Cleansing baby care tips

Cleansing and bathing your baby is a vital part of babycare. By being thorough and gentle, this process can be an enjoyable experience for both of you.

Baby care: the importance of bath time

Giving your baby a bath is a lovely time to make sure your baby is getting all the care they need.

It’s baby bath time!

Bath time is a very special bonding experience for mother and baby. Often taking place at the end of the day, it’s a great way to unwind together and enjoy the intimate bathing experience. It’s also the best time to cleanse your baby from head to toe and make sure they are cared for in the best way.

When looking for baby products online, there are a few things to look out for. Baby skin is more sensitive than adult skin and it’s important that the products you choose won’t cause any irritation. NIVEA Baby Pure & Sensitive Wash Lotion has been specially developed for sensitive baby skin. For the very first days it is also recommended to use some drops of baby oil instead of wash lotions.

How long should a baby bath last?

It is recommended to wait with the first bath until the umbilical cord has fallen off. The water temperature should be around 37°C. If your baby is enjoying him- or herself, give them an extra 5 minutes. However, baths should not be too long as extensive baths can dry out the baby’s skin.

Tips for bathing your baby the right way

Check the temperature of the water using your wrist or elbow before immersing your baby
Never leave your baby alone in the water even for a second
Instead, use a soft towel to gently pat dry your little one – your baby will love a preheated, warm towel
Make sure you have clean clothes or pyjamas ready so that your baby doesn’t get cold

Is it necessary to bath your baby every day?

Despite popular opinion, it’s not necessary to bath your baby every day. Two or three times a week is generally enough to keep your little one clean and smelling fresh, as long as you cleanse enough during nappy changes and after feeds.

Moisturising after bath time – why is it so important?

Your baby’s skin is at its softest after bath time. It’s also the best time to apply moisturiser to your baby, as it’s when the skin will absorb the most moisture possible. This is particularly vital if you’ve noticed that your baby’s skin is dry or if they are suffering from skin conditions such as eczema. As you moisturize, why not work in a little baby massage with some baby oil too? A massage is a great way for mother and baby to bond and it has wonderful effects on the skin too.

Choose a lotion that’s formulated for sensitive baby skin like NIVEA Baby Pure and Sensitive Milk Lotion. The formula with shea butter and 0% parabens, alcohol and colourants provides for intense moisture so you can rest assured your baby’s skin is in good hands.

Moisturising isn’t just for after a bath in the evening either – applying cream in the morning can be a great way of prepping your child’s skin for outdoor play or whatever fun activities you have planned.

Baby care: Keeping your little one clean all

When caring for your baby, it’s important not to miss the little areas like the toenails, nose and eyelids.

Cleansing the nose area and delicate eyelids

The inside of the nose and eyelid areas can be very fragile and need special care. Try using NIVEA Baby Nasal Solution to rinse your baby’s sensitive mucous membranes and gently wipe over the external eyelids. It cleanses and moisturises to help your baby to breathe more easily and remove any impurities from the external eyelids. Developed in cooperation with dermatologists, you can rest assured that it’s mild enough for your little one.

A clean bottom can make all the difference!

If you only bath your baby every few days, keeping their bottom clean between nappy changes is vital. If they suffer from redness or sore skin, try NIVEA Baby Bottom Ointment to ease this and provide relief through its special wet-resistance complex for keeping the nappy skin area dry.

5 areas that tend to be forgotten about

The tummy button
Behind the ears
In between the fingers and toes
Soles and heels of the feet
Elbows and knees

Drying off the right way

Babies lose heat quickly after bath time, so it’s important to wrap your baby in a soft, if possible preheated towel immediately. Gently pat dry without rubbing, as this may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Pay special attention to making sure any folds in the skin are completely dry.

Cleaning your little one’s nails

Baby finger- and toenails can store a surprising amount of dirt and it’s important to keep them clean. Try using a soft toothbrush dipped in warm water to gently work away any dirt and try to keep the nails trimmed on a regular basis to stop the dirt building up.