Caring for your newborn in the right way is a loving and important part of your daily life together. Through gentle touch and attentive care, you not only give your baby a sense of security and comfort, but also support their healthy development. On this page, you’ll learn how to gently care for your baby in simple steps – from the initial preparations right through to practical tips on bathing, looking after their eyes, nose, ears, nails and bottom, and taking their temperature. This way, you’ll be fully prepared to give your child the very best care.
Preparations for the baby’s bath
It is important that you have your baby’s bath towel, clothes and, if necessary, toiletries ready. To ensure your baby’s safety, always stay with them or take them with you. Make sure the bath water is 37 degrees Celsius, and check the water temperature with a thermometer or your elbow. During the first few weeks after birth, bath additives are not necessary. Bathing in plain water is perfectly sufficient, as bath additives can dry out the skin and, in some cases, trigger allergies. If your baby has dry skin, you can either add a little baby oil to the water or apply oil or body lotion to your baby’s skin after the bath. Baby baths are usually given once a week. Wash your baby’s face and hands every day.
The process of bathing
Place the naked baby on one arm, cupping their upper arm with your hand. The baby’s neck should rest in the crook of your wrist. Use your other hand to wash your baby from head to toe. To begin with, only bathe them for a few minutes. It is important to dry your baby thoroughly, making sure to dry their hair and all skin folds properly to prevent any sore patches.
Eyes
If your baby has sticky, watery or inflamed eyes, clean them with a cotton wool ball moistened with clean water, wiping from the outside inwards. Use a new cotton wool ball for each eye. If there is no improvement, contact your paediatrician.
Nose/Ears
The nose and ears should only be cleaned when necessary. Take a small piece of cotton wool, moisten it with water and gently insert it into the nasal passage or outer ear. Hold your baby’s head steady with your other hand whilst doing so. Do not use cotton buds!
Fingernails and toenails
Fingernails and toenails should not be cut until 3 weeks after birth! If your baby is scratching themselves, apply a rich cream to their fingertips several times a day; this will soften the nails.
Nappy area
It is not usually necessary to apply cream to the nappy area. However, if your baby’s nappy area is slightly red, you can apply a nappy rash cream. If there is no improvement or if it gets worse, use a zinc cream.
Taking a temperature
You should only take your baby’s temperature if you feel that they are too hot or too cold to the touch. A normal rectal temperature is between 36.5 and 37.5 degrees Celsius. If the reading is outside this range, please contact your paediatrician.
Nappy changing
Change nappies as and when necessary, but at least 4–6 times a day. Do not wake your baby to change their nappy.
Umbilical cord
It usually takes 7–10 days for the umbilical stump to fall off. If it is soiled with faeces, for example, it is best to clean it with lukewarm water. It is important to let it air-dry thoroughly afterwards. Air is generally the best way to help irritated skin heal. If the navel area is kept dry, the umbilical stump will soon fall off. If you suspect an infection, you should contact your midwife.
