newborn care tips: head to toe

Newborn babies are very delicate in their first few weeks and months, because everything is so fresh and new, their skin can be very sensitive and more susceptible to common conditions such as nappy rash, baby acne and cradle cap. There are many simple and natural things you can do to help baby’s skin stay soft and protected, so we have put together a list of gentle care tips that will help soothe and nourish your new little one, from head to toe.

Face
Baby’s face is very sensitive and delicate and it is common to break out with newborn acne. Keeping baby's face clean and dry will help avoid break outs and rashes.

Care tip: Wash your baby's face daily with a soft cloth, and you can use a touch of almond oil for dry patches.

Eyes
Some babies can have weeping eyes due to blocked tear ducts, so keep little eyes and eyelids clean with warm water.

Care tip: Wipe the area using a soft muslin wipe moistened with warm water or breast milk.

Scalp
Many newborns develop a scaly scalp condition called cradle cap. It doesn’t hurt and isn’t uncomfortable, although it can be unsightly. It will usually disappear within a few months, and a great way to reduce and relieve cradle cap is using a touch of almond oil on the scalp and a soft bristle baby brush.

Care tip: Wash your baby's hair with a dash of almond oil and gently brush out the scales daily using a baby hairbrush or soft toothbrush.

Nose
Babies' narrow nasal passages can be prone to filling with mucus which can make little one blocked up and snuffly.

Care tip: Gently unclog nostrils with an infant-sized nasal bulb syringe or try the trauma-minimizing Nosefrida. To loosen mucus, insert saline solution with an eyedropper before suctioning.

Nails
A newborn’s nails are usually soft, but they can scratch their own delicate skin, especially when they have their new born startle reflex.

Care tip: Use baby nail clippers or blunt-nosed scissors. Clip after the bath when nails are soft, or when they are relaxed sleeping. We recommend a pair of scratch mittens which will keep little ones hands warm and toasty whilst protecting their skin.

Skin
Babies’ skin is so delicate and sensitive they don’t need a lot on their skin, a dash of almond oil in the bath will be nice and nourishing. Gently massaging a baby massage oil after a bath will be lovely on baby's skin and little one will love the sensation of touch.

Care tip: Limit baths to 10 minutes, and use a mild, fragrance-free soap or almond oil. We always recommend natural fibres against little ones skin.

Tummy
Babies' umbilical cord usually falls off around 2-3 days after birth. It is important to keep the area dry and ventilated.  

Care tip: Make sure baby's clothes or nappies do not rub the stump. Use wrap around tops like kimonos, they are great for allowing the air flow. If the area begins to look infected, try squirting a little fresh breastmilk onto the area (full of natural antibiotics and probiotics).

Bottom
Bottom rash is something most babies will encounter in the first few weeks and months due to excess moisture on their sensitive skin. Changing nappies regularly and giving nappy-off time will help keep baby’s bottom fresh and dry.

Care tip: Try sponging your baby's bottom with warm water during each change and blot dry. Avoid using disposable wipes if you can as they may irritate skin. Instead try cotton cloths and water. Using a natural barrier cream like our organic bottom balm after every change will help prevent nappy rash and protect baby’s skin from too much moisture.

Legs
Newborn's legs can be slightly bowed out wiht their feet turned in, which is very common after being in a womb for 9 months. Not to worry, it is all very normal and baby’s legs and feet will straighten in anywhere from six to 18 months.

Feet
Little ones feet can often feel cold due to circulation and they can lose heat through their feet, so it’s best to keep feet warm and toasty with some booties.

Care tip: Newborn babies love massage and are especially responsive to reflexology. Many parents will instinctively rub their babies feet to soothe and relieve tummy pains.

We hope these simple and natural head to toe care tips help your little one in those precious first weeks of life. Nb x