If you are a first-time parent, you might get a little anxious and overwhelmed, doubting yourself if you can carry the big responsibility of taking care of a sensitive newborn. More so, it is more challenging if you are a single parent. But with enough preparation, you can get through this phase of self-doubts and eventually get comfortable with everything.
One of the first few things you need to learn in child care is the importance of hygiene and hygiene methods for your newborn. Prepare bath, mild skin-care, linen, and diaper-changing products even before the birth.
Make sure that you always consult with your pediatrician on how to carefully choose these products for your newborn, given that the baby is still very vulnerable and sensitive.
For most products, here are the other things you need to ensure when buying products for your baby:
- Make sure the products are dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- With mild fragrance, since strong fragrances can disturb babies and may also mean a lot of chemicals are inside the product
- Of course, mild and gentle on your baby’s skin
- Products that are not drying to the skin
Bath and Skin-care
Remember that infants are ideally bathed only once or twice a week to avoid drying the moisture out of their skin. It is also recommended to only do a sponge bath with soft wash clothes and a gentle soap until the umbilical cord has fallen. By this time, you can now place your baby in a baby bathtub with water.
Always keep your eyes on your infant during bath time and for convenience, have all the things you need within arm’s reach, such as:
- A basin of lukewarm water
- Clean diaper and clothes
- Bath towels
- Mild soap
- Soft washcloth
- Hairbrush
In addition, you also need these products for the bath and skin-care part of your childcare:
Baby Oil. Before bathing your baby, massage her body with baby oil to – lock the moisture in her skin. Massage also offers many benefits for your child, such as creating that physical connection with your baby and establishing that routine of affection between the two of you. However, make sure you are doing it right. Ask your pediatrician how to massage a newborn properly.
Baby Body Wash. As mentioned, you need to make sure that the umbilical cord has already detached before you can bathe your infant in a tub of water. While the cord is still attached, your option is to do a body wash using gentle body wash products and clean washcloths.
Baby Soap. Baby soaps are for babies who have graduated from a body wash.
Baby Shampoo. Likewise, only use baby shampoo for babies that are already weeks or months old.
Baby Wipes. There will be instances when a complete bath may not be necessary, but you want to clean your baby. On such occasions, you can use baby wipes to gently clean their body.
Baby Bathtub. Baby bathtubs are more recommended than other makeshift or alternative washing containers because of their customized size, design, and material best suited for babies.
Linens
Another child care essential for hygiene is linens. Make sure that these have super soft fabric, do not shed tiny fibers that can irritate your baby’s eyes, and are white since colored linens are dyed.
Here are some other things your newborn needs as part of your method of keeping them hygienic:
Hooded Towels. These towels help your baby adjust from the warm and humid bathroom into the cooler and dryer environment of their room. The hood specifically covers the ears and protects the head from the sudden temperature drop.
Regular Towels. Use these on warmer days.
Washcloths. These are used with baby body wash.
Skin-care & Grooming
After-bath skin-care products are also an important part of child care and a crucial method of hygiene.
Likewise, always consult your pediatrician to get a better idea of the specifications of the products you need to buy for your baby. These products must be:
- Dermatologically tested
- Paediatrician approved
- Hypoallergenic
- Mildly fragrant
- Gentle to your baby’s skin
- Not drying
To groom your baby after taking a bath, here are some of the things you need:
Baby Powder. Baby powder is a must after every bath but must be used in the regulation.
Baby Lotion. Lotions help with your baby’s skin moisture after the bath and keep their skin soft and supple.
Diaper-Rash Cream. Diaper-rash creams are ideally applied right after a bath and every diaper change.
When changing diapers, use baby wipes to remove all stool and urine. Let the area dry, and then apply a clean diaper.
If you notice redness in their genital and butt area, apply a considerable layer of diaper rash cream to the red area before putting on the diaper.
Baby Nail Clipper. In terms of nail care, trim your baby’s nails to avoid scratches. Address rough edges with a nail file intended for babies. Do this after their bath since their nails are softer by then.
Baby Hairbrush/Comb. Finally, take care of your baby’s hair by combing or brushing her hair. This also improves blood circulation in the brain and scalp.