Taking Care of Cleanliness

Cleanliness is one of the most essential aspects which you need to keep in mind while you take care of your infant. Babies can be prone to any kind of infection; hence you need to make sure that their skin does not make contact with any germs or disease causing bacteria.

One of the most intimidating activity in the beginning is of bathing the newborn but as the time advances you might start enjoying this activity the most. You will not be able to give your newborn a tub bath before the baby loses the umbilical cord stump because it is one of the most sensitive areas and should not be exposed to water. As a substitute you can try sponge baths.

Steps for Sponge Bath:

• Before starting the bath, make sure that you have all the supplies and things required.
• Use warm or Luke warm water for the bath.
• Undress the infant and wrap a towel around him. Work on one body part at a time and expose only that part which you wish to clean one by one.
• Wet the washcloth with water. Do not use soap. Wipe the eyes of your infant directing the cloth from inside corner of the eye to outside corner and then pat face dry.
• Use mild soap and warm water to wash the neck, chest, arms and legs of the baby. Pat dry with a dry towel.
• Lay baby on his/her stomach and wash neck, back and legs properly. Rinse and pat dry.
• Wrap a towel around the baby and hold the baby in one hand for giving a support to neck and head of the baby. To shampoo the hairs, cradle your baby over the basin. Rinse again and pat skin dry.
• Wash diaper area using warm water without soap. Use a washcloth to rinse and wipe from front to back properly. Cleaning this area is most important, so as to prevent any rashes or infection.

Taking care of the umbilical cord

You will be most probably advised to take special care of the umbilical cord by your health care provider. The area surrounding the umbilical cord should be perfectly clean and dry. You can use a clean cotton swap to clean properly. Fold the diaper of your baby in such a way that it does not rub against the stump or cause any rash on it. If you are eager to tub bath your baby, you will have to wait till the cord falls off.

Any bleeding, redness, discharge or swelling in the umbilical cord should be seen as a warning sign and should be immediately reported to the doctor.

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4. Dealing with Your Colicky Baby
5. Baby Diaper Rashes
6. Choosing the Right Childcare Provider for an Infant
7. Making Your Home Safe for Your Infant
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