Once your new baby has arrived you may wish to consider what steps you can take to try to minimise the risks of allergy developing during the early months of its life.

Research has shown that our environment plays an important part in the development of allergies, and babies may be more sensitive to certain environmental factors than older children. One key area of concern for new parents is how to best look after their baby's skin.

Research is now looking into how skin is cared for in new born babies and how this may either prevent, or lead to, skin reactions and eczema. Many doctors now think that eczema is not a symptom of allergy, but a genetic disease where the skin barrier has a lower integrity and makes a child more prone to skin infections.

Once the skin is broken the body is more vulnerable to substances penetrating this protective barrier, and a child at risk of allergy may become sensitised to potential allergens. This is particularly the case if skin is inflamed or broken.

However, It is still early days in this research into possible links between baby eczema, other skin problems, and possible allergy development. Whilst there is nothing that can be done to prevent eczema, you may wish to consider following the advice in the Pregnancy and the First Year booklet.

The recommendations in the Pregnancy and the First Year booklet have been put together with the expertise of midwives and paediatricians to help parents consider what factors they could change for the benefit of their baby. Comprehensive advice can be found on environmental factors and skincare. For more information on how to receive this and subsequent booklets click here.

... One key area of concern for new parents is how to best look after their baby's skin. ...

... It is still early days in this research into possible links between baby eczema, other skin problems, and possible allergy development ...