Neonatal skin care: Advocating good practice in skin protection

Caring for neonatal skin is a key area where parents will seek advice from midwives and health professionals. It is important therefore to have an understanding of the composition of neonatal skin and differences to adult skin that make it more delicate. An overview of current research into bathing, cleansing of the nappy area and the cord area is provided. Health professionals need to provide guidance and yet it important not to raise anxiety levels in parents with too many rules about what is right and what is not, particularly as there is room for further evidence in this field.