- You should give no tub baths until the umbilical cord base has dried completely. Until the cord falls off, you should lean around the base of the cord. Alcohol or peroxide is not necessary for cleansing.
- Only warm water is needed to bathe your baby; you may, however, use a mild soap two or three times a week, taking care to rinse the soap off completely. Babies do not need to be bathed more often than this, if you wipe off their bottoms with each diaper change.
- Use a mild soap only. Recommended, soaps are: Camay, Jergens, Johnson’s Baby Soap, Neutrogena, Lowila, Aveeno. Please avoid using perfume or deodorant soaps, as they may irritate or dry the baby’s skin.
- No oils or powders are recommended. Baby powder can be inhaled into your baby’s lungs and cause serious respiratory problems. If you must use oil, use only a small amount of baby oil or olive oil.
- Do not use oils on your baby if a rash is present. If your baby develops diaper rash, the best treatment is to leave the diaper off for a while to keep the skin cool and dry. Desitin, A&D ointment, or Bag balm are also handy for diaper rash.
- Avoid commercial lotions; many contain perfumes, oils, and dyes which may irritate the baby’s skin.
- Be sure to clean the baby’s bottom well with each diaper change.
- Always wash new clothes before putting them on your baby. New clothes may contain chemicals, which irritate the skin.
- Use mild liquid laundry detergent such as Ivory or Dreft for your baby’s clothes, sheets, towels, and wash cloths.
- If other members of the family have boils or sores on their skin, they should see a doctor before touching the baby; the problem may be contagious.