How to clean your Bundle of joy

How To Clean Your Baby From Top To Toe

Even when they perspire, babies are never so dirty they need to be scrubbed. Still, a warm daily wash is good to help baby relax before bed. Plus, it’s bonding time with your new bundle of joy.


How often must I bathe baby?

Until your baby is crawling, it isn’t necessary to bathe him everyday. What's important is to wash his face and clean his genitals after each nappy change. Other areas to focus on are his hands, neck and skin creases, where accumulated sweat and dirt may lead to skin irritation. When bathing him, keep a good grip.


Where should I bathe baby?

A small plastic baby bathtub is ideal for HDB bathrooms. He'll feel more secure with you and enjoy the skin-to-skin contact. If your baby is small enough, bathroom sinks are also good, as they are at a convenient height. But cover metal taps and use a non-slip bath mat or towel.


What do I need?

The key to making bath times special is to set aside a time when you are both relaxed, and have everything you need for washing, drying and changing close by:

1. Large towel
2. Mild baby soap
3. Wash cloth
4. Cotton wool
5. Bath toys
6. Clean diaper
7. Diaper changing cream
8. Fresh clothes


How do I bathe baby?

Close the windows to prevent baby catching a chill.

Fill the bathtub with 2 to 3 inches of warm water (use your elbow or wrist to check that the water isn’t too hot or cold). Add a squirt of soap.

Bring baby to the bath area and undress him.

Gradually slip him into the bath, one hand supporting his neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over him regularly so he doesn't get cold.

Wash him with your hand or a soft washcloth or sponge from top to bottom, front to back. Rinse your baby thoroughly.

Wrap him in a towel and pat him dry. If his skin is dry, apply a mild lotion before dressing him.


Top To Toe Cleaning Guide

Head:
Rinse baby’s head with soapy water and pat dry. You can also use a little baby shampoo and a soft bristle brush to prevent cradle cap or what looks like dandruff. Don’t pick at the scales, as it will cause the scalp to flake even more. Instead, smear a little baby oil on baby’s hair to dissolve the flakes, so they become soft and loose and can be easily washed off the next day.


Eyes:
Get two pieces of cotton wool, one for each eye, squeezed in warm water. Hold the cotton over baby’s closed eye and gently wipe across, from the inside corner out.

Nose:
If there is any dried mucous around his nose, use cotton wool squeezed in warm water to dab the area.

Ears:
A gentle wipe with a soft washcloth or cotton wool squeezed in warm water will do. Don’t try to scrape wax off baby’s ears; it is antiseptic and traps dust and dirt, preventing them from getting to the eardrum. Removing it may only cause irritation and more wax to form.

Mouth:
It’s good to start cleaning his mouth early, so he gets used to the idea and won’t have problems with brushing in future. Wrap a small piece of sterile gauze around your finger and dip in cool boiled water. Gently wipe his lips, and then massage baby’s gums to clean and stimulate them. Next, gently swipe across the top of the tongue to remove the white film of milk.

Neck:
Baby’s neck, along with other areas like the thighs and armpits, should be cleaned by running a soapy finger along them. Avoid baby powder as it tends to accumulate in these areas and cause irritation.

Skin:
Use a mild soap formulated for infants as regular ones strip off the protective natural oils. Or try no-rinse formulas.

Umbilical cord:
After baby is born, his umbilical cord is clamped and cut close to his body in a painless procedure, leaving a stump. Within 10 to 21 days, this dries up and drops off, leaving a small wound that may take a few days to heal. The area must be kept clean and dry, and some hospitals give surgical swabs to clean the area after bath. Keep diapers below the stump so it's exposed to the air and not to urine. When the stump falls off, you may notice a little blood, which is normal.

Hands and feet:
As babies frequently put their hands and feet in their mouth, these should be wiped with a washcloth moistened with warm water regularly.

Nails:
Many newborns have long, and often, sharp fingernails and toenails. Avoid cutting his nails during his initial few weeks as they are very soft and may bleed. Put on mittens and booties to keep him from scratching himself. When the nails have hardened a little, trim them using baby nail clippers or baby scissors. Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid cutting the skin, and keep a firm hold on your child's hand as you cut. Alternatively, peel the ends off with their fingers, or bite them off.

Genitals:
During diaper changes, use a cotton squeezed in warm water to wipe the exterior diaper area, then apply some diaper changing cream like Drapolene or Mustella to protect against nappy rash. If the child has pooped, simply use the diaper to wipe most of the poop off his bottom then clean the bottom using wet wipes or moistened cotton. Then apply the diaper changing cream.


BOYS: Avoid bubble baths, as they can be drying and irritating to penile tissue. Cleaning the external area is sufficient. For the circumcised, clean with soap and water as with normal bathing. For the first few days after circumcision, the penis may look quite red and you may notice a yellowish discharge, but don’t be alarmed as this indicates the penis is healing normally.


GIRLS: With a moist washcloth, wipe the area from front to back to avoid transferring bacteria from her anus to her vagina or bladder, which causes infection. Her genitals may appear swollen and red, or there may be a clear, white or slightly bloody discharge — all are normal in the first weeks. But if they persist after six weeks, consult a doctor.