Nine out of ten parents worry about a skin complaint in their baby’s first year, according to research. A poll of 500 mums and dads, with children aged between one and three, found 12 percent fret about five or more skin-related issues during that first year.
And one in four (26 percent) always turn to the internet to help identify rashes and marks that appear on their child.
But nearly three-quarters (73 percent) think there are too many scaremongering articles, or outright misinformation, about baby skin issues on the internet.
The research, commissioned by WaterWipes UK and Ireland, found most parents (66 percent) will only trust their doctor with such concerns.
In fact, of the parents who had to visit the doctor for any reason in their little one’s first 12 months, a skin problem was the most likely cause for doing so.
More than eight in ten (87 percent) tried various remedies and treatments to get their little one as smooth as when they were born – with the same amount believing there is nothing in the world as smooth as a new baby’s skin.
On top of these worries, 76 percent of those who have had to deal with a rash or similar problem, have worried others would judge their parenting ability as a result.
Dr Laura Proudfoot, a paediatric dermatologist, and ambassador for WaterWipes UK, which are made from just two ingredients – 99.9 percent water, and a drop of fruit extract – said: “It can be hard not to worry about rashes on your little one, and the temptation to rush online for a diagnosis is strong.
“Parents should always consult their doctor for any concerns – but worrying about your baby’s skin is natural, and it’s also an opportunity to choose wisely. Look for products with fewer ingredients, and those that help to protect your baby’s skin.”
Just over a fifth (21 percent) of parents polled felt there weren’t enough resources or support on how to see their child through its first year.
Exactly six in ten respondents whose babies had to go see the doctor ended up with an eczema diagnosis.
And 22 percent were told they had nappy rash, while 13 percent had run into an allergic reaction to a certain food or material – resulting in four in ten parents swapping their baby’s daily skin care routine to products that are more suitable for sensitive skin.
Parents were also more relaxed the more children they had – with 50 percent confessing they worried far more about skin issues with their firstborn, than any subsequent kids.
However, 86 percent say it’s better to be over-cautious than not cautious at all, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Brogan Chester, spokeswoman for WaterWipes UK and Ireland, which have been approved by Allergy UK, and are the first and only wipe to be certified as microbiome friendly by MyMicrobiome, added: “A baby’s skin is precious, and deserves the utmost care.
“As our research shows, it’s only natural to worry about your baby – but it’s great to see that some parents are already making the swap to products that are suitable for sensitive skin.”