Keep it clean: It's important to keep your baby's skin clean to prevent irritation and infection. Boiled, cooled water is all you need for “topping or tailing” – use separate pieces of moistened cotton wool to clean his face and neck, hands and nappy area. Dry his skin thoroughly afterwards. Toddlers love spending time in water filled with bubbles – just be sure you stay with him to supervise and prevent accidents.

Keep it moist: Many babies develop dry, chapped skin because the sebaceous glands, which secrete sebum to lubricate the skin, don't develop completely until puberty. The main cause of dry, itchy skin in babies during winter is indoor heating. Increase the moisture levels in your home with a humidifier and for your baby generally by increasing his fluid intake. Apply a good moisturiser to your baby's skin once you've patted it dry after his bath, and only use soaps and bubble baths that are hypo-allergenic.

Washing hair: A daily rinse in warm water is fine, with a shampoo twice a week. Use a mild, tear-free shampoo and avoid getting it in your baby's eyes. It's fine to wash the fontanelles (the soft spots on your baby's head where the skull bones have yet to fuse together), since the tough membrane covering will ensure careful washing doesn't harm them. Baby hair is so soft that there's no need to use a conditioner.

Eyecare: Babies often have "sleep" in their eyes (mucus produced by the eye glands that appears as a sticky residue in the corner of the eye), so clean them every day. If your baby's eyes seem unusually itchy and this doesn't clear up after a few days, consult your GP. Clean one eye at a time, using a fresh piece of cotton wool for each eye, and work from the inner corner outwards.

Earcare: Cleaning ears should be part of your “topping and tailing” routine. Wipe around and behind each ear with cotton wool moistened in boiled, cooled water. Never try to clean inside your baby's ear – any wax will work its way out naturally.

Nosecare: Your baby's nose is self-cleaning, but may become encrusted with mucus. If he has a runny nose, wipe it with damp cotton wool. Don't try to clean inside it, as you could scratch the delicate membrane.

Nappy area: Nappy rash can range from slight redness around a baby's bottom to a bright red rash with sores and patches of rough, red skin. Those aged between nine and 12 months are most at risk. It's unusual to see nappy rash in new-born babies, probably because their nappies are changed frequently. Prevent nappy rash by changing your baby's nappy frequently and as soon as possible after a bowel motion. Clean and dry your baby's bottom every time you change his nappy, using a barrier cream to protect his skin (make sure the skin is dry before applying this). Wipe your baby girl from front to back to avoid spreading germs from the anus to the vagina. With a boy, wipe towards the penis while gently holding the testicles out the way. Never pull back the foreskin.

Buying baby toiletries: Babies are prone to dry, easily irritated skin, so choose baby toiletries rather than adult ones, as they're gentler. There are many toiletries designed specially for babies, including shampoo, moisturiser and nappy cream. If your baby suffers from skin allergies, ask your GP which products to use or what measures to take.

Common baby skin allergies
Eczema: This allergic condition sometimes appears when a baby changes from breast milk to formula, or starts eating solids. It's a scaly, itchy red rash that often starts on the cheeks and spreads behind the ears, neck, arms and legs. See your GP, who can prescribe treatment. Note what your baby eats and possibly cut out a food if you realise one of them is triggering a rash. Keep his fingernails short and put mittens or socks on his hands to prevent him scratching. Keep baths down to three times a week, as water can aggravate dry skin. Use soft cotton clothing and bed linen (avoid synthetic, scratchy material) and keep his clothing loose. Wash your baby's clothes with non-biological washing powder.

Scrapes and cuts: If the wound doesn't appear to need stitches and isn't bleeding heavily, wash it with gentle soap and water, then pat dry. Apply an over-the- counter antibiotic and cover with a Band-Aid. If you notice any signs of infection (such as redness, swelling or a pus discharge), see your GP.

Minor burns: Run cool water over the affected area to soothe pain (don't apply ice – it damages skin tissue, causing more discomfort). To protect the skin, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and cover with a bandage. If blisters appear, don't drain them – open ones are easily infected.

Sunburn: When outdoors, infants and toddlers should always be protected from the sun with a hat and a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen (Sunscreen isn't recommended for infants under six months of age; instead, keep your baby out of direct sunlight and dress him in protective clothing.) If your baby gets sunburn, soothe it with an aloe vera-based cream. You can also administer over-the-counter pain relievers. If vomiting or fever occurs, it means the burn is severe and you should see your GP.

Bug bites
Most insect bites and stings resemble firm, raised bumps. Treat a bee sting by gently scraping out the sting with a sterile pin or tweezers. Put a cold compress on the area to relieve pain. (Note that many children are allergic to bee stings: if rapid swelling or wheezing occurs, get medical help immediately.) Mosquito bites are especially common in babies – the bugs are actually attracted to the haemoglobin in infant blood. Clean and dry the bite, then apply an itch-relieving ointment, such as calamine lotion. To prevent your child from scratching, cut his fingernails and keep them clean.