Bathing, washing and nappy care
Newborns don't need a bath every day. Here are the gentle basics, summarised from NHS guidance, your midwife or health visitor can show you in person.
Washing and bathing
You don't need to bathe a newborn daily, a few times a week is fine; 'topping and tailing' (washing face, neck, hands and bottom) keeps them clean in between. Use plain water for the first weeks. Never leave your baby alone in or near water, even for a second, and check the water is warm, not hot.
Cord and skin
Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry until it falls off (usually in a week or two). Avoid soaps and lotions on very new skin unless advised.
Nappy basics
Change nappies promptly when wet or dirty, clean front to back, and let the skin dry to help prevent nappy rash. A barrier cream can help if the skin looks sore.
Keep nappy logs handy
Cubby tracks nappies across the day, useful for spotting changes and for the doctor if anything seems off.
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