Baby Baths & Skin Care

Gentle Reminder

The ideas shared here are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for personalized medical care. Every body and every pregnancy is unique — please check in with your healthcare provider before trying any new remedy, especially if you have concerns or underlying conditions.

Umbilical Cord Care

The umbilical cord stump falls off between the first and third week of life. Keep the cord area dry; any drainage may be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in water. (Alcohol or ointment are NOT necessary.) Dab the area gently with a dry cotton swab, and fold the diaper down to position it below the cord area. Call your midwife if the area around the cord, including the skin, is red or swollen, or if there is a foul-smelling discharge.

Skin Care

Babies have very sensitive skin. It is important to keep the baby's skin clean and well moisturized with products safe for babies.

Cradle Cap:

Excess oil on the scalp, forehead, and eyebrows can create a yellow crusty layer. Apply a bit of olive/coconut oil to the area for a few minutes to soften the scales, then use a soft brush or washcloth to loosen the scales before shampooing clean. Make sure to completely rinse off all oil.

Peeling Skin:

On occasion we see patches of red, cracked, peeling white skin usually on the ankles and wrists, but it can spread over the whole body. This is a normal reaction to life outside the womb, make sure to use a nice salve or oil on the skin after bathing to keep it moisturized. Please call us if there are any signs of infection.

Heat Rash:

If your baby gets too hot or sweaty they may get prickly tiny red bumps, often seen on the neck and chest. Cool the baby down by undressing them,only wearing light cotton clothing, or using a cool washcloth.

Baby Acne:

Sometimes little white or bumpy red pimples form on the baby's face. This is normal while your baby filters out pregnancy hormones. Wash the skin normally with gentle soap and keep dry. Do NOT squeeze the pimples.

Eczema:

Some babies get patches of rough, red scaly skin, usually on their arms or legs. This can be caused by dry skin or irritation from detergents or clothing. Lubricate the skin after a cool bath with lotion or cream, put the baby in soft clothes and switch to a milk detergent.

Diaper Rash:

If you see reddened patches or angry red bumps around the diaper area it is important to change diapers more often (wet or messy diapers irritate the skin). Expose the area to air as often as possible, keep the area clean, and use a diaper cream with zinc oxide to help protect the skin.

Bathing

When your baby is born they may be covered in a white cheesy substance called vernix. This protects their skin and acts as a lotion. Massage it into their skin after birth to help moisturize and protect their creases. Most babies don't need a bath on their first day (the familiar smell they carry on their skin helps them transition to life outside the womb), but you may want to use a warm washcloth to clean their hair. In the first weeks you may sponge bath your baby 2-3 times per week with a warm washcloth and a few drops of gentle baby cleanser. Be careful of the eyes and use a soap that is "tearless.” Clean them from head to toe, remembering to check behind the ears and the creases of their legs. Clean their genitals from front to back. Rinse the washcloth and use warm water to clean any soap off their skin before drying. You may clean the umbilical cord stump with the same soap, gently, and allow it to dry completely. The more dry it stays the quicker it will heal. Use a drop of lavender oil if it is smelly.Baby Baths & Skin Care Once the umbilical cord has fallen off, you can begin to bathe your baby in a tub of warm water (between 90-100°F). Make sure to test the water first so it isn't too hot. Support your baby with one hand while you clean them with a gentle soap on a washcloth with the other hand. Rinse with a few cupfuls of water. Dry your baby off with a towel so they don't catch a chill.

Baths: Not just for bathing!

Here are some games for during and at the end of the bath:

● Play "This Little Piggy"with toes or fingers.

● Wring the water from a washcloth onto your baby's tummy and watch the response

● Use plastic cups to show your baby how to fill and pour once your baby is able to sit.

● Demonstrate a loving touch by drawing the letters “I, " reversed "L"and "U" on your baby's tummy while saying, “1 love you”

Disclaimer:

The information, suggestions, and resources provided on this website, including holistic and natural remedies for common pregnancy-related concerns are offered for educational and informational purposes only.

They are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your licensed healthcare provider, physician, or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or your baby’s health.

No information on this website should be interpreted as establishing a client–midwife or patient–provider relationship. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.

If you are experiencing symptoms of infection, complications, or an urgent medical concern, please contact your healthcare provider immediately or call emergency services (911 in the U.S.).

By using this website, you acknowledge and agree that neither the midwife nor this practice is liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided.