14/12/2010 - How often should you wash your baby?

A nightly bath is part of bedtime routine for 60% of babies. Most parents feel that it is a relaxing and beneficial time to spend with their little ones. But is washing your baby this often good for their skin?

It is a fact that more and more babies are suffering from eczema. In the 1940s, just 4% of babies had the condition but now that number is up to 25%. This suggests that there is something, or a combination of things, in our environment that is affecting our babies’ skin.

The chief executive of the National Eczema Society says that this increase in eczema has coincided with an increase in the time spent washing our babies, and believes that the two may be linked.

"Simple water can dry out the skin"

“People don’t realise bathing in just simple water can dry out the skin and I don’t think many people appreciate how damaging soap can be.

“Very small babies do not get very dirty other than around their mouths and in the nappy area, so top and tailing with a cloth and warm water every day plus a couple of baths a week should be adequate. Older children should be bathed when they are dirty,” she advises.

A professor from Edinburgh University who specialises in allergy and respiratory research also believes that increased washing could be having an adverse affect on babies’ skin.

“Potentially, bathing does increase risk [of eczema] because it will remove some of the surface oils from the skin.

“That seems to be important for not only exacerbating the eczema but, potentially, for increasing the risk of other allergic conditions.”

He recommends using minimal baby products in the bath and choosing fragrance-free products where possible.

Some scientists believe that babies with a genetic predisposition to eczema may be sensitised to the detergents used in some baby products. There have been calls for further research into the products that are best for very young babies’ skin.

Many baby products are made with harsh foaming agents, like SLS, that may cause irritation in some babies.

Organic baby products from Green People

Green People has a range of organic baby products that is designed to be ultra mild on babies’ delicate skin. Organic Babies offers a range of essentials for young babies, including fragrance-free baby wash and baby lotion.

Made without ingredients such as SLS, parabens and artificial fragrances, these gentle baby products are suitable for babies with sensitive skin.

We recommend that babies’ skin is rinsed well after the baby wash is used and to follow with the baby lotion.