What does proper care of a newborn baby look like? Tips

Proper care of a newborn baby is extremely important. Not only allows you to maintain hygiene, and thus the well-being of the child, but also properly care for the skin of the baby. It requires special care because it is not yet fully mature. The epidermis is thin, delicate, not very flexible and has a different pH. These features make it very vulnerable.

Care of the newborn’s navel

Care of the newborn’s navel prevents infection of the umbilical cord stump. This is a fragment (about 2 cm) of the umbilical cord that remained after it was cut. It dries out and falls off on its own within 5-15 days.

According to the latest standards, the care of a newborn’s navel consists of washing it daily with a gauze pad soaked in water. You can use a small amount of detergent if it has been soiled with feces. The secretion that collects around it should be collected with a disposable cotton bud. Finally, you need to gently dry the stump. It is recommended that it be in contact with air, so it is a good idea to fasten the diaper under the navel. Any worrisome symptoms (redness, swelling, purulent discharge) must be consulted with a doctor.

For many years, the care of a newborn’s belly button was done with ethyl alcohol. At present, such a course of action is not advisable. Alcohol-based agents can further irritate the skin and prolong the time for the stump to fall off.

Proper skin care for a newborn baby

In caring for the skin of a newborn, the preparations that are used for this purpose are of great importance. These should be cosmetics designed for children from the first day of life. Emollients work best, as they are free of substances that could irritate the delicate skin of a toddler or cause an allergic reaction. In addition, they ensure proper hydration of the epidermis, thereby protecting it from harmful internal factors. These preparations can be purchased at the pharmacy.

The first bath of a newborn after returning from the hospital is usually after 2-3 days. Thereafter, it can be performed every other day (or every day in hot weather). This activity should be performed at a fixed time of day. Long baths, on the other hand, are not recommended – they are best if they last 5-10 minutes.

It is important to remember that skin care for a newborn should also be done on days without bathing. Basic hygiene can be carried out on the changing table. Prepare a soft towel moistened with water and gently wash the skin in the folds, the baby’s face and intimate areas.

Daily care of a newborn baby also includes washing the eyes. Place the baby on a changing table, tilt its head to the left side and wipe the eye with a cotton swab soaked in water or saline. You have to remember to do it from the outside. Then change the cotton swab and repeat the process, washing the other eye.

What is the care of a newborn boy and girl?

Intimate hygiene of a newborn girl is slightly different from the care of a boy. Only warm water should be used for it. Moistened wipes are advisable only outside the home.

Care of the intimate area of a newborn girl should always be done from the top down, that is, in the direction of the bottom. Wash the labia, perineum, anal area and buttock crevice, then dry thoroughly. Finally, it is necessary to apply a lubricating cream.

As for the intimate care of a newborn boy, the penis, scrotum, the area under the scrotal sac, and the anus and buttock crevice should be washed. It is forbidden to pull back the foreskin by force. Finally, you need to pat the skin dry and apply a lubricant.

See also: Cosmetics for pregnant women – how to safely care for skin during pregnancy?