Whether your child has eczema or simply a tendency toward dry skin, the best way to keep him or her comfortable is with frequent moisturizing. 1  Limit baths to 10 minutes and use warm, not hot, water. 2  Daily baths are okay — even helpful — as long as they are brief.3  Use mild soap or soap-free cleanser, sparingly. Daily baths are okay — even helpful — as long as they are brief. 2  Use mild soap or soap-free cleanser, sparingly. 3  As soon as your child gets out of the tub or shower, pat him or her dry and apply a moisturizer immediately — within three minutes — to lock in the water that remains on the skin.