A gentle guide to caring for your newborn’s hygiene in the first weeks
You’ve brought your baby home — the emotions are fresh, the love is huge, and… the questions come fast.
How often do I bathe my baby?
How do I clean the umbilical cord?
What about nails, nose, ears?
Don’t worry, mama — you’re not alone. Caring for your newborn’s hygiene may feel overwhelming at first, but with a few simple routines and gentle steps, it becomes a beautiful part of bonding and caregiving.
🛁 1. Bathing Your Baby
Newborns don’t need a daily bath — two to three times a week is enough in the early weeks. Until the umbilical cord falls off, sponge baths are safest.
🌿 How to give a sponge bath:
- Use a soft, damp washcloth with warm (not hot) water
- Start with baby’s face, then move to neck, hands, diaper area
- Avoid using soap on face and genitals in the first few weeks
- Keep baby wrapped in a warm towel and uncover only the part you’re washing
Once the cord stump falls off (usually around 1–2 weeks), you can begin tub baths — gently and with support under the neck and back.
🩹 2. Umbilical Cord Care
The umbilical stump doesn’t need much — the goal is to keep it clean and dry until it falls off naturally.
🌿 Tips:
- Fold the diaper below the stump so it stays exposed to air
- Avoid soaking it in baths
- No alcohol needed unless your pediatrician recommends it
- Call the doctor if it smells bad, bleeds a lot, or becomes red/swollen
🧴 3. Diapering & Genital Care
Newborns need frequent diaper changes — about every 2–3 hours. Always clean gently front-to-back (especially for girls) and pat dry before putting on a new diaper.
Diaper rash tips:
- Let baby go diaper-free for short times
- Use a zinc-based barrier cream
- Avoid wipes with fragrance or alcohol (use warm water and cotton pads for sensitive skin)
✂️ 4. Nail Care
Newborn nails are soft but sharp. Babies can scratch their own face — so keeping nails short is important.
How to trim baby’s nails:
- Use baby nail scissors or a soft emery board
- Trim while baby sleeps or after a bath when nails are softer
- Avoid biting the nails (infection risk)
👃 5. Nose, Ears & Eyes
Nose:
If baby sounds stuffy, use a nasal aspirator or saline drops — no cotton swabs inside the nose!
Ears:
Wipe only the outside of the ear with a damp cloth. Never insert anything inside the ear canal.
Eyes:
If you see dried discharge, gently wipe from the inner to outer corner with a clean, damp cotton ball.
🧼 6. Washing Hands & Clothes
Always wash your hands before handling your newborn — and make sure visitors do too.
Newborn clothes and blankets should be washed with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent to avoid skin irritation.
💛 Final Thoughts
Baby hygiene isn’t about perfection — it’s about gentle, loving care. These small daily rituals not only keep your little one healthy but also help you bond.
Trust your instincts. Ask questions when unsure.
And know that you’re doing a beautiful job — even when things get messy.
