“Slather her in cream,” mom would say, “and the itchiness will go away.” It never did. The problem began as a few mild red bumps in one spot, then spread like wildfire. How do you tell a toddler to stop scratching or rubbing?

Prescription creams were too concentrated, and identifying the source of the irritation was difficult. Ten years ago, most pediatricians didn’t recommend allergy testing until age four. As a parent with limited knowledge, changes to diet, atmosphere, or clothing were considered. Her pediatrician recommended a change in fabric and eliminating dairy.

The changes weren’t immediate, but eventually, there was relief and sleep improved slightly. That was also when reading every clothing tag became routine and almost every meal, snack, and beverage was made from scratch. Getting creative in the kitchen became a way to address at least one aspect. Addressing other factors proved to be more challenging.

As a mini gymnast, my daughter loves to tumble everywhere, so breathable clothes are a must. Finding versatile options for her, or even for the parent, at accessible prices was the tricky part. This led to a realization.