Being a first-time mother is not easy. You may have a lot of questions as to how to take care of your newborn baby – how to feed them, how to make them fall asleep, how to pacify them, and a lot more. One confused mind and a hundred problems that you have to attend to one by one.
Among these hundred subjects to be confused about, there is hygiene. Practising good hygiene yourself is important, but much more crucial for your baby. Why? Because they are delicate. They are 10x times more vulnerable to infections because their immune system is weaker.
So, you have to be careful and give good attention to hygiene. Here are a few tips you can follow:
Give them a regular bath
There are some days when you are just too lazy to take a bath yourself, let alone bathing your baby. So, here is a gentle reminder for one of those days. Giving them a regular bath is crucial for their hygiene. The ‘regular’ here varies.
Babies under one year do not require a bath every day. In this case, aim for at least three days a week. While you are at it, ensure you use a mild and toxin-free soap and shampoo. Feel free to use a cotton ball dipped in saline solution to clean their outer ear, corner of their eyes, and nose. Make sure you do not insert the cotton ball into the ear or nose.
Clean your home
A clean surrounding is as important as a clean body. By cleaning, we do not mean keeping their closet or nursery organised. We mean, deep cleaning not just their surroundings but everything they usually lay their hands on. This includes the baby supplies, toys, and prams.
Try to clean their belongings and sanitise them, especially toys as babies usually put them in their mouths. We suggest you use a steriliser and dry the toys properly.
Keep pests & insects at bay
If lizards, rats, cats and insects are common guests in your home, you need to be much more vigilant about getting rid of them. It is a no-brainer that they can make the environment dirty and your baby more prone to develop infections.
You can choose pest control services to limit the presence of these pests and insects. Ensure your baby stays distant during the pest control session.
Trim the fingernails and clean them
A regular bath does not clean the fingernails. Start with trimming their nails as they house dirt and germs. As babies usually put their fingers in their mouths, it can make them more prone to illnesses. So, make sure you trim their nails and clean the nailbeds inside out.
Don’t ignore oral hygiene
A baby doesn’t have teeth, so is oral hygiene even important? Turns out it is. Before teeth appear, opt for a clean, soft cloth or a gauze pad wrapped around your finger. Moisten it with water, ensuring it is damp but not overly wet. Use this to gently cleanse your child’s gums and potential tooth sites. As soon as the first tooth appears, you can begin brushing their teeth using a soft bristle finger brush, comprising a small head and made from non-toxic materials. You can begin brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Clean with a soft bristle finger brush, comprising a small head and made from non-toxic materials. While you are at it, do not forget the baby’s tongue as it may have milk deposits that are a red flag for oral health.
Wash your baby’s hands
Babies often put their hands in their mouths, making them a host to germs. Hence, aim to clean their hands with gentle soaps and hand wash frequently.
Change diapers regularly
Changing diapers is indeed a task. Nonetheless, it is crucial. Aim to change the diaper as soon as it gets soiled. You can also reduce the development of rashes and irritation.
While you are at it, ensure you clean your baby’s diaper area as well. You can use gentle baby wipes; do not leave the area damp. Also, do not forget to clean your hands too.
Closing thoughts
Maintaining your baby’s hygiene is crucial for their health and well-being. From diaper changes to bathing routines, from oral care to cleaning their surroundings, each aspect plays a significant role in preventing illnesses and fostering robust health. As a mother, take special care to ensure that hygiene practices are not just carefully followed but also adapted as your baby grows. With conscious, consistent care, you can pave the way for a healthier, happier childhood for your little one. Remember, hygienic habits instilled early on can set the course for a lifetime of good health and well-being.
