Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Baby
In this Article
Congratulations! Your little one is a few months old now, and you have held her close and tight. Both of you have started on a new journey, the journey of her life where you will have a lot of questions about her daily routine – how to make her eat, how to ensure she sleeps well, how to make sure that she is growing well and soon. When it starts raining, your hygiene routine for your baby needs to get stricter!
How to Take Care of your Baby
Eyes
Take a small cotton ball and moisten it with warm water. Gently wipe each eye starting from the inner to the outer lids. Do not use the same cotton in both the eyes. Do not use your hands as it may not be as clean and hurt the baby’s eye.
Ears
Wipe around and outside the baby’s ear using a soft cotton ball. Do not put anything in the ear hole. Do not use ear-buds as it can cause serious harm.
Nose
Make a small cotton roll lengthwise, moisten it with saline solution, and then gently insert it in one nostril. Do not use the same cotton ball for both the nostrils. ||
Face
Washing the baby’s face every few hours is a good practice to follow. You should gently clean behind the ears and nose while washing. You may use a soft cotton cloth or baby wipes as well.
Nails
The best time to cut your baby’s nails is when she is sleeping. This will ensure the baby does not jerk or shake her hand and inadvertently get cut. Use a baby nail cutter that is small and has blunt edges.
Teeth
Clean the baby’s teeth, preferably after every feed, especially after your baby has started on semisolid food. You can clean the teeth with water or use a soft cloth also. You should use a baby toothbrush when your baby is a year old.
Caring for Baby’s Genitals
For Girls
Use a wet cotton ball to clean the genital part from inside out. Make a habit of cleaning it every time you take her for a wash.
For Boys
For baby boys, gently rinse the genital area with water while bathing.
Diaper Changing Tips
- You need to make sure that your baby’s skin is dry every time you change a diaper. Clean the area with a soft cotton cloth, especially where the skin folds so that there is no itchiness later. Use baby powder to avoid sweating.
- Hands – You should clean your baby’s hands every time she comes in contact with new people or after eating. Gently wash and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
All these practices will ensure that your baby will grow up to be a healthy and hygienic person. Always remember to clarify specific concerns you might have about your child’s hygiene with your pediatrician.
