Bathing and hygiene
Babies need particular attention to cleaning in order to prevent them from picking up germs. Areas which need to be kept as clean as possible are the nappy region and the umbilicus (navel or belly button) (see opposite). Most babies enjoy their bathtime, which can be relaxing for both parents and baby. Your maternal and child health nurse can explain to you in detail exactly how to go about bathing your wriggling newborn, but here are a few pointers:
• make sure you are comfortable by positioning the bath in a convenient place;
• make sure that the room is warm and the water temperature in the bath is around 28-29°C;
• fill the bath with cold water first, to prevent accidental scalds;
• test the temperature with your elbow before placing the baby in the bath;
• you only need to wash your baby’s hair once or twice a week;
• wash the face with a soft damp cloth;
• do not try to clean inside the ears or nose;
• stay with your baby the entire time he is in the bath.
• take the phone off the hook, or ignore it if it rings.
Babies can drown even in shallow water.
Fingernails
Trim your baby’s fingernails once a week to prevent him from scratching himself. This can be done immediately after a bath when the nails are soft, or when your baby is asleep, using a nail clipper or fine baby scissors.
It helps if both parents do this together, one cutting while the other holds the finger.
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