How to Groom Your Newborn

For new parents, in particular, grooming a newborn may be a nerve-wracking affair. When it comes to keeping their children “baby fresh,” parents have a lot to learn, from caring for the umbilical cord to cutting tiny nails.

Simple advice for parents to learn the fundamentals:

• Bathe your baby no more than three times a week. More than that can cause your baby’s skin to become dry.
• Bathe your infant in sponges up to three weeks after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. Before putting your newborn on a level surface in a warm location, gather all of your supplies in advance, including washcloths, a basin of water, mild soap, and a towel. Gather all the supplies—washcloth, water basin, mild soap, and towel—in advance before placing your child on a flat surface in a warm place. Always hold your baby and wrap it in a towel. Only expose the body parts that you wash. First clean the eyes carefully. Work from the inside to the outside corners with a damp cloth only. Use separate ends of washcloth for each eye. Next, wipe your baby’s face, followed by the head. When cleaning your body, pay special attention to the skin behind the ears and around the neck, the folds under the arms and legs and of course the diaper area. Don’t forget to wash between your toes and fingers.
• After the navel area has healed, you can try bathing your child in a newborn tub or plastic pool. Lined with a towel or rubber mat, a sink in the kitchen or bathroom can also be an option. Do not fill the tub with more than two to three inches of warm water. Always test the water before putting your baby in it.
• To wash your new-borns’ hair, hold your hand under warm water and gently pour it over your child’s head. Gently rub in a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo in a circular motion. Use a small cup or your hand to rinse it off.
• Do not use clippers or scissors to trim your child’s nails. Use a buffer or nail file to gently file them down.
• Baby acne can be normal. Don’t pick or squeeze. If the acne on the face worsens and turns into red pustules, call the paediatrician.