Hygiene is the foundation of healthy living. Good hygiene keeps your body and mind healthy and happy. When it comes to your baby, it is his utmost need and your utmost responsibility to keep your baby, his belongings and his surroundings neat and clean.
A newborn is quite sensitive and so is his immune system. He is prone to allergies, diseases and skin rashes etc. because of an inability to create their own antibodies. But these can be avoided by maintaining a good hygiene routine. It can be done by simply adopting a few habits!
BATHING
Regularly bathing your baby keeps the excess moisture away from their skin. It keeps the dirt and oil away from their hair. Focus on cleaning their face, hands, feet and the diaper areas. Try to use mild and very skin friendly soaps and shampoos for your baby that are also tear free so that more chemicals can be avoided on your baby’s skin. Keep their nails neat and trim them every other day so that infections can be avoided.
CHANGING DIAPERS
It may be not a very pleasant act for you but changing or checking your baby’s diaper at regular intervals is very important! If not changed for long can cause him rashes, yeast or bladder infections. Clean your baby’s bottom with gentle wipes and do not leave it damp!
DISINFECTING YOUR BABY’S CLOTHES
Sanitizing your baby’s clothes is very important because you need to be sure that whatever touches your baby’s skin is all neat and clean! Try not to use any powder detergent because chances are they would stick to the baby’s clothes which can be harmful for his skin. Instead, use any liquid detergent. Another way to disinfect your baby’s clothes is using any disinfectant or vinegar or hot water because it can kill the germs easily.
You must make sure that you wash your baby’s clothes separately rather than with others clothes because this way the bacteria might be transmitted to your baby’s clothes. You should also have a separate cupboard or a closet for placing your baby’s’ clothes.
DENTAL HYGIENE
You can start your baby’s oral hygiene even before their teeth start to grow. Clean your baby’s gum with a wet cloth after feeding them or putting them to sleep. You should also massage their gum tissues with your index fingers so that they do not swell.
STERILIZING THE FEEDING ITEMS:
Usually the infant feeding items involve bottles, nipples, caps or spoons etc. You must sterilize these items before feeding them by placing them in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. You should even sterilize the brush that you use for cleaning the bottles. After boiling them, leave them to air dry. There are other ways of sterilizing as well, rather than just boiling. Some mothers also add a chemical disinfectant in the boiling water and some mothers use electric sterilizers to sterilize the items. But it’s totally up to you as long as the purpose is being served!
CLEAN YOUR BABY’S ROOM
It is very essential to place only the necessary items/ furniture in your baby’s room because the more crowded the room is, the more dusty it will be and difficult for you to clean it. Try to change the sheets of your little one’s cot twice a week, because a tidier environment helps them to sleep more peacefully. Your baby’s room should be well ventilated because fresh air is very important for your baby’s overall health.
Also Read:Â How To Keep Your Babies Warm And Cozy All Winters
Author: Ume Laila