Bathing, cord, and nail care

Bathing a newborn

Newborns don't need daily baths — two or three times a week is plenty, with gentle cleaning of the face, neck, and diaper area in between. Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, sponge baths are usually recommended.

• Keep the room warm and gather everything before you start
• Support the head and neck at all times, and never leave a baby alone in or near water
• Use warm (not hot) water and a small amount of mild baby wash
• Bath water should feel comfortably warm on your wrist or elbow

Umbilical cord care

Keep the cord stump clean and dry, and fold the diaper down below it so it is exposed to air. It usually dries and falls off within about one to three weeks. A little dried blood as it separates is normal.

Nail care

Newborn nails grow fast and can scratch delicate skin. Trim or file them when your baby is calm or asleep, using baby clippers or a soft file. Many parents find filing easiest in the first weeks.

Skin and cradle cap

Dry skin, peeling, baby acne, and cradle cap (flaky patches on the scalp) are all common and usually clear on their own. Gentle care and time are typically all that's needed.

When to check with a professional

Contact your pediatrician if the cord area becomes red, swollen, smelly, or oozes pus, if there is bleeding that doesn't stop, or if a rash is spreading, blistering, or accompanied by a fever.