How to keep your baby squeaky clean

Your newborn needs your help to stay soft and squeaky clean. Here’s how to do it…

Take one sleep-deprived mum, a fragile (and wriggly) newborn, a yucky nappy and a tendency to be sick after every feed… Keeping your new baby clean takes so much effort it’s no surprise that it’s hard to find time to have a shower yourself.       

But believe it or not, within a matter of weeks you’ll be able to change nappies and give her a bath with your eyes closed (although we wouldn’t recommend it!). Until then, follow our step-by-step guide to newborn care – practice makes perfect!

Nappy changing

To avoid nappy rash, you’ll need to change your baby’s nappy every time it’s wet or dirty, so the sooner you get used to it, the better (just don’t expect to get used to the smell…).

What you’ll need

• Changing mat or soft, folded towel
• Cotton wool and cooled, boiled water (midwives advise against using wipes before eight weeks)
• Tissues
• Soft towel
• Clean nappy
• Nappy sacks
• Flannel or kitchen towel to mop up accidents
• Clean outfit in case the nappy has leaked
• Nappy cream, if desired

Step-by-step guide

1. Lay your baby on a changing mat or folded towel on a flat surface – the floor, a changing table or a chest of drawers. Never leave her unattended on a raised surface – it only takes a second for her to wriggle off.

2. Undo her nappy, but hold it in place for a few seconds in case she wees. Use the old nappy to wipe as much poo as possible off her bottom.

3. Clean her bottom with damp cotton wool. For a girl, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from her bottom to her vagina. Never pull back a baby boy’s foreskin.

4. Pat her bottom dry using tissues or a soft towel. Let her kick about bare-bottomed for a few minutes – exposing the skin to fresh air helps prevent nappy rash.

5. If you like, rub a special nappy cream into her bottom. Barrier creams keep wetness away from her skin and can be used at every change. Medicated creams heal irritation and should only be used if she already has nappy rash.

6. Slide the back of a clean nappy underneath your baby. Bring the front up between her legs and fasten the tabs (not too tight – make sure you can fit your finger between the waistband and her tummy). If you have a little boy, point his penis downwards to keep wee in the nappy.

7. Pop the rubbish into a nappy sack to throw away, then wash your hands to avoid infections.

All about nappy rash

Nappy rash is caused by wee reacting to the bacteria in your baby’s poo, making her skin red, sore and itchy. To prevent it:

• Change your baby’s nappy often, and always after a poo.
• Use the most absorbent nappies you can find.
• Dry her bottom thoroughly after changes and baths, making sure you get into the skin folds.
• Give her some nappy-free time every day.
• Use a nappy cream to avoid soreness.

Did you know?

On average, newborns need changing 10 times a day. That’s a lot of poo…

Bathing your baby

Your new baby doesn’t need bathing every day – once or twice a week should be fine, as long as you’re topping and tailing her regularly (see below). But you won’t be able to avoid it forever, so here’s how it’s done.

What you’ll need

• Baby bath, newborn bath support or washing-up bowl
• Changing mat
• Soft towel
• Bath thermometer
• Tissues or cotton wool to clean her bottom
• Clean nappy and outfit

Step-by-step guide

1. Fill the bath with warm – not hot – water. The ideal temperature is 36.8ºC (98ºF). Use a bath thermometer to check the temperature, but always double-check using your elbow (where the skin is sensitive). The water need only be about 8cm deep. Stand the bath on a firm surface at hip height so you don’t strain your back.

2. Undress your baby on the changing mat, remove her nappy and clean her bottom using cotton wool and water.

3. Wrap her in a towel, hold her securely with one arm and lower her head over the edge of the bath or sink. Scoop water over her head with your free hand. Tiny babies don’t need shampoo – water is enough.

4. Unwrap your baby and hold her with one arm – your forearm should support her head, with your hand under her bottom. Lower her carefully into the water, and use your free hand to splash water over her body and wash her gently.

5. Lift her out (carefully – she’ll be slippery now she’s wet), wrap her in a towel and give her a cuddle to dry her off. Make sure you dry inside the folds of her skin to prevent soreness.

Topping and tailing

It may sound brutal, but it isn’t – honest! Topping and tailing is the easiest way to keep your little one clean without the hassle of a daily bath.

What you’ll need

• Cooled, boiled water
• Cotton wool
• Changing mat
• Towel
• Clean nappy

Step-by-step guide

1. Lay your baby on a changing mat in a warm room, and carefully wipe her eyes using damp cotton wool. Wipe from the inner corner out, and use a clean piece of cotton wool for each eye to avoid spreading infection.

2. Wipe her face and neck with another piece of damp cotton wool, making sure you clean between the creases in her skin. Wipe over and behind her ears (but not inside), using fresh cotton wool for each side.

3. Undress your baby and wipe her hands and feet, cleaning between her fingers and toes and under her arms, using more clean, damp cotton wool.

4. Take her nappy off and clean her bottom before putting on a fresh nappy (see Nappy changing, above).

5. Pat her dry with the towel and wrap her up snugly so she doesn’t get cold.

Cord care

Your baby’s cord stump will drop off during the first two weeks. Until then, keep it clean and dry to prevent it from becoming infected.

• Clean it every day with cotton wool soaked in cooled, boiled water, and dry it gently with a tissue.

• Let the air get to it by folding down the top of the nappy waistband.

• Don’t try to pull it off – it’ll fall off when it’s ready.

• Talk to your midwife or health visitor if it looks red, weepy or sticky, or smells nasty.

Did you know?

A baby can drown in less than an inch (2.5cm) of water – and in less than 60 seconds. Never leave her unattended in the bath, no matter how briefly.