Keeping your little one clean can feel like a second job sometimes, what with the constant pooping and peeing and food messes! But how much cleaning is too much? Can excessive cleaning be harmful? A baby’s skin is much more sensitive than an adult and has to be treated with the utmost care. That’s especially true around their genital area. These is why this article has explained all about baby genital care.
Knowing when to clean is important, but so is method and product usage. Didn’t think it would be so complicated? It really isn’t, so don’t feel overwhelmed. Here are a few helpful tips that explain all about gently bathing your baby.
The following below will put you through all about baby care and cleaning;
Overall Health
Overall, the health care of a baby can be summed up in three words: less is more. Babies don’t need fancy soaps and shampoos; what they need is warm water and a gentle hand. A little forethought can go a long way in caring for a baby’s skin; looking carefully at a product’s ingredients or testing it out on the baby’s arm can save a lot of time, and ultimately protect the child from future discomfort. Lastly, try not to be taken in by fads; products with natural ingredients can be just as irritating to sensitive skin as synthetic chemicals.
Newborn Baby Health Care
A newborn baby only needs to be bathed two to three times a week; if they are vomiting on themselves or messy eaters, they made need a little more, but not much. Like with preemies, the choice between a tub bath and a sponge bath hinges on the baby’s size and the healing stage of their umbilical cord stump. This healing takes place about one to four weeks after birth. A parent shouldn’t be afraid to bathe their newborn, as long as they have the right tools and attitude for the task. Babies are fragile, but not made of glass!
Premature Babies Care
Can a premature baby handle a bath? The answer is absolutely yes! Not only can they handle it when done right, but it can help them sleep better and facilitate a bond. Bathing a preemie baby isn’t much different from regular bathing, except that their skin is much more prone to dryness, so baths should be few and far between. If deciding to give a tub bath or a sponge bath, check the baby’s umbilical cord. If there is oozing or bleeding, a sponge bath is the best way to go. The same principle applies for newly circumcised baby boys.
All About Baby Cloth Diapers
While there’s nothing wrong with disposable diapers, cloth diapers are proven to be better for a baby’s sensitive skin. Put simply: cotton breathes. It lets air circulate freely on the baby’s skin, preventing heat build-up that would make them uncomfortable. Cotton diapers are also free of chemicals so they are naturally absorbent. This significantly reduces the chance of diaper rash, bacteria build up and chaffing. Not to mention the environmental benefits of cloth diapers, which are substantial. It is more work because cloth diapers have to be laundered regularly; however it balances out because there’s no need to purchase disposables.
All About What NOT To Do If Irritation Happens
First of all: don’t panic! Again, diaper rash is not permanent; at most it will last for about 3 days. A baby getting diaper rash doesn’t mean that someone is a bad parent. It happens! But, once it has happened, extra precautions have to be taken. A baby’s soiled diaper has to be changed IMMEDIATELY to prevent further irritation. Soap is absolutely out as part of bath time. Also, beware of unsolicited advice and sketchy home remedies. Some things are tried and true, but not all things, so do careful research and ask a lot of questions before trying anything.
All About What To Do If Irritation Happens
If the baby gets red marks on their bottom, genitals and thighs, this is a sign of diaper rash and possibly an infection. Its ok, this happens, and it isn’t permanent. The best way to treat diaper rash is to keep a baby’s skin as cry and clean as possible. Baths in warm water can be a soothing relief for them. To prevent further irritation cover the baby’s inflamed skin with a thick layer of petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream. If it persists, this is usually a sign of infection and a doctor may subscribe a mild steroid cream.
How Often To Change Diapers
Change a baby’s diaper regularly so that their waste doesn’t cause their skin to become irritated and inflamed. The same goes for bathing. However, for bathing, the term ‘regularly’ should be according to the baby’s personal skin needs. Some children have conditions that cause their skin to become very dry and painful, so it’s best to have a tailored schedule. Either way, every bath should be gentle and low impact. There should be no scrubbing of any kind, no extreme temperatures, and no strong soap products. A baby doesn’t get up to much, so bath time is really just rinsing off.
All about What Products Work Best
Every baby is different and have different levels of sensitivity; it’s important to be aware of these unique differences. Always opts for baby wipes that are alcohol free, specially formulated, sensitive and under-perfumed. The same goes for baby cleansing formulas: specially formulated cleansing liquids are unlikely to cause irritation on a baby’s skin, which is ideal. Remember: the price or name brand isn’t what’s really important, but the comfort and health care of the baby is. To keep the skin safe, do extensive research and play it safe. Avoid disturbing the natural balance of a baby’s skin at all costs.
All about How To Bathe
Number one rule is: be gentle! For a boy, use a clean cloth or cotton pad and warm water to wash around his penis, scrotum and bottom. It’s that simple! For a girl, the process is a bit more in depth: also use a clean cloth, cotton pad and water, but when wiping your baby’s vaginal area, always wipe from front to back! Wiping this way prevents bacteria from her bottom getting into her vaginal area or urethra and causing an infection. Water mixed with a little baby cleansing liquid is also ok, if it’s compatible with the baby’s skin.
Where To Bathe the Baby
All about baby bathe is there are a lot of creases and rolls that have to be given attention otherwise they will start to smell. If the baby is a boy, make sure to wash or wipe carefully around the penis, scrotum and bottom. If the baby is a girl, do the same around her vaginal area and her bottom. This is to clean away traces of urine, poop or just normal sweat, dirt and skin residue that builds up. Don’t be afraid to clean these areas, but do be careful. They are naturally sensitive, but especially so for a baby.
