Babycare: Back to Basics - Bath Care

Before and after carrying out any baby-care it is very important to wash your hands thoroughly.

Your baby’s first bath will be in plain water. This will help to protect the delicate skin while it is vulnerable to germs, chemicals and water loss. Wash cloths should be avoided as they can be harsh. Hand washing your baby, cotton wool or a natural sponge is gentler. A baby comb can be used to gently remove any debris from thick hair after delivery. Please bring a baby brush and comb set into hospital with you.

It is best to leave the delicate area around the eyes untouched. If it does become sticky, please notify a member of staff and they will advise you. The ears and nose should also be left alone and cotton buds should be avoided.

It is safer to file nails with a soft nail file rather than use scissors, which can leave sharp edges. For baby nails that have started to come away, you can gently peel them off.

Vernix (the white sticky substance that covers your baby’s skin in the womb) should always be left to absorb naturally. This is nature’s own moisturiser and gives added protection against infection in the first few days.

Premature babies’ skin is even more delicate, so it is important to take extra care. Research has shown that massaging premature infants, using pure vegetable oils, can give some protection against skin infections. Be guided by staff in the neonatal unit, who will be happy to advise you.

If your baby is overdue, his/her skin may well be dry and cracked. This is to be expected, as the protective vernix has all been absorbed. Don’t be tempted to use any creams or lotions as this may do more harm than good. The top layer of your baby’s skin will peel off over the next few days, leaving perfect skin underneath. Continue with plain water only for at least the first month.

Skin-to-skin contact & baby massage

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact cannot be overstated and should be positively encouraged from birth. It not only promotes successful breastfeeding but stabilises your baby’s heart rate and temperature. Baby massage follows on naturally from this and is now widely practiced. It is advisable to avoid nut oils, petroleum based oils, or oils with perfumes, if there is any history of allergies in your family. Choose a properly qualified massage therapist for your baby and ask for their advice on suitable oils.

Remember not to use any products on broken skin.

Handy tips:

• Continue bathing your baby with plain water for at least the first month before gradually introducing baby products. By this time the skin’s natural barrier will have developed. These products should be free from sulphates (SLS and SLES), colours and strong perfumes.
• Baby wipes should also be avoided for the first month. Once introduced, try to use ones which are mild and free from alcohol and strong perfumes.
• It is safer to file nails with a soft nail file rather than use scissors, which can leave sharp edges. For baby nails that have started to come away, you can gently them off.
• Shampoo is not necessary when your baby is under a year old. Once you have introduced baby bath products, simply rinse your baby’s hair in the bath water solution. If used, shampoo should also be sulphate free (SLS & SLES).
• It is advisable to use a thin layer of barrier cream on the nappy area. The ideal preparation should be free from preservatives, colours, perfumes, antiseptics, and clinically proven to be effective treatment for nappy rash.
• If after a few weeks you wish to use a moisturiser, choose products that are emollient based. These will not dry out the skin, but they will give it some protection.
• When washing your baby’s clothes and bedding remember not to overload the machine to ensure thorough rinsing. Fabric conditioners, if used, should be mild and free from colours and strong perfumes.
• Cloth nappies are as efficient as disposable ones and do not present a higher risk of nappy rash.

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