. Understanding the relationship between water temperature and eczema symptoms helps you choose the most suitable swimming environment.

Warm Water vs Cool Water for Eczema

Baby swimming classes typically take place in warm pools (around 32°C), which are generally comfortable for infants. However, very warm water can be problematic for eczema-prone skin as it tends to be more drying and can trigger itching.

Cooler water often feels more soothing on irritated skin and can help reduce inflammation. That said, babies still need reasonably warm water to stay comfortable during swimming lessons.

Before enrolling in swimming classes, ring the venue and ask about their pool temperature. This simple step helps you make an informed decision about whether the environment will suit your baby's needs.

Most swim schools are understanding about these requirements and can advise you on whether their pool temperature is appropriate for babies with eczema.

Long-Term Benefits of Swimming for Babies with Eczema

Beyond the immediate enjoyment, swimming offers important long-term health benefits for babies with eczema.

Strengthening the Respiratory System

Research indicates that up to 80% of children with eczema may develop asthma later in childhood. Regular swimming helps strengthen the heart and lungs, which may reduce the severity of asthma symptoms if they do develop.

The breathing techniques learned during swimming, combined with the cardiovascular workout, create excellent respiratory conditioning that can benefit children with eczema throughout their lives.

Reducing Bacterial Skin Infections

Whilst chlorine can be drying, it also has antibacterial properties that can help reduce harmful bacteria on the skin's surface. For babies prone to infected eczema, this can be beneficial when balanced with proper moisturising routines.

Improving Sleep Patterns

Many babies with eczema struggle with disrupted sleep due to itching and discomfort. Swimming provides excellent physical activity that can help improve sleep quality.

Studies show that for every hour of the day a child is inactive, approximately three minutes are added to the time it takes them to fall asleep. Regular swimming sessions help babies expend energy in a healthy and enjoyable way, potentially leading to better sleep patterns, which benefits the whole family.

Building Confidence and Motor Skills

The developmental benefits of swimming extend beyond physical health. Swimming helps babies develop confidence in the water, improves coordination and balance, and encourages patience as they learn new skills.

These positive experiences can be particularly valuable for babies with eczema, helping them feel capable and confident despite having a skin condition that requires extra care.

A Quick Reference Guide:

Before Swimming Checklist

✓ Apply generous moisturiser one hour before swimming ✓ Add barrier cream to vulnerable areas or scratches ✓ Dress baby in a protective wetsuit like the Warm In One™ ✓ Check pool temperature if possible (cooler is often better for eczema) ✓ Confirm skin isn't actively infected or severely flaring

During Swimming

✓ Keep swimming sessions relatively short initially ✓ Watch for signs of discomfort or increased itching ✓ Ensure adult supervision at all times ✓ Consider the time since chlorine was added to the pool

After Swimming

✓ Rinse immediately with fresh water ✓ Use gentle, soap-free cleansers ✓ Pat (don't rub) skin dry with a soft towel ✓ Apply moisturiser generously whilst skin is still slightly damp ✓ Use warm (not hot) water for post-swim bathing

We’ve covered everything we can think of to protect your little one from post-swim eczema flare-ups. From pre-swim tips, must-have Swim Bundles, and after swimming rituals that can’t be skipped, you’ve been armed with all the information to ensure your baby has a comfortable and enjoyable time in and out of the pool.

Can swimming make a baby’s eczema worse?

Swimming can potentially irritate eczema if proper protective measures aren't taken, but with the right preparation, most babies with eczema can swim comfortably. Applying barrier creams, using protective swimwear, and following a thorough post-swim moisturising routine typically prevents flare-ups post-swim.

Can my baby with eczema swim on holiday?

Yes, just take the same precautions as you do at home. Our Holiday and Learn to Swim Bundles offer a wide range of swim kit essentials such as wetsuits, rash vests, and legionnaire hats to help hold barrier creams in place and keep your little ones' eczema protected.

Should I avoid swimming if my baby's eczema is flaring?

Yes. The National Eczema Society advises avoiding swimming when eczema is actively infected or experiencing a severe flare-up. Wait until the condition has settled before returning to the pool.

What type of pool is best for baby eczema?

Ozone-treated pools are generally gentlest on eczema-prone skin. If these aren't available, saltwater pools can be soothing, though they may sting broken skin. Standard chlorinated pools are fine with proper skin protection, though it's best to avoid swimming immediately after fresh chlorine has been added.

How often can babies with eczema go swimming?

This varies depending on your baby's individual condition and how well their skin responds. Start with once weekly and observe how their skin reacts. If the protective measures work well and their eczema remains stable, you can gradually increase frequency. Always maintain your pre- and post-swim skincare routines.

What should I do if my baby's eczema gets worse after swimming?

If your baby's eczema worsens despite taking protective measures, consider trying a different pool with alternative cleaning methods, reducing swimming frequency, or consulting with a dermatologist for specialist advice. Some babies' skin may be more sensitive than others and require additional protection strategies.

Can I use regular sun cream on my baby's eczema before swimming?

If swimming outdoors, sun protection is essential. Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic sun cream specifically designed for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Apply after your emollient but before your barrier cream. Test any new sun cream on a small area of skin first to check for reactions. Remember to reapply sun cream to exposed skin after swimming.

Lesley Beach

Group Managing Director

Lesley leads the award-winning company Splash About, which develops groundbreaking swimming products for babies and children. Under her leadership, Splash About has expanded and refined its innovative range, including the first float jacket and the award-winning Happy Nappy™ products, becoming a world-class supplier to thousands of swim schools, leisure complexes, and parents in over 45 countries.

Protect your baby’s eczema from irritation at the swimming pool