Softened Water for Eczema Prevention Pilot Trial

Inclusion Criteria: * Participant (i.e. the neonate) must have a parent or sibling with a history of doctor-diagnosed atopy (i.e. at least one of: eczema, asthma, hayfever) * Mother aged ≥18 years of age at enrolment * Baby \<36 weeks gestation at screening * Informed consent from the mother on behalf of the participant * Mother has the ability to understand English * Live in a hard water area (\>250 mg/L Calcium Carbonate) * Consent of landlord for installation on water softener (if appropriate) * Occupy a property appropriate for installation of a water softener Exclusion Criteria: * Preterm birth (defined as birth prior to 37 weeks gestation) * Significant inflammatory skin disease at birth not including seborrheic dermatitis ("cradle cap") * Sibling (including twin) previously randomised to this trial. If multiple birth, the first child will be randomised into the trial. * The child is to be fostered/adopted * Any immunodeficiency disorder or severe genetic skin disorder * Child has any other serious health issue which, at parent or investigator discretion, would make it difficult for the family to take part in the trial. * Planned stays away from home for a continuous period of more than 2 weeks or a total of 1 month out of the 6 month follow up period * Water softening or filtration device already installed * Concurrent enrolment in any other skin-related intervention study * Other medical condition that in the opinion of the CI could interfere with the conduct of the trial