Why washing baby every day 'could lead to skin problems'

Infants today are twice as likely to have skin problems such as eczema as their parents' generation, a study has revealed.

Childcare experts are blaming the dramatic rise on the fact that most babies are now washed once a day.

They advise parents to bath babies no more than three times a week. Experts believe that, until babies start crawling, they do not get dirty enough to justify more frequent full baths.

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More than one in three babies - 37 per cent of boys and 33 per cent of girls - now suffer from sensitive skin. This is twice the rate as when their mothers were tots.

Most are bathed at least once a day, one in five "every other day" and only 19 per cent the recommended "two or three times a week".

Elena Dalrymple, editor of Mother and Baby magazine, which carried out the research, said babies are cleaner now than they ever had been.

"A baby's skin is five times thinner than an adult's and needs very gentle treatment.

"It is not a good idea to bath baby every day, two or three times a week is plenty with the odd top and tail in between," she said.

"At the hospital mothers are told to just use plain water on their babies but when they are home and start eating they are getting food all over their hair and faces and maybe their parents start using other things on them.

"Maybe babies are cleaner now than they ever used to be, but there are also more chemicals around so that may be playing a part as well.

"However, parents must not blame themselves for their child's sensitive skin.

"There is no hard and fast evidence for the rise in the number of babies and young children with sensitive skin problems."

The Department of Health advises parents they need bath their baby only two or three times a week but they should wash their face, neck, hands and bottom carefully each day.

The UK survey of more than 2,000 parents found that of the babies suffering from skin problems, four out of ten suffered from eczema - with 6 per cent suffering "very badly".

Most parents of children with sensitive skin said their child suffered rashes, which could lead to itching or flaking and blisters.

Many said their child's skin bled, while others reported unsettled sleep or tears.

The poll found that most parents regularly used antiseptic wipes on their child's hands and faces, with 15 per cent of mums say they also use a cloth which has been dipped in "washing up liquid".

More than half of mothers never use ordinary soap or heavily-perfumed products and most use a fabric conditioner specially designed for babies.

However, just 23 per cent use good old "plain water".

Worryingly, only a third said they made sure their baby or young child wore sunscreen in the sun.

Miss Dalrymple said: "It is extremely concerning that so few 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.

"Emollients are also good, not only for treating sensitive skin, but for preventing it in the first place."