Caring for your newborn: the cord, bathing, nappies and swaddling
How to care for the cord until it falls off, how to wash your baby safely, how to prevent nappy rash and why legs should not be wrapped straight.
5 min read
In this article
In the first weeks, every parent has someone telling them how it is done: a mother, a mother-in-law, a neighbour. Some of that advice is good, some is out of date. Here is what current guidance says about four things you do every day.
The cord
The cord stump dries, turns dark and falls off by itself, usually within about 3 weeks. Until then:
- keep it clean and dry
- clean it only if it gets wee or poo on it, with cotton wool and warm water, then pat it dry
- fold the nappy down below the stump so it stays dry
- there is no need for alcohol, powder or oil
In some families a coin or a tight band is placed over the belly button to stop it “sticking out”. There is no need: it does not change the shape of the belly button and can irritate the skin.
A few drops of blood on the nappy when the stump falls off are normal. See your paediatrician if there is smelly yellow discharge, the skin around the base turns red, your baby cries when you touch it, or the stump has not fallen off after 3 weeks. If the belly button keeps bleeding, call your paediatrician straight away.
Washing without a bath
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1
Eyes
With cotton wool dipped in warm water, from the nose outwards. A fresh piece for each eye.
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2
Face and neck
Clean around the ears, but not inside them. Dry the folds of the neck well.
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3
Hands
Gently open the fingers and clean the palms, where milk and sweat collect.
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4
Bottom
Last, with cotton wool and water, from front to back. Dry the folds well.
Bath time
Your baby does not need a bath every day: washing without a bath, as above, is enough on some days of the week. If your baby enjoys bath time, a daily bath is fine.
- Run the cold water first, then the hot, and mix well.
- Test it with your elbow or wrist: it should be warm, not hot.
- Plain water is enough. If you use soap or oil, choose ones made for babies.
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second. Babies can drown in a few centimetres of water. Do not leave an older child in charge.
Nappies and nappy rash
Nappy rash comes mostly from wetness and rubbing. To prevent it:
- change the nappy as soon as it is wet or dirty
- clean the skin with water or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes, then pat it dry
- leave the nappy off whenever you can
- avoid soap, lotion, talcum powder and antiseptic creams
- ask a pharmacist about a barrier cream for each change
See your paediatrician if the rash does not go away, spreads, or your baby has a temperature or seems very uncomfortable.
Swaddling and legs
Traditionally, babies were wrapped tightly with their legs straight and together. We now know that wrapping legs tight and straight can harm the hips, even dislocate them. If you swaddle your baby, let the legs bend up and out, like a frog’s, and check the wrap is not tight around the hips.
Stop swaddling as soon as your baby starts trying to roll over, which can happen from 2 months. Do not wrap them too warmly. Read more in safe sleep for babies.
Common questions
When does the cord fall off?
Should I bath my baby every day?
Can I use talcum powder?
Does a coin on the belly button help?
Sources we consulted
- NHS: Washing and bathing your baby
- NHS: Nappy rash
- AAP, HealthyChildren.org: Umbilical cord care
- AAP, HealthyChildren.org: Swaddling: is it safe?
Written by the mam.al editors as general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor or paediatrician. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.