Skin care of the healthy newborn.

Routine care of a newborn may be an intimidating task for new parents. This routine care includes tending to the skin of the infant. Maintaining a healthy, intact cutaneous barrier is important psychologically for the parent and medically for the child. Clinicians should be able to offer guidance concerning the basics of skin care, to dispel any misconceptions concerning baby products, and to optimize cutaneous integrity for the comfort and well being of the infant.