which contain ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and parabens in the first six months of their child's life and instead use alternative skincare products or avoid using detergent based products altogether.
The average one month old baby is bathed four times and shampooed three times every week according to researchers.
"Newborn skin is vulnerable as the outer layer is highly permeable and so sensitive to chemicals" explains Dr Paula Baillie-Hamilton, a visiting Fellow in Occupational and Environmental Health at Stirling University and author of the book 'Stop, The 21st Century's Killing You'.
"The bath can be an important part of developing a bedtime ritual for a baby, but many parents are unaware that baths can add to their child's sleepless nights rather than reduce them. Fragrances, preservatives and harsh foaming agents can dry and irritate babys' skin resulting in eczema-like symptoms and a bad night's sleep all round."
According to www.chemicalsafeskincare.co.uk, ingredients to avoid include soap, colourings, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, perfumes, parabens, phthalates, alcohol and lanolin as they have all been linked to triggering sensitive skin conditions and can irritate a baby's skin.
Midwives recommend the following guidelines for bathing newborns:
 Bath your baby 2-3 times a week only. Bathing your baby daily can actually dry out their skin more, so always use a soap-free lotion to wash and your baby in a lukewarm bath.
Shampooing your baby's hair should be determined by the amount of hair your baby has and how oily it is. Most babies with thin hair don't need to be shampooed all that often during their first year (only do so as needed.) When you do shampoo, a mild shampoo is best. Avoid synthetic fragrances, artificial colours, or irritating preservatives including quaternium 15, imidazolidinyl urea, and parabens.
Follow every bath by patting the baby dry and applying a generous amount of hypoallergenic, chemical-safe moisturiser. Always avoid perfumed creams, soaps and bubble baths."
August 2007
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