Caring for your baby's skin

Cradle cap, which appears as a thick, yellowish-brown, crusty coating over a baby's head, is a type of infant dermatitis, and can look quite dramatic. But, cradle cap is harmless and will usually clear up on its own by the time your baby is six to 12 months old.

If your baby has hair, the flaking skin will resemble severe dandruff. If you want to improve your baby's appearance, the best treatment is to apply some olive oil gently to the scalp. Allow this to soak in for around 15 minutes, then brush the loose skin flakes away with a soft baby brush. Then wash your baby's hair with a mild baby shampoo.

Bathing your baby

After the first few days or weeks, you will want to start bathing your baby regularly. You can make this one of your nightly bedtime rituals. Studies have shown that babies can respond to routines from as early as six weeks, so it's a great idea to get into good habits early.

Make sure that you that the bath water is tepid by dipping your elbow in. A newborn's skin is five times more sensitive to temperature than an adult, so what feels comfortably warm to you will almost certainly be too hot for your baby.

Contrary to common belief, newborns can and do sweat, although not enough to counteract overheating. So it's important to regulate your baby's temperature carefully. If your baby is sweaty, you will probably want to introduce a bath additive. Choose one with a neutral pH, preferably soap-free, and use it no more than three times a week.

Fabric care and your baby's skin

When it comes to dressing your newborn, clothing made from natural fibres, or a fabric mix of mostly natural fibres, will suit her skin the best. These fabrics allow the skin to breathe and prevent moisture build-up, which can cause soreness and chafing, particularly in skin folds. They're also less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Untreated, unbleached and preferably organic fabric will be your best option if you are also looking for an option that is better for the environment.

Check out the many 'green baby' websites for competitively priced garments, bedding and other products in natural fabrics. And check that the fibres used are sourced from Fairtrade organisations.

It's best to choose a gentle non-biological detergent, when you launder your baby's clothes, to avoid irritation. For this reason, it's a good idea to wash any new clothing or bedding before their first use. Some manufacturers apply harsh treatments to their fabrics to attain that 'brand-new' feel, and these can irritate sensitive baby skin.

Preventing nappy rash

• Clean your baby's nappy area with warm, plain water and cotton wool as soon as you notice that she has wet or soiled her nappy.
• Dry her thoroughly using a soft towel or tissues, paying special attention to her leg creases.
• If possible, allow her to 'air dry' without a nappy, this will also give her a chance to enjoy some unrestricted kicking.
• Apply a layer of barrier cream if you notice any soreness around her nappy area or in her skin folds.
• Dress her in cotton or other natural fibres, to cut down on trapped moisture.
• Wash your baby's clothing in a non-biological washing powder to lessen the chance of skin irritation.