Daily Care Routines

Bathing Your Newborn

Newborns don't need daily baths. In fact, bathing 2-3 times per week is sufficient until your baby becomes more mobile. Sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord falls off.

Sponge Bath Steps (First Weeks)

Gather supplies: warm water, soft washcloth, mild baby soap, towel
Keep room warm (75-80°F) and undress baby, keeping covered with towel
Start with face (no soap), then move to body
Use warm, damp washcloth with mild soap for body
Keep umbilical cord area dry
Pat dry gently and dress immediately

Tub Bath (After Cord Falls Off)

• Fill tub with 2-3 inches of warm water (test with wrist - should feel warm, not hot)
• Support baby's head and neck at all times
• Use one hand to support, other to wash
• Wash from cleanest to dirtiest areas
• Keep bath time short (5-10 minutes)
• Never leave baby unattended, even for a second

2

Diaper Changing

Frequent diaper changes keep your baby comfortable and prevent diaper rash. Newborns typically need 8-12 diaper changes per day.

Changing Steps

Wash your hands
Lay baby on safe, clean surface
Remove dirty diaper
Clean with wipes or warm water
Apply barrier cream if needed
Put on clean diaper
Wash hands again

Diaper Rash Prevention

• Change diapers frequently
• Clean thoroughly but gently
• Allow air time when possible
• Use barrier cream (zinc oxide)
• Avoid tight diapers
• Use fragrance-free products

3

Umbilical Cord Care

The umbilical cord stump typically falls off within 1-3 weeks after birth. Proper care helps prevent infection and promotes healing.

Care Instructions

Keep the area clean and dry
Fold diaper below the cord to keep it exposed to air
Sponge bathe until cord falls off
Let the cord fall off naturally - don't pull it

Call Doctor If:

• Foul odor or discharge
• Redness or swelling around base
• Bleeding (more than a few drops)
• Baby seems uncomfortable when cord is touched

4

Nail Care

Newborn nails grow quickly and can be sharp. Regular trimming prevents your baby from scratching themselves.

Trimming Tips

• Best time: After bath when nails are soft, or when baby is sleeping
• Tools: Baby nail clippers or soft emery board
• Method: Cut straight across, avoid cutting too close to skin
• Frequency: Once or twice per week
• Alternative: Use mittens or file nails if cutting is difficult

5

Dressing Your Baby

Dressing your newborn appropriately helps maintain comfortable body temperature and ensures safety.

Temperature Guidelines

Dress baby in one more layer than you're comfortable wearing.

• Check temperature by feeling back of neck
• Hands and feet may feel cool - this is normal
• Avoid overheating - more dangerous than being slightly cool

Safety Tips

• Avoid drawstrings or loose items
• Choose flame-resistant sleepwear
• Ensure clothes fit properly (not too tight or loose)
• Remove bibs and accessories during sleep

6

General Hygiene

Eye Care

Clean eyes with damp cotton ball, wiping from inner to outer corner. Use separate cotton for each eye.

Nose Care

Use saline drops and bulb syringe for congestion. Clean outer nose gently with soft cloth.

Ear Care

Clean only the outer ear with damp cloth. Never insert anything into ear canal.

Mouth Care

Wipe gums with clean, damp cloth after feedings. No toothpaste needed until teeth appear.

7

Establishing Routines

While newborns can't follow strict schedules, establishing flexible routines helps create predictability and makes caregiving easier.

Daily Routine Elements

Morning: Feeding, diaper change, playtime, nap

Afternoon: Feeding, activities, outdoor time (if weather permits), nap

Evening: Bath (2-3x/week), feeding, bedtime routine

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