How to Clean & Groom
A comprehensive guide on bathing, umbilical cord care, and grooming for your newborn.
Safety First: Never leave your baby unattended during bath time or on a changing table, not even for a second.
1. Cleaning baby's face & body
- Eyes: Wipe gently from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use a fresh, damp cotton ball for each eye to prevent spreading any potential infection.
- Ears: Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe behind the ears and around the outside folds. Never stick cotton swabs or objects inside your baby's ear canal.
- Nose: Gently wipe away any dried mucus around the nostrils using a moist cotton ball.
- Genitals: Use a moist cotton ball or soft cloth to clean the area during diaper changes. For girls, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina.
2. Bathing your baby
You don't need to bathe your newborn every day—2 to 3 times a week is usually enough. Too much bathing can dry out their sensitive skin.
- Sponge baths: Stick to sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off to keep it dry.
- Water temperature: Always test the water with your wrist or elbow. It should be warm, not hot (aim for around 100°F / 38°C).
- Keep it warm: Keep the room warm and wrap your baby in a towel immediately after the bath to prevent them from getting cold.
3. Umbilical cord care
The goal is to keep the stump clean and dry until it falls off (usually 1–3 weeks after birth).
- Clean gently with plain water if soiled, and pat dry.
- Fold the front of the diaper down below the stump to expose it to air and prevent irritation from urine.
- Call the doctor if the base becomes red, swollen, or starts oozing pus.
4. Scalp care (Cradle cap)
Many babies develop "cradle cap"—scaly patches on the scalp. It's harmless and usually clears up on its own.
To help, wash your baby's hair with mild baby shampoo and gently brush the scalp with a soft brush to loosen the scales. Do not pick at them.
5. Grooming baby's nails
Newborn nails grow fast and can be surprisingly sharp. While mittens can prevent scratches, you may also file them gently. Avoid using clippers in the first few weeks as the nails are very soft and attached closely to the skin.