Eczema Mitten Sleeves for Toddlers and Kids

Eczema mitten sleeves from Australian brand Bamboo Bubby — long-sleeved arm covers from wrist to shoulder with built-in fold-back mittens. Designed to sit between a child's fingernails and their skin, helping to reduce abrasion when a child scratches.

Sleeve fabric: 68% bamboo viscose, 28% organic cotton, 4% elastane. Mitten layer: 100% silk.

Available in two colourways (Grey Marle, Midnight Blue) across four size bands from newborn to 4 years.

Why families use eczema mitten sleeves

Children with itchy or sensitive skin often scratch in their sleep — instinctively and without being aware of it. Daily scratching can break the skin, which makes the next day worse. A barrier between fingernails and skin gives the skin a chance to settle without interference.

• Full arm coverage. The sleeve covers from shoulder to wrist, with the fold-back mitten extending beyond the fingertips when folded closed.
• Fold-back mitten design. The mitten end can be folded open for daytime use (so the child can eat, play, and use the toilet with full hand access) and folded closed for sleep or quiet time.
• 100% silk outer mitten layer. Silk glides smoothly over skin — if the child does try to scratch through the mitten, the silk surface causes less abrasion than a coarser fabric would.
• 68% bamboo viscose / 28% organic cotton / 4% elastane sleeve. The bamboo-cotton blend is soft and breathable; the elastane gives the sleeve enough stretch to stay in place without being tight.
• Stay-on fit. The wrist-to-shoulder design holds the mitten in place better than mittens that attach at the wrist alone (which many children pull off in the night).
• Suitable with topical creams. Many parents put the sleeves on over emollients or prescribed creams to help the cream stay on the skin rather than rubbing off on the bedding.
• Gender-neutral colours. Grey Marle hides marks from creams and ointments better than light colours.
• Wide age range. Sizes accommodate growth — each size band covers around 6 months of growth.

Features

• Long-sleeve scratch protection from wrist to shoulder
• Fold-back mittens with silk outer layer
• Fabric: 68% bamboo viscose, 28% organic cotton, 4% elastane
• Mitten lining: 100% silk
• Two colour options: Grey Marle, Midnight Blue
• Four size bands: Newborn-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-2 years, 3-4 years
• Brand: Bamboo Bubby (Australian)

How to choose a size

Sizes are based on wingspan — the distance from fingertip to fingertip when arms are stretched out — rather than age alone, because children of the same age can vary significantly in arm length.

To measure your child: measure from the middle of their back to their fingertips, then multiply by 2.

If your child's wingspan is at the lower end of a size range and you prefer a snugger fit, choose the smaller size. The fabric has some stretch.

Care

• Machine wash warm (40°C or below)
• Line dry or tumble dry on low
• Cool iron if needed
• Do not bleach
• Avoid fabric softener — it coats bamboo fibres and reduces their softness over time
• Note on washing: washing at 55°C or hotter kills dust mites (McDonald & Tovey, 1992, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology); the manufacturer recommends washing at or below 40°C to protect the fabric — choose based on your priority

Frequently asked

How do mitten sleeves help with eczema?
Mitten sleeves don't treat eczema — they're a physical barrier between fingernails and skin. If your child scratches in their sleep, the sleeve sits between their nails and skin, which can help reduce the skin damage that scratching causes. Whether they're right for your child is a question for your GP, paediatrician, or dermatologist — for some children they're useful as part of a treatment plan from a healthcare professional, for others they may not be needed.

Can my child wear them with eczema creams or steroids?
Many parents use them over topical creams. The fabric absorbs some cream, but most of it stays where it was applied. If your dermatologist or GP has prescribed a specific application routine (including wet-wrap therapy), follow their instructions rather than this general guidance.

Why silk on the mitten?
Silk is one of the smoothest natural fibres. The reasoning is that if a child does try to scratch through the closed mitten, the smooth silk surface causes less skin abrasion than a coarser fabric like cotton terry would. It's not magic — and it doesn't stop the child from scratching — but it reduces some of the friction damage.

Will my child be able to take them off?
The sleeve runs from wrist to shoulder, which makes them much harder to pull off than wrist-only mittens. Most children can't remove them in their sleep. Some older toddlers will work out how during waking hours — that's normal and the design is intentionally less restrictive than a full straitjacket-style garment.

Will silk irritate my child's skin?
Silk is one of the few natural fibres that is rarely allergenic at the protein level — but a small number of people are sensitive to sericin (a silk protein). If your child has a known silk allergy or has reacted to silk fabric before, this product isn't appropriate. For most children, silk is one of the gentlest fibres available.

How long will the sleeves last?
Bamboo Bubby's sizing is designed so each size band covers around 6 months of growth. Customer reports suggest the sleeves hold up well to frequent washing, though like any garment they will eventually show wear. Storing pairs and rotating them between washes extends their lifespan.

What if they don't help my child?
Mitten sleeves work well for some children and not others — it depends on how a child scratches, whether they sleep with their hands near their face, and many other factors. If they don't suit your child, speak with your GP, paediatrician, or dermatologist about other options.

Important note

This is not a medical device. We don't make claims about treating any health condition, including eczema. If you're considering them for a specific condition, please discuss with your GP or dermatologist — they're best placed to advise.