Newborn Guide: Diapers, Bathing, and General Care

Topic: General Care Heading link

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Diaper Areas

Keep the baby’s diaper area as dry as you possibly can. That means frequent diaper changes or leaving the baby’s diaper area open to air. Either disposable or cloth diapers are satisfactory. On occasion, the baby’s skin will react to paper diapers or to detergent used with cloth diapers. Cloth diapers must be rinsed well after washing to minimize skin reactions.

If a rash does appear:

  • Wash and rinse thoroughly
  • Air dry at least 4 times a day
  • Apply Desitin ointment liberally with each diaper change
  • Call the office if this does not help clear the rash

Bowel Movements

Some babies have a bowel movement after each feeding. Others have one every 4-5 days. As long as the stool is not too firm (like marbles) or too loose (brown or green water), or bloody, don’t worry. Babies grunt, strain, yell, and even cry out with a bowel movement. These actions are not necessarily those of discomfort but represent the maximal effort an infant can exert in an attempt to expel stool. It is not considered constipation unless the stool is very hard.

 

Circumcision

First, you need to decide whether to have your son circumcised. Discuss this with your obstetrician who performs the procedure. We would also be happy to discuss this with you if you wish. If the circumcision is performed, you will notice that there may be a plastic ring around the tip of the penis after the procedure. This ring will usually fall off in 3-10 days. The circumcision requires no special care, although Vaseline may be applied to the end of the penis if it appears to be raw. It may be washed with soap and water just as the rest of the body. Please notify your obstetrician or us if you notice any pus or bleeding.

 

Pseudemenses (false period)

A female baby may have a menstrual period 3-5 days after birth. This is due to the effect of withdrawal of maternal hormones on the tissues of the baby’s uterus. It needs no treatment, and many times it is hardly noticeable.

Visitors

All of your well-meaning friends and relatives will want to admire your new baby and many will have advice for you. We would suggest that you minimize any close exposure to those who are ill. Common sense should prevail. May we suggest that you accept their helpful hints graciously but decide for yourself and consult us (if you wish) as to the advisability of these suggestions?

 

Clothing

Use common sense in selecting proper clothing for your baby. Your baby does not need to be overdressed. Dress your baby in the same weight clothing you are wearing.

 

Check-Ups

Please bring your baby to see us for regular medical check-ups. These visits will allow us to check your baby’s growth and development, talk with you about the care of your baby, and help you anticipate what is to come. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all babies be seen by a pediatrician 1-2 days after they are discharged from the hospital. We will want to see your baby again at about 2 weeks of age. The following checkups will be at 2, 4, and 6 months at which time immunization will be given. Please call the office to make these appointments. Office hours are 8:45am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Bathing

During the first 2 weeks of life or as long as the umbilical cord remains attached, your baby should receive only a sponge bath with a soft cloth. After the cord falls off, tub baths may be given. Very mild and un-perfumed soaps are less irritating. After a bath, gently dry the baby’s skin. Do not use lotions on the face or scalp, as those areas tend to be naturally oily.