Baby's skin is fragile (rubbing, repeated cleansing). It is thus necessary to take care of its toilet to preserve and protect its skin. For total safety, choose cleansing products specially designed for babies and "hypoallergenic". Prefer them with softening, nourishing and protective active ingredients (calendula, oat milk, sweet almond oil...).
The joys of the bath
Bathing is the first hygienic gesture for the little ones. It is a moment of awakening and pleasure. Follow the advice received at the maternity ward for the first bath. Afterwards, develop good habits and give your baby a daily bath, preferably at a fixed time, in the morning or evening before meals. Immerse your baby gently in the bath water, supporting his head with one arm. Wash the body and head, using a 2-in-1 washing gel (for body and hair), or a superfatted soap enriched with gentle nourishing agents (calendula, sweet almond oil), or a dermatological bar (soap-free). Use a large, soft sponge to gently rinse it off. After bathing, wrap your baby in a terry towel. Dry his skin and hair carefully, patting them dry with gentle gestures. Take care not to leave any moisture in the folds of the body to avoid the risk of maceration. Always check the temperature of the bath water, which should be 37 degrees, using a thermometer. Maintain the room temperature in the bathroom at 21-22 degrees.
After bathing
- Face: When your baby is comfortably seated on the changing table, soak a large cotton square in milk or mild cleansing water for washing. Thoroughly cleanse the entire face. You can use both cleansing milks and washing water. Cleansing milks rinse off, while washing waters do not rinse off. Dry the face with a cotton pad or a terry towel, then apply a moisturizer or a cold cream, stick, etc. if baby's skin is dry or to protect it.
- The eyes: cleanse one eye after the other, from the outer corner to the base of the nose, using a cotton pad or compress soaked in saline solution. Change the cotton pad or compress for each eye.
- The head: at each bath, shampoo (even if your baby does not yet have hair!) and in the evening, massage the scalp with 3 drops of sweet almond oil as a preventive measure to avoid the appearance of milk crusts.
- The nails: just after the bath (it's easier) take baby scissors with rounded ends and cut baby's nails to prevent him from scratching.
For about ten days. Until the umbilical cord falls out by itself, apply a little eosin locally with a compress folded in four. Hold it in place with a net or bandage wrapped around the baby's belly.
Diaper change Several times a day, your baby's bottom is soiled by his urine (20 times a day) and stools (about 4 to 6 times a day). To prevent your baby's bottom from becoming "red", change it as often as you can. When it's a pee, cleaning with water and careful rinsing and drying are sufficient. After bowel movements, use cleansing milk or thick wipes for changing. Apply "second skin" creams, called "water pastes" or "diaper creams". They are made with zinc oxide (talcum powder) and anti-enzymes to help keep baby's bottom isolated from irritating stools and pee. In case of persistent "red bottom", watch out for local superinfections.
Ask your pharmacist and his team they are at your disposal to complete this information!
Allergens and baby
Some babies, who are more sensitive to dust mites, dust, food (cow's milk) and metals, will develop eczema around the age of 3 months. This eczema is benign but embarrassing and requires monitoring of symptoms that develop into flare-ups (rash of small pimples on the face, dry skin, etc.). The eczemas spontaneously regress around the age of 7 and 10 years. Your pharmacist will tell you if it is necessary to consult your paediatrician or doctor.
Practical list for baby's bathroom
For the bath:
- a plastic bathtub adapted to baby's dimensions
- a bath thermometer
- a fun synthetic sponge (fish, duck...)
- a suitable toilet product (superfatted soap, dermatological bar, 2-in-1 washing gel, mild shampoo, etc.).
- a bath oil for dry or atopic skins
For the after-bath:
- a changing mat to welcome baby when he gets out of the bath.
- a soft terry towel
- care for the body, the seat and the face (sweet almond oil, moisturizing fact, protective face cream, cream for the change ...)
- a clean cotton diaper
- cotton wool, sterile compresses (for the cord)
- Pods of physiological saline, eosin, alcohol at 60 degrees .... for the specific care of the umbilical cord and small buttons.