Having the responsibility of caring for another human is one that should not be taken lightly. Babies can bring so much joy into your life and give you a new purpose. However, the best way to keep your baby happy and healthy is by following good hygiene recommendations.
Bathing Them
Babies, especially before they can crawl around, typically do not get as dirty as children or grown adults. Unlike older children, however, babies cannot wash themselves. Another detail you need to remember is that babies have sensitive skin, meaning that washing them too frequently could dry out their skin. In general, according to The Bump, you can bathe your infant anywhere between one to three times during the week. You can start with sponge baths until you feel more comfortable, or the baby can sit up by themselves. You also want to make sure you have everything you need with you before you put the baby in the tub because you should never leave the baby alone in water.
Brushing Their Teeth
Once your baby hits six months, they might start growing teeth, which means for you that you will need to start brushing them. It is even recommended for parents to brush infants’ gums. Both breast milk and formula have sugar which can cause bacteria to collect around teeth or gums. Tooth decay can impact a baby’s health, future tooth growth, and even their ability to learn how to speak. When you start brushing your baby’s teeth and gums remember to be gentle and to use a soft bristle brush. According to Maccaro Smiles, if your child is under two, they should be using toothpaste without fluoride.
Diaper Changes
The most important part of your baby’s hygiene you should pay attention to is changing their diaper. This may seem obvious, but there can be many problems that are caused by neglecting to clean your baby. As mentioned earlier, babies have sensitive skin. Sitting in a dirty diaper can cause terrible rashes that irritate the baby or can even make them bleed in some cases. According to BabyCenter, if your baby is not fussy, it is a good idea to check their diaper every two hours. If you leave it longer, you risk infection or rashes and an unhappy baby.
Parenthood includes a lot of ups and down, particularly when you are just starting to figure it all out. Luckily, there are many people who have experienced the same things you have. Once you get a handle on your baby’s hygiene routine, you can sleep soundly knowing that you are doing everything you can to keep them healthy.
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