Three-quarters (76%) of new mums and dads have worried about people judging their parenting abilities – due to rashes or other skin complaints on their infant's skin, according to research.

Nine in ten parents have spotted an issue with their little one's skin during their first 12 months – with 87% trying all sorts of treatments or remedies to try to get the skin back to its newborn smoothness.

And the survey of 500 parents, with youngsters aged one to three, found that 86% believe it is better to be overly cautious, than not cautious at all – as it emerged that the most likely reason for a doctor's visit, during their baby's first year, would be due to a skin concern.

Indeed, two-thirds of parents claim they only trust their doctor – as 73% feel there is too much scaremongering, or blatant misinformation, online when it comes to baby skin issues.

But despite this, 26% will always turn to the internet to help identify rashes and marks that appear on their child – as 12% claim they experience five or more skin-related worries in their little one's first year.

However, 87% believe there is simply nothing in the world that is as smooth as a new baby's skin.

The research was commissioned by WaterWipes UK and Ireland, whose baby care products are made from just two ingredients – 99.9% water, and a drop of fruit extract.

Dr Laura Proudfoot, a paediatric dermatologist, and ambassador for WaterWipes UK, said: “It can be hard not to worry about rashes on your little one, and the temptation to rush online for a diagnosis is strong.

“Parents should always consult their doctor for any concerns – but worrying about your baby's skin is natural, and it's also an opportunity to choose wisely. Look for products with fewer ingredients, and those that help to protect your baby's skin.”

Just over a fifth (21%) of parents polled felt there weren’t enough resources or support on how to see their child through its first year.

And exactly six in ten respondents whose babies had to go see the doctor ended up with an eczema diagnosis.

Meanwhile, 22% were told they had nappy rash, and 13% had run into an allergic reaction to a certain food or material – resulting in four in ten parents swapping their baby’s daily skin care routine to products that are more suitable for sensitive skin.

Parents were also more relaxed the more children they had – with 50% confessing they worried far more about skin issues with their firstborn, than any subsequent kids, according to the OnePoll.com data.

Brogan Chester, spokeswoman for WaterWipes UK and Ireland, which have been approved by Allergy UK, and are the first and only wipe to be certified as microbiome friendly by MyMicrobiome, added: “A baby's skin is precious, and deserves the utmost care.

“As our research shows, it’s only natural to worry about your baby – but it’s great to see that some parents are already making the swap to products that are suitable for sensitive skin.”