Comprehensive Guide to Baby Care: Cleaning and Maintaining Your Infant's Health

Baby Care Guide

Cleaning Your Baby's Face, Head, Mouth and Teeth

Before you start cleaning your baby’s face, head, mouth, or teeth, to wash your hands. Gently cleanse your baby's eyes by dipping a cotton swab or soft cloth in warm water then gently wipe from the inner corner to outer corner of their eye, ensuring you use fresh swabs or clean sections for each wipe.

To clean behind and around your baby’s ears, use a damp cotton swab or clean part of a soft cloth. Do not insert anything into their ears. Wet your baby's head with water while they're sitting in the bathtub to wash their hr. Dry their hr by gently moving a towel back and forth across their scalp.

When your baby starts getting teeth, you can start cleaning them using water and a damp washcloth after morning and evening feed times. Clean both sides of each tooth carefully. As soon as your baby's first tooth appears, it is advisable to use an infant-sized toothbrush moistened with water to brush twice dly.

Caring for Your Baby’s Nls and Umbilical Cord

Trimming your baby's nls can be tricky - you will need special baby nl clippers or an emery board. Have someone hold onto your baby while you cut their nls, or try doing it when they're asleep, in the high chr, or listening to a favorite song.

Before handling your baby’s umbilical cord stump, wash your hands thoroughly. Use water to clean this area and ensure that after bath times, it dries completely. To help heal your baby's cord stump, avoid covering it with plastic pants or diapers. If possible, fold nappies away from the stump.

Cleaning Your Baby's Genitals

When you're cleaning your baby’s genital area, hold their legs apart while using a wet cotton ball or soft cloth to wipe between their labia, starting at the front and gently moving backwards towards the rear.

For a baby's penis care, rinse the genital region with water during bath time. Clean only the outside of your baby's foreskin. For more detls on caring for baby’s genitals, you may want to refer to our dedicated guide on genital care for infants.

Allow your baby some ‘nappy-free’ time as r-drying their bottom can help prevent nappy rash.

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Acknowledgements

References

Last Updated or Reviewed: July 4, 2023

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