Parenting a new baby is full of surprises; minimize unexpected events by following this practical advice on some baby basics.
What grooming and dressing gear do you need for your newborn?
The array of available baby gear can be mind-boggling. What do you really need to clean and groom your baby? The following are some of the basic necessities:
Diapers: whether you use disposable or cloth, you’ll use lots of these
Baby wipes: pre-moistened wipes are great for diaper changing as well as quick hand and face wipe-ups
Diaper rash cream: almost every baby gets a little rash occasionally; this will soothe the discomfort and prevent future rashes
Baby comb and brush: a baby comb is useful for babies with lots of hair; otherwise a super soft brush will suffice for the first year of hair grooming.
Baby nail clippers and / or emery board: baby’s finger nails grow quickly and if they are left too long baby can scratch his or her own delicate skin.
Baby towels and washcloths: three of each is probably more than enough
Baby laundry soap: several brands of soap are marketed for baby clothes; they are extra gentle on baby’s delicate skin
Nasal aspirator: this rubber or plastic bulb will help you clear buildup in baby’s nose, since newborns can’t “blow” when they get clogged
Baby soap: try the great pumps of liquid soap that clean baby head to toe; they are easy to use with one hand so you can keep one hand on baby
Bathing baby
The first time you give your baby a bath, it can be a bit scary. Babies are so tiny and with the addition of soap and water, quite slippery. Baby bathtubs are convenient since most of them have slanted backs, soft, no-slip surfaces, drains and other conveniences. However, it is perfectly okay to give your baby a bath in a dishpan, sink or other container.
Make sure to have the following items handy before you get baby undressed and into the water:
Baby soap
A plastic cup or bowl
Two soft washcloths
Towel
A spare towel
Clean diaper
Clean clothing outfit
A hand towel, if you are giving baby a bath in something other than a baby-tub
Fill the bathtub or bathing container with barely warm water before you put the baby in it. The water should only come up to the baby’s tummy while the baby is in a reclining position. The water temperature can change so do not add water directly from a faucet while your baby is in the tub. The water should feel comfortably warm but not hot on the underside of your wrist. You can also purchase tub thermometers for infant baths that will change color if the bath is too hot.
Place one towel, folded and ready on the surface where you will place the baby when you are done with the bath. Have the second towel ready next to it in order to dry the baby.
If you are bathing your baby in a container without a comfortable, soft bottom, line it with a small or hand towel. This will keep baby comfortable and help prevent slipping. Never let go of your baby at bath time!
The room in which you bathe baby should be comfortably warm to prevent chills. Consider placing the second washcloth on baby’s tummy, occasionally pouring bathwater over it with the plastic cup to keep it warm. This will help keep baby comfortable.
Starting at baby’s head, use a wet washcloth to carefully wipe baby with the warm water. Then, place a small amount of baby soap on the washcloth and gently wipe onto the baby, avoiding the eyes. Rinse the washcloth and use it again to clean the soap from the baby’s head and face. For baby’s torso, arms and legs, you may use the washcloth or rinse with the plastic cup.
Once you have rinsed all of the soap from the baby, carefully wiping in all creases and folds, remove baby from the tub. Place baby on the folded towel and quickly wrap him or her in the drying towel, gently patting but not rubbing the tender skin.
Once baby is diapered, dressed and situated in a safe place, you can return to drain the tub and clean up the bath time gear.
How often do babies need baths?
Until your baby’s belly button -- and circumcision if relevant -- heals, you should stick with sponge baths. Once it is healed, you can give your baby a bath as needed, usually every few days. You may only need to wash your baby’s hair once a week for the first few months.
Combing, brushing and clipping
Babies with little hair rarely need combs. If you do use a comb to straighten your baby’s hair, it should be an infant comb of extremely soft plastic. Simply draw it softly across the baby’s hair, following the growth pattern.
A brush is more practical for grooming hair for most babies. Use a soft infant brush, gently stroking the hair with it in the direction it grows. If the hair has tangles, use a warm, damp washcloth to smooth the hair first and remove any stickiness, then re-brush.
Clipping baby’s nails can be scary the first few times since tiny baby fingers are delicate and wiggly. If you are really worried, use an infant emery board to smooth of the excess of the nails and to round any sharp edges. If the nails are really long, you may need to use clippers. Make sure they are sterile before you start; rinse them in warm water, then dip them in rubbing alcohol and allow them to dry. Use the small ones especially made for infants; adult ones are too large. Hold baby’s hand in yours snugly, isolating the finger with the nail you wish to trim. Line the clippers up and then quickly trim, erring to the side of trimming too little rather than too much.
Baby clothes
Newborns don’t need very many clothes; the following basics will get you started nicely.
- One piece pajamas (6-8)
- Onesies (bodysuits) (6-8)
- T-shirts (side-snap or kimono are easiest to use) (3-4)
- Socks (6-8 pairs)
- Hats (2-3)
- Cute outfits for “visiting”
When selecting clothing for baby, always keep comfort in mind. Soft fabrics are important for baby’s sensitive skin. Avoid clothing items with decorative details and closures on the back; since newborns spend so much of their time on their backs these elements can press into their skin. Make sure nothing is tight or binding on baby; clothes should fit comfortably. It is handy to dress baby in layers; for example in cold weather you can place lightweight pajamas on baby and then put a blanket sleeper over them for nighttime.
