When your baby's umbilical cord stump is still attached, sponge baths are best to help avoid infection. Once the stump has fallen off, it's fine to give your baby regular baths in a small basin or tub. After a bath is an ideal time to take care of some of your baby's grooming needs. Store all of your baby grooming and bathing supplies together to make it easy to keep your baby healthy and clean.
Moisturizing
The few minutes after a bath is the ideal time to help relieve your baby's dry skin. Apply a thick baby lotion directly after a bath to seal in the moisture. This may help relieve some common newborn skin conditions, including cradle cap and mild dry skin and eczema. Before applying the lotion, lightly pat your baby's skin to remove some of the moisture. Rub the lotion in your hands to warm it, then apply to your baby's skin. Focus on areas that tend to be dry, such as the elbows and knees.
Clipping Nails
Clip your baby's nails after a bath when her nails are soft, flexible and require less effort to cut them down to size. Short nails are imperative, especially as babies have a tendency to scratch at their faces. If the idea of using scissors or clippers makes you uneasy, use a nail file to carefully create shorter, rounded nails. Or use manicure scissors and a steady hand to carefully clip the nails. Nail clippers should be a last resort unless you have baby clippers with a safety guard to avoid accidentally clipping your baby's finger. If you're still nervous, wait until your baby falls asleep to address his nails.
Ear Cleaning
The heat from a warm bath helps to loosen dirt and wax around the ears for easy cleaning. Never place any object inside the ear canal. Use cotton swabs to clean only the outside of and behind the ears.
Rash Protection
If your baby has a diaper rash, treat the irritated skin before you diaper her. If possible, allow your baby to go diaperless for a few minutes to promote healing through air circulation before putting on a diaper. Apply a cream containing zinc oxide, which creates a protective barrier between her skin and the moisture and friction from a diaper, before you fasten the diaper. Change your baby's diaper frequently to avoid worsening rash issues.
