The importance of hygiene in the newborn

Grooming your baby is necessary for good health. Each part of the body needs specific hygiene that must be taken into account, and even more so, in the case of a newborn.

Bathroom

The baby cannot be completely submerged in the bath water until about 48 hours after the umbilical cord falls. During these two days when the baby cannot be bathed, his daily hygiene should be done with a sponge soaked in warm water, cleaning his entire body except the area of ​​the. You can also use specific cleansing milks sold by many commercial brands.

Bathing the baby can be started the moment the umbilical cord has fallen off and has completely healed. The main instructions for this first bath are:

• Soap: Its use is not essential, although it would be recommended in the butt area to improve its cleanliness. The best option is a specific soap for babies or newborns or a soap-free gel that cleans without damaging the delicate.
• Water: It must be at a body temperature of about 37ºC.
• How to dry the baby: After the bath, the newborn should be gently patted dry, leaving the folds, the bottom and between the fingers very dry. In this way, irritations and infections are prevented. Newborns are born covered in a fatty layer that protects them: the. Normally, during the first days there are remains of it. Do not try to remove them abruptly, they will disappear and absorb through the skin as the days go by.
• Bathing as a routine: daily bathing is recommended, as one more routine for the baby. It should be a time to enjoy and for the little one to relax and bond with the parents. You can take advantage of the bath to stimulate the newborn, for example, singing songs that talk about water and soap.

Specific hygiene

Each part of the body needs specific hygiene that must be taken into account, and even more so, in the case of a newborn.

The umbilical cord

The rest of the umbilical cord, which remains in the baby after birth, falls off during the first 2-4 weeks of life. Being scrupulous and methodical with the cure of the cord can save us many problems as well as ensure proper healing.

The cord is cured a couple of times a day with a gauze pad and 70º alcohol. Do not be afraid of hurting the child as the cord has no sensitivity. At each diaper change, special attention should be paid to the cord, avoiding the deposit of secretions (feces or pee) in that area.

The fall of the cord should not be accelerated, it should fall alone and you should not pay attention to everything that "popular wisdom" advises to improve the aesthetics of the cord, since it can cause infections that leave worse scars and complicate the health of the baby.

The hair

Hair hygiene is part of bath time.

Mild specific baby shampoos should be used. Afterwards, the hair should be combed with suitable soft bristle brushes. It is not recommended to put cologne on the newborn's hair since the strong smell can annoy or irritate him, especially if it has alcohol. The cologne can be worn on clothing and will achieve the same effect.

In case the baby has (small greasy flakes on the scalp), apply almond oil or another specific product for cradle cap on the scalp for 10 minutes and remove it with the shampoo; then comb the hair trying to remove flaking without irritating the scalp.

The skin

After bathing, it is best to hydrate the skin. Many newborns shed their skin, especially on the ankles and wrists. The skin of newborns tends to flake and is very thin and delicate, because it does not yet have the typical protective structure of adult skins.

Vegetable oils (almond or calendula oil) or specific moisturizers for the baby, hypoallergenic and, preferably, without parabens or perfumes should be used.

You can take advantage of the moment of hydration to give a good massage to the baby. Infant massage strengthens the bonds between parents and children, increases immunity and relaxes the newborn. Caresses soothe the baby while our closeness stimulates his senses, not just touch. The baby sleeps more peacefully and eats better after the massage. The massages relieve the gases that cause discomfort to the baby. Bonds are strengthened and fabulous time is shared. In addition, touching the baby favors its development. On the other hand, if your face is irritated by drool, there are specific creams on the market.

The ass

The newborn needs to keep the skin on the bottom very clean and dry. You should minimize the use of wipes and prioritize, instead, the use of the sponge with warm water or a specific cleansing milk. Wet wipes can be irritating but are a good resource when you are away from home.

• In children: all folds should be cleaned and dried well without rubbing.
• In girls: it is important to always clean from front to back, in order not to transport stool residues into the vagina and, without pressing, wash the area between the labia majora and minora well. Finally, dry without rubbing.

Nose

If the baby has mucus or secretions, a nasal wash with physiological saline should be performed. Lay the child on his back and turn his head to the side. Apply the serum in the upper nostril and repeat the operation in the other nostril, turning the head to the other side. Incorporate the child to finish expelling the mucus. Never use cotton buds to clean your nose.

Ears

There is a tradition of using cotton buds to clean the outer ear canals of babies. Many ENT practitioners warn of the danger of its use since, inserting the swab, does not clean but introduces the earwax even more and can cause a small wound or infection.

Therefore, the ears should be kept clean and dry on the outside, not on the inside, since the wax it produces is already a natural protection.

The ones

The newborn's nails should be cut when they are long, with a special scissors with a rounded tip, or they should be filed with a soft file. Take special care to cut the nails straight and not injure the skin of the finger.

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Risks of poor hygiene in newborns

Not properly grooming the newborn can lead to health problems. Just like him excess hygiene is bad, its absence does not benefit us either.

• The long dirty nails They can promote scratches on the skin, eyes and mucous membranes and can be a source, not only of wounds and discomfort, but also of an entry point for germs, which can cause infections.
• Keeping the airway clean and free of mucus It favors the well-being, the night rest of the baby and favors the good suction to feed correctly.
• The diaper area It should be cleaned daily with soap and water to avoid irritation, skin superinfections or the genitourinary system.
• Hygiene measures are essential to keep the umbilical cord clean. Umbilical cord infections, called omphalitis, are potentially very serious in the neonate and always require hospital admission and intravenous antibiotics.

• The baby cannot be completely submerged in the bath water until about 48 hours after the umbilical cord falls.
• Once the umbilical cord has fallen, the baby's first bath can be performed paying special attention to the temperature of the water, the soap used and the drying of the baby.
• The hygiene of newborns must be done delicately and dedicating time to each part of the body: hair, ears, nose ...

Pediatric Specialist