Baby Skin Care

• Avoid the use of ‘skin wipes’ etc. on baby skin. They often contain disguised detergents/grease solvents etc., leading to overcleansing.

• Ensure that the baby does not spend hours in bed in a soaked nappy. Nappies should be changed about two hours after the last feed. This can often be done without waking the child.

• Substitute any simple inert moisturiser (i.e. vaseline, zinc and cod liver oil, sorbolene with 10 per cent glycerine) for talcum powder. They are all good for keeping the skin well waterproofed and protected.

• It is important to avoid overheating at all times, especially at night. Typically, the overheated child will kick off the bed covers, trying to send a message to the parents that they are too hot. This message will be  repeated. Some parents refuse to receive it. Overdressing during the day can have unwanted effects on both skin and temperature.

• Occasionally nappy rashes can be complicated by an overgrowth of monilia, especially if the baby has been on antibiotics. This can make the rash diffi cult to clear. Medical advice should be sought. A short course of Nystatin by mouth may be helpful.