Dr Atherton paediatric dermatology specialist at Great Ormond St Hospital shares his top 5 tips on baby skincare for new mums.
The arrival of a new baby is an exciting experience for many parents but the early days of parenthood can be both overwhelming and unsettling, especially if it is your first child. For many new mums, managing and protecting their baby’s sensitive skin will play a big part in caring for their newborn child. Luckily, you can carry out small changes that can make a big difference to your little one’s skin;
1. Don’t use soaps or foaming cleansers of any kind when washing your baby
2. Avoid excessive dry air by turning down the heating in your baby’s bedroom
3. Avoid leave-on moisturisers such as lotions and creams that contain high concentrations of preservatives
4. Wash fabrics in non biological products which have a mild or no fragrance and have been evaluated for skin safety. Look out for products that has the seal of approval from the British Allergy foundation for peace of mind
5. After weaning, minimise skin contact with irritating foods, especially acidic foods such as fruit, fruit juices, tomato sauces and salty or spicy foods
In addition, to ensure that your baby settles and is comfortable in their new surroundings, mums should also make sure that all fabrics in contact with their baby’s skin are soft, absorbent and non-abrasive.
March 2010
Dr.Atherton is an ambassador for Fairy Non Bio, who along with Nursing in Practice have launched a national bursary programme to support health care professionals in infant skincare education | 
Newborn Baby Checks
