Baby hygiene

Check the corner of their eyes, where secretions can accumulate: to remove them, use a piece of cotton wool soaked with lukewarm boiled water or saline solution, wiping it from the inner corner of the eye outwards.

Treat the heat very gently if the fontanelle has not yet closed. While baby still has no hair, you can use the same soap as used for their body. Once their hair begins to grow, wash it with a special mild shampoo. They will not enjoy getting soapy water in their eyes, and will let you know immediately!

Baby’s nails grow very quickly and are so tiny you may be reluctant to cut them: this will be easier if you wait until they are sound asleep, and then do so with small scissors with a round tip. Do not cut them too short: the nail should be slightly longer than the tip of the finger.

Clean the outer area with special cotton buds for babies so that you do not risk damaging the eardrum. Above all, do not try to reach the bottom of the ear canal from where little hairs push wax outwards.

This is often blocked with mucus. However, it is essential that they can breathe freely in order to breastfeed properly: clear the nose by gently removing the blockage with a cotton bud soaked with lukewarm boiled water or saline solution.

It will be around two weeks before the part of the umbilical cord cut at birth dries up and falls off. The belly button will close up after a few days: in the beginning, while it is moist, you can clean it with soapy water or disinfectant. If oozing continues or redness appears, talk to your doctor immediately.

This is a lovely moment to share with baby. In the first few weeks, you will be able to bathe them in the washbasin, but after that it will be easier to use a special small bathtub. Later, they will be able to go into the big bathtub.

Always remember to keep your eyes on them at all times when they are in the bath, and to support them with one hand while you wash them with the other.

Check the water temperature with a bath thermometer: it should be 37°C at the very most.

You will find it easier if you set a few things out next to you in advance: soap and bath toys, as well as the changing mat covered with a towel and a nappy ready for when baby comes out of the bath.

Baby will splash about very happily in the bath and wriggle more and more on the changing table. Make sure it is stable. If they have dry skin, get a moisturising ointment – your doctor will be able to recommend one.

Baby’s skin is fine and delicate. Their bottom is prone to getting a red rash. They will need to be changed after each feed or when you notice that they are dirtying their nappy. Their skin can be cleaned with cotton wool or toilet roll, water and soap. If you use a glove or a cloth to wash their bottom, change it every day and wash it at 90°C to eliminate faecal bacteria.

Dry baby’s bottom carefully, bearing in mind that faeces, urine and moisture can irritate skin.
The doctor will prescribe a liniment or ointment for nappy rash, which you should always have to hand to finish off washing your baby.