Baby 101 > Too Much Bathing can be Bad for Your Baby’s Skin

Too Much Bathing can be Bad for Your Baby’s Skin

Posted: Administrator on Jun 06 | Uncategorized

Washing babies every day could put their skin at risk of painful conditions including eczema, health experts have warned today.

The Department of Health advises that it is only necessary for babies to be bathed two or three times a week and for face, neck, hands and bottom to be cleaned each day.

But a new survey suggests that parents are ignoring this advice, with six out of ten babies given a bath every day.

Mother and Baby magazine’s survey of 2,000 parents found that just 19 per cent bathe their babies according to government guidelines.

Over one-third of boys and girls suffered from skin problems and four out of ten parents said their child had eczema; research has suggested that a rise in babies’ cleanliness and the use of chemicals could be partly responsible for an increase in skin conditions.

Elena Dalrymple, editor of Mother and Baby, commented: “A baby’s skin is five times thinner than an adult’s skin and needs very gentle treatment. It is not a good idea to bath baby every day - two or three times a week is plenty.”

The British Skin Foundation advises that parents of children with eczema should avoid using soap on them and should not dress them in clothes that could irritate, such as wool.

Despite the apparent over-concern for children’s cleanliness, the survey found that just over one-third of parents makes sure their baby or young child wears sunscreen while in the sun.

“It is extremely concerning that only a third of parents ensure their baby or young child wears sunscreen - they should have it on when out and about in the sunshine to prevent burning and skin irritation,” Ms Dalrymple added

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