A purpose of a study published in Midwifery was identify what skin practices are important for the protection of baby skin in healthy term babies (0-6 months), and generate evidence-based conclusions to inform health professionals and parents.

This systematic review of evidence entailed searches from eleven databases for all empirical quantitative and qualitative research published between 2000-2015 which explored baby skin care for bathing and cleansing, nappy care, hair and scalp care, management of dry skin or baby massage – for healthy term babies up to 6 months old. Overall, 3062 papers were identified, including 26 papers—16 RCTs, 3 non-randomized experimental studies, one mixed-methods study and six qualitative studies.

The findings showed that from all the small numbers of studies with comparable data, there was no evidence of any significant differences between tested wash products and water or tested baby wipes and water. Meanwhile, some evidence suggested that daily use of full-body emollient therapy may help in reducing the risk of atopic eczema in high risk babies with a genetic predisposition to eczema. There was no evidence about hair/scalp care or baby massage. Whereas, qualitative research indicated that parents and health professionals believe that water alone is best.

The results offers health professionals best evidence on which to base their advice, as well as for parents a choice in their baby skin care regimen.

Source: Midwifery.2018 Jan;56:29-43. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.10.001.