Quick Answer: Clean your newborn gently and only as needed. For eyes, wipe from inner to outer corner with damp cotton. For nose, use saline drops and a bulb syringe if congested - don't insert anything into nostrils. For ears, clean only the outer part. Sponge baths are sufficient until the umbilical cord falls off. Never use earbuds inside a baby's ears or nostrils.
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Watch: Essential Newborn Care Tips
Newborns have delicate skin and developing immune systems. Proper hygiene helps prevent infections while being gentle enough for their sensitive bodies.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Be gentle | Use force |
| Use clean materials | Reuse dirty cotton |
| Clean only as needed | Over-clean |
| Use plain water mostly | Use harsh products |
| Pat dry gently | Rub vigorously |
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Newborns often have some discharge in the corners of their eyes - this is normal.
How to Clean:
| Issue | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Sticky discharge | Normal; clean gently |
| Yellow/green discharge | May be infection; see doctor |
| Blocked tear duct | Gentle massage; usually resolves |
| Red, swollen eyes | See doctor immediately |
Note: Always wipe from inside (near nose) to outside (toward ear) to avoid spreading any infection.
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Babies are obligate nose breathers - they can't breathe through their mouths like adults. A blocked nose can make feeding and sleeping difficult.
Method 1: Saline Drops
Method 2: Bulb Syringe/Nasal Aspirator
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Even before teeth appear, gentle mouth cleaning helps establish good habits and removes milk residue.
How to Clean:
| Issue | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| **Milk residue** | White coating that wipes off | Normal; clean gently |
| **Oral thrush** | White patches that don't wipe off | See doctor for treatment |
| **Tongue tie** | Difficulty feeding, heart-shaped tongue | Doctor evaluation |
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Only clean what you can see - the outer ear and behind the ear.
How to Clean:
| Fact | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Earwax is normal | Leave it alone |
| It protects the ear canal | Don't try to remove it |
| Ears are self-cleaning | Wax moves out naturally |
Warning: NEVER insert cotton buds/earbuds into baby's ear canal. This can push wax deeper, damage the eardrum, or cause injury.
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Use sponge baths only to keep the umbilical stump dry.
How to Sponge Bath:
You can give baby a proper bath in a baby tub.
Bath Tips:
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| **Temperature** | 37-38°C (test with elbow) |
| **Frequency** | 2-3 times per week is enough |
| **Duration** | 5-10 minutes |
| **Soap** | Plain water or mild baby soap sparingly |
| **Support** | Always support head and neck |
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| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep clean and dry | Submerge in water |
| Fold diaper below stump | Cover with diaper |
| Let air circulate | Apply powder or lotion |
| Let it fall off naturally | Pull or tug at it |
See doctor if you notice:
The cord usually falls off in 1-3 weeks.
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A: 2-3 times per week is enough. Daily baths can dry out baby's skin. Spot clean face, neck, and diaper area daily.
A: It's better to use plain water and cotton for the face. If using wipes, choose fragrance-free, sensitive skin varieties. Water is gentlest.
A: This is common. Use saline drops, run a humidifier, and keep baby upright after feeds. Babies often sound congested without actual blockage.
A: Start gentle mouth cleaning from birth. Once teeth appear (usually around 6 months), use a soft baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
A: Yes! Peeling in the first few weeks is completely normal as baby adjusts to life outside the womb. No treatment needed unless skin looks red or irritated.
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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