Background: Maternal concern over infant skin problems is common in the early postnatal period. Although essential newborn care practices have been studied, evidence on newborn skin care practices among postpartum women in Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to assess newborn skin care practices and associated factors among postpartum women in Debre Markos, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2025. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at an institution from December 23, 2024, to June 30, 2025, among postpartum women attending newborn immunization services. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, entered into EpiData 4.4.2.1, and analyzed using Stata 17. Logistic regression was employed, with statistical significance set at P < .05. Results: Approximately 44.88% (95% CI: 40.11-49.75) of postpartum women practiced inappropriate newborn skin care. Early newborn bathing (44.9%) and frequent bathing (34.6%) were the most common practices. Although maternal education, age, gravidity, and knowledge were associated in bi-variate analysis, none remained significant after adjustment. Conclusions: This study revealed that inappropriate newborn skin care practices were prevalent. Early and frequent newborn bathing was a common newborn skincare practice. Strengthened maternal education and further intervention studies are recommended.
Kebede et al. (2026) studied this question.