NINE out of 10 parents worry about a skin complaint in their baby’s first year, according to research.

A poll of 500 mums and dads with children between one and three found 12 per cent fret about five or more skin-related issues during that first year.

One in four (26 per cent) always turn to the internet to help identify rashes and marks that appear on their child, the poll found.

But nearly three quarters (73 per cent) 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 per cent) will only trust their doctor.

And of 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 reason.

More than eight in 10 (87 per cent) 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 per cent 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, a paediatric dermatologist, and ambassador for WaterWipes UK, 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.

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“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 per cent) of parents polled felt there weren’t enough support and resources on how to see their child through its first year.

Exactly six in 10 respondents whose babies had to go see the doctor ended up with an eczema diagnosis.

While 22 per cent were told they had nappy rash, and 13 per cent had run into an allergic reaction to a certain food or material, resulting in 40 per cent of 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 per cent confessing they worried far more about skin issues with their firstborn than any subsequent kids.

But 86 per cent say it’s better to be over-cautious than not cautious at all, according to the OnePoll.com data.

Brogan Chester, spokesperson 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.”