Women's Services
Birthing Services - Caring for Baby and You
Cleaning
Skin Care
Nails
Diapers and Clothes
Crying
Temperature Taking
How do I wash my baby?
Text transcript (PDF - 37 KB)
- Tub bathing is recommended even when the umbilical cord is attached. This helps with decreased heat loss and makes sure the umbilical cord does not get infected.
- Do not bathe baby every day as it dries the skin and can lead to increased irritation. Bathing baby every 2-3 days is recommended.
- Bathe baby 2 hours after a feeding or just before the next feeding.
- Arrange all your needed supplies within easy reach before you start the bath: wash cloth soap/body wash, and a few towels.
- Use a mild, unscented, and hypoallergenic soap or body wash.
- The bath water should feel warm to your elbow or inner wrist.
- Never turn your back or leave your baby alone during the bath, not even for a second.
- Always keep at least one hand on your baby when in the bath or on the table.
- Do the bath in a warm room (about 22 to 27°C), free of drafts.
- When washing your baby, think cleanest to dirtiest.
FACE: Gently wipe the baby's face with a clean wet washcloth without soap.
EYES: Using the same cloth with no soap you used for your baby's face, and wipe your baby's eyes from the inner corner, moving outwards using a different part of the washcloth.
EARS: Wipe outer part of ears and behind the ears with the tip of the washcloth. Never use Q-tips inside baby's ears.
HAIR: You can wash baby's hair in the tub or wrap the baby in a warm towel and wash the hair before washing the body. Lather baby's hair using a very small amount of mild soap or shampoo. Rinse your baby's hair thoroughly and rub dry. Make sure to gently place your fingers over the opening in your baby's ears to prevent water from going inside the ears.
BODY: Be sure to thoroughly wash and rinse the folds around your baby's neck, creases under the arms and between fingers. Wash baby's legs and between toes.
DIAPER AREA: Clean baby's diaper area with warm water and a washcloth, or you can use unscented, hypoallergenic wipes. Always clean from front to back to prevent a urinary tract infection.
- Girls: Wash gently with unscented soap and water, between the labial folds (often swollen), from front to back. Mucous discharge with pink tinged blood is normal and is because your baby received some of your hormones at birth. This usually lasts about 5 days and is normal. Rinse baby's bottom with water from the tub.
- Boys: Wash gently, with unscented soap and water, lifting the scrotum up to clean underneath. The scrotum is often enlarged and looks darkened and red in colour. Do not push back skin or clean under foreskin if penis is uncircumcised. Toddlers (at approx. 3 yrs of age) can be taught to pull back skin for cleansing. Rinse baby's bottom with water from the tub.
Thoroughly dry baby's entire body, especially between skin creases and folds, and put diaper on. Brush and comb baby's hair.
How do I keep my baby's umbilical cord clean?
Text transcript (PDF - 35 KB)
- Daily cleansing may be done with plain water (during bathing).
- The umbilical cord can be gently pat dry or air-dried.
- More frequent cleaning (with diaper changes) using a water-moistened Q-tip will help keep baby's umbilical cord clean.
- Always keep the umbilical cord clean and dry. Diapers should be folded down and away from the umbilical cord area to prevent contamination of the umbilical cord with urine or feces.
- The clamp and umbilical cord does not hurt your baby as there are no nerves in the umbilical cord.
- The cord area heals on its own and the cord will gradually dry and fall off at approximately 10-14 days after birth.
- Slight bleeding (drops of blood) and redness of the skin surrounding the umbilicus, may occur briefly as the cord falls off.
- The umbilical cord may be infected if your baby has a fever, or there is an odd smell coming from the umbilical cord.
Call your health care provider or public health nurse if you are concerned.
My baby is a few days old. Why does my baby's skin look yellow?
Text transcript (PDF - 32 KB)
- Jaundice is yellow colouring of the skin and eyes.
- Jaundiced babies may be sleepy and difficult to awaken for feedings.
- It usually shows up on the skin and whites of the eyes during the baby's first 3-5 days of life.
- IMPORTANT: Take your baby to your health care provider right away if your baby develops jaundice. Severe jaundice can cause brain damage.
My baby has crusty patches of skin on his/her head. What should I do?
Text transcript (PDF - 31 KB)
- Some babies have scaly and crusty patches of skin on their scalp. This is called cradle cap and is common in the first few months after birth.
- Soften the crust by brushing baby oil or mineral oil through your baby's hair and leave on overnight.
- Prior to bathing, thoroughly comb oil through hair with a fine-toothed comb and then remove the loosened crusts by following the guidelines for washing baby's hair.
How do I take care of my baby's skin?
Text transcript (PDF - 32 KB)
- Apply olive oil or zinc oxide cream to your baby's bottom and between the legs if needed for skin redness.
- Do not use powder on your baby as it can cause breathing difficulties.
- Use unscented, hypoallergenic skin lotions or oils to keep the skin moist as needed.
- Do not expose baby to direct sunlight or place baby by a bright window to avoid the harmful solar rays and risk of dehydration.
- Do not use sunscreen on your baby until your baby is 6 months of age or older.
What should my baby look like?
Text transcript (PDF - 31 KB)
- If your baby has tiny white raised dots on baby's face and nose area (also known as milia), these are due to blocked oil glands. They disappear on their own within the first few weeks of life.
- A newborn rash usually appears after birth and normally disappears on its own in 1-2 weeks with no treatment necessary.
- Your baby's head may not be completely round after birth. It becomes more round during the first few months of age.
How do I take care of my baby's nails?
Text transcript (PDF - 36 KB)
- The easiest way to trim baby's nails is when he/she is sleeping. Use an emery board to file your baby's nails for the first few weeks.
- Once the nails grow beyond the nail bed (after a few weeks), you can use nail clippers with a rounded edge or blunt nail scissors. Cut the nails straight across, near the end of the nail, as you hold the skin away from the nail so you don't damage the nail beds.
- It is not a good idea to bite or chew off baby's nails – germs & bacteria from your mouth could lead to infection in the baby's finger.
- Avoid covering baby's hands with mittens. When they put their hands to their mouths, they may be indicating a feeding cue or soothing themselves.
How do I change my baby's diapers?
Text transcript (PDF - 4532 KB)
- Have everything you need before you lay your baby down to change the diaper
- Change your baby each time the diaper is dirty or wet.
- Use a clean washcloth with warm water or disposable baby wipes for the diaper area - wipe from front to back
- You may need to change the diaper before and after each feeding
- Tabs come from the back of the diaper and fasten at the front
- Never leave your baby unattended – If you can't reach what you need take your baby with you
- Wash your hands after each diaper change to prevent the spread of germs
My baby sometimes cries and it seems like it's for no reason. Is this normal?
Text transcript (PDF - 39 KB)
- Babies cry to communicate and let you know if they need something.
- Most babies cry often, up to 1-3 hours per day, from 2-8 weeks of age.
- Babies will often be fussy around supper time and into the early evening or night.
When my baby cries, what can I do to soothe and calm my baby?
Text transcript (PDF - 31 KB)
- Try to understand why your baby is crying so you can try to help.
- Respond to your baby's cry by picking your baby up and comforting baby. It is important to meet your baby's need and show your baby that he/she can trust you.
- Possible reasons for crying baby:
Hunger
- If baby is putting hands in their mouth and showing feeding cues, try feeding your baby.
Pain or Discomfort
- Pick up baby and comfort baby.
- If baby was just fed, try burping or rub baby's back.
- Check baby's diaper and change their diaper if it is wet/soiled.
To Hot or To Cold
- Babies should be dressed with as many layers as you plus one more layer.
- Check that the room temperature is not too cold or hot.
- Your baby should not be cool to the touch.
Tired or Over Stimulated
- Try holding baby by laying them across your arm on his/her chest. Tuck baby's knees up and put your baby's ear near your chest so they can listen to your strong heartbeat. Pat baby's bottom lightly or rub baby's back. Use a gentle swaying motion if necessary.
Needs Change
- Cuddle with your baby and sing/speak softly, say "ssshhh" by his/her ear.
- Go into a different room so baby can look at different things or other people.
- Read, play, talk, sing, hold your baby every day.
Sometimes baby's cry "just because"
- Use motions – rhythmic rocking, swaying, gentle movements, taking your baby for a walk in the stroller, or going for a car ride.
- Change the baby's position – carrying over your arm, in a sling, or in an infant carrier.
- Play different types of music for your baby and read to your baby right from birth. They enjoy looking and listening to you and respond to voices, sounds, and the rhythm of the music or story.
- Bathe your baby or take your baby in the bath with you.
IMPORTANT: Do not shake or throw your baby at anytime as this could cause Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Call your health care provider of Telehealth at 1.800.797.0000 if you your baby's cry sounds different to you or you are unable to soothe him/her after trying everything.
How do I take my baby's temperature?
Text transcript (PDF - 46 KB)
- Tympanic thermometers are NOT accurate with children under 3 years of age.
- Forehead strips or pacifier thermometers are NOT good ways to take a baby's temperature.
- It is recommended to use an easy-to-read digital thermometer.
- Place the tip of a digital thermometer snugly under the centre of your baby's armpit.
- Hold baby firmly to avoid quick movements while thermometer is in place.
- A digital thermometer will beep when ready.
- Normal temperature, taken under your baby's armpit is:
36.5° C - 37.5° C (97.6 F – 99.5 F) - You do not need to check your baby's temperature regularly unless:
- you feel your baby is sick,
- has a fever, or
- you have been directed to by your health care provider
- A fever is a temperature higher than the normal body temperature.
Call or visit your health care provider if your baby has a fever. If you have concerns you can seek advice from Telehealth Ontario at 1.800.797.0000.
