Tips for Caring for Babies 0 to 6 Months

The birth of a baby who was conceived by the mother for approximately 9 months is a tremendous excitement, especially if the baby is the first child in the family. However, since newborns, especially around 0-6 months are still so small and weak, they need good and proper care. 

Bathing the Baby

Babies should be bathed every day so that the cleanliness of the skin and body is maintained. And also to avoid bacterial and fungal infections which may cause skin irritation.

Things which need to be considered when bathing a baby:

1. Setting up the bathing products before bath (such as soap, shampoo, etc.) and after bath (such as towels, clothing, powder, and so on).
2. The temperature of warm water used for bathing the baby should be around 29.5 C, with the water level between 5-8 cm.
3. It is advisable to bathe the baby in the room which is not cold and windy. 
4. Never leave a baby alone in the tub.
5. Provide toys such as plastic ducks in order to make the baby feel happy. Make sure that the toys don’t have sharp edges for the safety of the baby's skin. 
6. After bathing, use a soft towel to wipe the baby's body and hair until completely dry. Perform the wiping slowly.
7. Then, apply the telon oil to the baby's body in order to feel warm and comfortable. 

Taking care of the umbilical cord

First of all, remove the bandage which is wrapped around the cord, then clean around the base of the umbilical cord with a cotton bud that has been dipped in a solution of 70% alcohol beforehand. After cleaning, re-wrap the cord with sterile gauze which has also been dipped in a solution of 70% alcohol beforehand.

Cleansing the eyes

Cleanse the baby's eyes with a cotton roll that has been dipped in warm water. Move cotton from the inside to the outer end. But use a different cotton for each eye.

Cleansing the ears

Moisten a cotton bud with baby oil first. Rub on the front and rear ear. Then dry them softly. 

Cleansing the teeth and gums

Use a wet cloth or sterile gauze to cleanse them every day, even though the baby has no teeth.

Cleansing the nose

Dip a cotton bud into the warm water. Insert it in a circular motion to the baby’s nose gently, but not too far inside. 

Cleansing the genitals

1. Baby boy : cleanse the genitals and surrounding areas with wet cotton to the anus. Cleanse from bottom to top genitals by pulling it slowly. And do it in one direction.
2. Baby girl : cleanse the folded areas around the genital and groin with wet cotton. Do it from the area up to the anus.

Always dry after cleansing this part. Make sure the baby feels comfortable and calm.