The skin is the body's largest organ, allowing the sensations of heat, cold, pressure, touch and pain. It plays a major role in body temperature and fluid control and it's the body's first line of defence against the elements. So infant skin is something we want to nurture, protect and keep healthy.

Infant's skin is much more vulnerable than adults'. It hasn't built up any tolerance to the environment and is less able to ward off bacteria, toxins or infection. The goal of infant skin care is to minimise skin irritation and that means proper cleansing and maintenance.

You need to avoid over-bathing and use a mild non-soap cleanser that will help prevent dehydration by keeping the fat in the skin.

Nappies create a moist, warm environment which is in constant and direct contact with a baby's skin. Warmth and over-hydration may contribute to the growth of bacteria, so it is important to change nappies as often as possible.

Common skin problems:

Dry skin that peels after birth
When a baby is full term or a little late, parents may see a little bit of peeling of the skin, particularly around the wrists and by the feet and ankles. Moisturisers can be helpful for smoothing out the skin.

Infant acne
Tiny red or white pimples are a result of the mother's hormones circulating through the baby's system. They usually appear at about two weeks of age and nothing needs to be done because, as the hormones leave the baby's system, the acne will disappear.

Heat rash
This may develop in hot, humid weather or if the baby is dressed too warmly. The pores in the skin become blocked, causing small pink pimples. This can be avoided by not overdressing your baby and by not overheating your baby's room. When the humidity drops very low, in a cold environment, the skin begins to crack and flake.

Cradle cap
This shows up as crusty patches in the scalp and eyebrows and is caused by overactive glands. Gently rub baby oil on your baby's scalp and leave on overnight to dislodge the crust. Loosen the scales gently using a comb before washing and rinsing your baby's hair.

Chafing
Can occur whenever skin rubs against skin or there is friction between baby's clothing and skin. Use a small amount of baby talcum, cornstarch powder or lotion on the skin and avoid rough fabrics or tight clothes. Cotton clothes are very soft against the skin. Don't use woollen clothing without another layer of clothing between the wool and your baby's skin as wool is very harsh on the skin. Some polyesters can be scratchy as well.

Protection from the sun
Is essential, as babies are more susceptible to the harmful ultraviolet rays. Infants burn not only from direct sunlight but also from reflected sunlight from water, sand and concrete. Ensure that your baby's head is covered with a wide brimmed hat; dress your baby with protective clothing and use a very high protection sunscreen, formulated for tender young skin, on the exposed areas.

Skin allergies
Are reactions caused by many factors - genetic, environmental and bodily. To develop an allergic skin rash you need to come in contact with a substance and then have an immune response against it, so that when you're re-exposed to that substance you get the rash. Not every rash your baby develops is a true allergy, it is often a common skin irritation, so it is advisable to have the infant evaluated and see what other things may be going on.

Skin care ranges for baby:

There are plenty of skin care ranges on the market today that are designed with baby skin in mind, but Beauty Bible's fave would have to be the bath and skin care range by Nature Baby -

"Nature Baby is a family business specialising in products which nurture both you, your baby and nature. Established in 1998 and begun as quest for innovative products for our own family, we found, that like us - many other parents wanted their children to grow up in a beautiful, non-toxic world.

Parenthood is a constant learning curve and the vast array of choices we are offered today is overwhelming. However, concerns about toxicity and the commercial drive of much of what's on shop shelves has sparked many parents to consider what their alternatives are.

Because we see babies as so precious and sensitive to their surroundings, all Nature Baby products are carefully selected for quality, purity, design and are produced in such a way that cares for the earth and it's workers.

As parents by making educated choices during this significant period we can provide a healthy, enriching environment for your children and at the same time nourishing and preserving the world in which they will grow.

The reality of the modern world is that we can bring about positive change through our informed choices, actions and purchases. We can make a difference."