Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
- Until their umbilical cord has fallen off and is dry, your baby should not have an immersion bath.
- Instead give your baby sponge baths with a washcloth and water.
- Once the cord is off, a full bath can be given.
- Your baby probably will only need a bath every three days or so.
- Your baby can be bathed at any time during the day, but you may find bathing just before bedtime will help your baby relax.
- You can purchase an infant bathtub to be placed on the counter. Use a towel or sponge liner in the bottom of the bathtub.
- Make sure the room where the bath takes place is warm and there are no drafts.
- Put about three inches of water warmed to about 90°F in the tub or sink. The water should feel neutral or lukewarm when tested with your elbow.
- You should bathe your baby with plain water only or use a mild soap that is fragrance and dye free. Be sure to rinse well.
- Gather all the accessories for bathing near the bath site before placing the infant in the sink or tub. Never, even for a few seconds, leave the infant unattended while in the bath.
Hair and Scalp
- Use baby shampoo or a mild soap once or twice a week.
- If soap is used, be careful to avoid the eyes.
- Sometimes, an oily or flaky yellowish or brownish crust gathers on the scalp. This is called cradle cap which is a common issue in newborns and it will eventually go away on its own. You can rub oils (such as coconut, olive, or mineral oils) into the scalp to help with scaling, however brushing the scales off can cause hair loss and the scales tend to recur.
Nose and Ears
- There isno need to scrub wax out of the ears or mucus out of the nose.
- Even carefully manipulated swabs placed in the ear canals serve only to push the wax farther into the canals and may damage the ear canal or eardrum.
- It is best to simply clean around the outside of the ears and nose as best you can. For nasal congestion, saline drops can be used in the nose.
- Ask your child’s clinician for more information.
Body Creases and Genitals
- Be thorough in cleansing and drying all body creases, as the skin in these areas is especially prone to breakdown.
- Rinse these areas very carefully, as soap retained here is very irritating.
- It is not necessary to clean inside a girl's genital area. Simply wipe the exterior, working from front to back toward the anus. Do not use soap in this area.