Collaborative Post
As a new foster parent who has recently had a baby or toddler placed with you, you are eager to give them the best life has to offer. Finding out that your foster child has eczema or sensitive skin can be quite disheartening when all you want to do is to protect this precious bundle of joy.
Eczema Flare-Ups
Fostering agencies, such as thefca.co.uk, have lots of resources for foster parents, but if you have any concerns about your foster child’s health, it’s always best to speak with your GP. However, it is worth being aware that some fabrics can trigger skin reactions in children with sensitive skin. The National Eczema Association has noted that even being close to certain fabrics can cause a flare-up of a child’s condition. The little one need not even be wearing a garment made of that fabric. Polyester and wool are two of the chief culprits. Fortunately, there are suitable fabrics for children with sensitive skin or eczema to wear.
Other factors to be aware of are that a child with these conditions should be prevented from overheating or starting to sweat. This means dressing your foster baby in light clothing and adding or removing layers to keep the child warm or quickly reduce heat. In addition to avoiding heavy clothing items and blankets, fabrics must ‘breathe’ properly. Absorbent fabrics can assist with removing moisture directly from the skin.
Let us take a look at fabrics that are perfect for your foster child and enable you to provide the very best care possible.
Muslin Fabric
Muslin fabric is made from cotton. It has the qualities of breathability, lightness, and softness. Muslin fabric is a rapidly-drying material that is perfect as you can wash garments as often as necessary and have them quickly available to be reused. You will want to take your foster child on outings, such as to the beach, and clothes that dry quickly mean that baby can play and still have something comfortable to wear for the return journey. Thus, you can also carry less and have your arms and hands-free to cuddle your little one and ensure that they enjoy a day out.
Cotton
Cotton has all the qualities that one looks for in baby and toddler clothing: absorbency, softness, long-lasting, and breathable. Its extreme gentleness makes it a perfect choice for little ones with skin sensitivities. Look out for organic cotton fabric as no fertilisers or chemicals are used in its production.
Bamboo Surprisingly, bamboo fibres produce one of the softest materials on earth. It is also hypo-allergenic, breathable, and suitable for eczema sufferers.
Bamboo And Cotton Blend
Two of the best fibres have been combined in a bamboo and cotton blend. This material has the ability to absorb sweat at a rate that is three times greater than cotton fabric alone. It retains its softness even after frequent washing.
Fleece
Fleece is a lifesaver in cooler weather when dressing little people with skin sensitivities. Your foster child will be warm and comfortable in this lightweight material, as it keeps the warmth in and the cold out. At the same time, it is breathable, long-lasting, ultra-soft, and very comfortable. Fleece washes well.
Enjoy dressing up your foster child while knowing that you are contributing to his comfort.
