There are many factors that play into caring for a newborn with bathing & hygiene being

one of them.
So, I will list a few tips and tricks to help make this new adventure an easy one!

First let’s start with bathing:

Bathing a newborn every day is not necessary, it is best to bathe him/her a few times a week (like 2-
3x). Why you ask? Because we do not want to dry out their skin. However, after soiled diapers, we
want to make sure we clean the newborn effectively—remember front to back!
Bathing your newborn can be a nervous time, I mean they are so tiny and slippery little things! So, we
always want to ensure SAFETY.
- NEVER leave your newborn alone.
- Keep all items within reach (warm water, mild soap/shampoo, 2 towels, diaper)
- It is best to give your newborn a sponge bath while the umbilical cord is still attached
- When washing baby’s eyes, wash from inner to outer and use a clean part of washcloth for
each eye.
- We do not want to use cotton swab in baby’s ears. Just gently clean the outer area.
- When bathing, remember to clean the dirtiest part(genitalia) last!
- After bath is complete, you can wash newborns hair but make sure
you swaddle your baby to prevent them from getting cold!
- Use a mild shampoo on newborns hair. Do not be afraid to rub the
“soft spots”—it prevents cradle cap!
- Avoid use of lotions on baby, may be too harsh on their skin.
NAIL CARE
This Photo by Unknown Author is
- To prevent newborn from scratching themselves and you it is best
to file them!
- The best time to file a newborns nails is when they are asleep. Less chance of them moving
and you causing injury.
- Another time you can file them is after a bath—the nails are nice and soft at this point so it will
be easier to file down.
I hope a few of these tips and tricks have been helpful!
 References
Northwestern Medicine. (n.d.). Newborn Hygiene. Retrieved from https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-

areas/pediatrics/pediatric-infant-and-newborn-care/hygiene.

Howard County General Hospital: Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Taking Baby Home. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/howard_county_general_hospital/_downloads/takingbabyhome_english.pdf