Ask Dr. Mona

Eczema can be so frustrating, especially in colder, drier weather when flares feel constant despite doing “all the right things.” You’re not missing anything. Eczema is a chronic condition, and seasonal weather changes alone can be enough to cause big flares.

The most important foundation is daily, consistent moisturization, even when the skin looks okay. Think of this as prevention, not just treatment. Thick creams or ointments work best, ideally fragrance-free and in a tub. Many families do well with options like Vanicream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Cetaphil Cream, Aquaphor, or plain Vaseline.

Ointments lock in moisture really well, but if they feel too greasy, a thick cream can be a good alternative. You can even mix a cream and an ointment together in your hands. Apply a moisturizer within a few minutes after bath time to lock in moisture while the skin is still damp.

During flares, it’s also important to treat early. If you’re noticing redness or itching, moisturizers alone often aren’t enough. That’s when prescription treatments, like topical steroids or non-steroid options, can help calm inflammation and break the itch-scratch cycle. Using these as directed is safe and important. If you’re needing steroid creams more than about two weeks a month, that’s a good time to check in with your pediatrician or a dermatologist to adjust the plan.

A few winter tips can also help: Keep baths short and lukewarm, use gentle cleansers only where needed, dress your child in soft cotton layers, and consider a cool mist humidifier in the bedroom if the air is very dry. Small changes can make a noticeable difference during the cold months.

If you want a deeper walkthrough, including how to layer products, when to use medications, and how to handle tougher winter flares, the PedsDocTalk YouTube video on eczema goes step by step and can help you build a plan that actually fits your child and your routine.

This is such a common (and exhausting) phase, and it makes sense that it’s adding stress to meals. Around this age, toddlers are driven by independence, movement, and testing limits, not by sitting still to eat.

There isn’t one right answer about high chair versus tower. What matters most is clear, consistent expectations around safety and eating. If you’re using the tower, it’s okay to name the limit calmly and consistently: “The tower is for standing safely and eating. If your body isn’t safe, the meal is all done.” If she climbs down or around it, you can end the meal without punishment or pressure. Over time, that consistency helps her learn what’s expected.

If the tower has started to feel more distracting than helpful, it’s also okay to go back to the high chair. That’s not a step backward. It’s choosing what works best for your family and is safest for meals. Some families even use both, a high chair for meals and a tower for cooking or snacks.

Picky eating at this age is very typical, and movement plus boundary testing can make it feel worse. Try to lower pressure by offering predictable meals, keeping portions small, and letting her decide how much to eat. Shorter meals, around 10-20 minutes, can also help prevent power struggles before they start.

This won’t be the last time you adjust how meals look, and that’s okay. Choose the option that feels safest and least stressful right now, and stay consistent with it.

Ask Dr. Mona

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Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!