newborn 's skin has its own microbiome: how to protect it between baths and diaper changes

newborn 's skin has its own microbiome:
—how to protect it between bath time and diaper changes

We hear more and more about the gut microbiota, but few people know that the skin also has its own: a community of “good” bacteria that lives on the skin’s surface and helps protect it. In newborns, this balance is still in its very early stages, and understanding it helps explain why certain daily routines require more care than one might think.

What Is the Skin Microbiome (and Why Is It So Young)?

The skin microbiome is one of the body’s first natural defenses against external agents and harmful microorganisms. In newborns, this balance is still developing: their skin is thinner, contains fewer protective lipids, and tends to lose water more easily. It is a delicate system that needs time—and as little disruption as possible—to develop properly.

Bath Time: A Balance to Maintain, Not to "Sterilize"

A common misconception is that the more frequent and thorough the bath, the cleaner and better protected the skin will be. In reality, the opposite is true: baths that are too frequent or use products that are too harsh can disrupt the very balance of the hydrolipidic film and microbiota that the skin is building. For this reason, during the first few months, 2–3 baths per week are sufficient, using lukewarm water, pH-balanced cleansers, and towels made of natural fibers such as bamboo and cotton—all designed to respect—and not wash away—the skin’s natural flora Child.

Diaper changes: the most delicate area to monitor

The diaper area is where the skin’s balance is put to the greatest test: moisture, friction, and prolonged contact with urine and feces create an environment in which less “friendly” bacteria can multiply more easily. Changing diapers regularly, gently cleansing the area, and applying a barrier cream helps maintain the skin’s balance, reducing the risk of irritation and redness.

The hands of those who care for the Child are just as important as the products

A baby’s ( newborn ) skin microbiome is also shaped by contact with the people who care for them. Washing your hands thoroughly before every care-giving task—from diaper changes to cuddles—is a simple but important habit that helps protect the baby ( Child ) from the transmission of unwanted microorganisms during the first few months of life, when their immune system is still developing.

By Dr. Pilar Nannini

Pilar Nannini is a pediatrician who graduated with honors from the University of Milan and completed her fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology at the Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels. She also holds a Level II Master’s degree in Nutrition and Applied Dietetics.

She works with infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on prevention, growth, and health during childhood, with particular attention to nutrition, dietary education, and pediatric gastroenterological issues.

She supports parents with practical, scientifically grounded guidance on health, nutrition, and well-being at Child. She also conducts training and scientific outreach and is the author of publications and books on pediatrics, sleep, and infant nutrition.