On hygiene of the newborn

Newborn and Infant Hygiene

A baby should be bathed in water approximately every two days. CLEAN WATER ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH to wash off greasy stool, skin sebum, or cream residues. That's why we use baby cosmetics – gentle baby shower gels (e.g., Bioderma ABC Derm Moussant, A-Derma Exomega Emollient Cleansing Gel, etc.). Be especially thorough when washing skin folds (under the neck, armpits, groin creases, buttocks, genitals).

For girls, during daily hygiene and when wiping with wet wipes, don't forget to gently clean the space between the outer and inner labia of the vagina – always after a bowel movement. Clean the area around the vagina using a clean wet wipe, wiping from front to back (vagina to anus) – never the other way around, to avoid introducing infection into the urinary tract or vagina.

After bathing and gently drying the skin (by wrapping and softly patting with a towel – never rubbing the baby's skin), apply baby oil (e.g., Weleda Calendula Baby Oil, Aviril – a more affordable option) or a moisturizing baby cream (e.g., Excipial for Kids Lotion 150ml). Hands and face should also be gently washed with a soft washcloth in the morning to help the child get used to the routine of morning hygiene.

If the child has a tendency toward dry skin (e.g., parents have atopy or eczema), moisturize more frequently – in the morning and even around noon. In winter, skin is especially prone to dryness due to overheated and dry indoor air.

Nails should be trimmed or filed from birth. Don't overdress the baby in summer – it's better to gently adapt the child to cooler air. Babies are often dressed too warmly.

Umbilical cord care: let it air-dry until it falls off. If it becomes moist or starts to smell, buy spiritus dilutus (medicinal alcohol) and apply it with a piece of gauze once a day for a few minutes. After the umbilical stump dries and falls off, continue to maintain hygiene not only around the navel but also behind the ears, on the back in the crease between the buttocks – these areas should also be moisturized with oil after bathing. Clean folds in the navel daily with a cotton swab dipped in baby oil, the same one used for moisturizing the baby.