Quick fix for your care concerns

Once you’re home with your new baby, daily care becomes part of your routine. We have tips on some of the things you might very well be concerned about.

CORD CARE

After birth, the cord is cut and clamped. You can leave the plastic clamp on until the whole stump falls off. This can take seven to 14 days. Be patient, and don’t tug at it to get it off earlier. Dry care is recommended these days. This simply means that you keep the cord clean and exposed to air, so covered loosely by clothes. Use nappies that have a cut-out for the cord stump, or fold the top of the nappy down. Be assured that there is very little risk of infection. Signs of infection are when the stump turns red and there is a yellow discharge, or when the skin around the cord is red and raw. The stump should not smell either.

GENITAL CARE

Your baby’s genitals (both boys and girls) may look outsized or swollen for a while after birth. No need to be alarmed – your paediatrician will check that everything is as it should be. When cleaning the nappy area, be gentle with your son’s foreskin. There is no need to pull it back. You also don’t have to pull on your daughter’s labia. Always clean from front to back. Watch out for little boys – they like to pee when the nappy comes off. A bit of time with the skin exposed to fresh air can do wonders for preventing nappy rash.

BATH ROUTINES

Most hospitals show you how to bath your baby before you leave. If you don’t feel confident about doing it at home, make sure you have help when bathtime does come around. Many hands make light work, after all. Also know that it is not necessary to bath your baby every day, especially if he doesn’t enjoy it, and it stresses you out. You can easily keep your newborn clean by topping and tailing. In other words, wash his face, neck and head, wipe his upper body, and clean under the arms and also the hands. Then dress his upper body, and wash the lower body.

SHOT SPOT

Your baby will be inoculated against tuberculosis at birth. This shot is given just under the skin of the upper arm. Often a pimple forms at the spot where it was given. Do not be tempted to pop this pimple, and don’t put any ointment on it either, as this can interfere with the efficacy of the vaccination. Best practice is to simply leave the pimple alone, and it will clear up by itself.

SKIN CONCERNS

Tiny white bumps across your baby’s nose, chin or cheeks are very common. It is called milia. Resist the urge to squeeze or pick at them, as you could damage your baby’s delicate skin. Milia does not need to be treated. Rest assured, they will disappear in a few weeks. The same goes for cradle cap. Don’t pick at it, and wash your baby’s hair as you would normally. If it is really bad, you can apply a product especially for cradle cap – ask your pharmacist.