Your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive, and it’s usually recommended to only use warm water when cleaning them for at least the first few weeks. When your baby was born, they may have been covered in a thick, sticky, white substance known as vernix. It is best to let this be absorbed into your baby’s skin, as it acts like a moisturiser.
Your baby may also have sticky eyes in the early days. Using a cotton wool ball dampened in a little cooled boiled water gently wipe each eye from the inner corner of the eye outwards in one sweep. Swipe again with a new, dry cotton wool ball. Be careful to use a clean cotton wool ball in clean water for each eye to avoid any infection.
Nappy rash is a common problem so it’s important to change your baby’s nappy regularly. Clean the nappy area with warm water and cotton wool and allow to dry thoroughly. Allow your baby some time to kick about without a nappy (perhaps lying on a folded towel). This can help reduce nappy rash. You can also use a petroleum-based lubricant to protect your baby’s skin. If nappy rash becomes a problem, contact your GP.
After birth, your baby’s umbilical cord will have been clamped and cut and either a plastic clip or cord tie will have been used to tie off the end. Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will normally fall off in the first week or so after birth. Keep it clean and dry. Some mums fold nappies down so the stump is free of the nappy. Don’t worry if the cord stump is short and this is not possible. Sometimes the stump can smell a little while it is drying up, before it falls off, but if it appears red, bleeds or has any discharge, do speak to your midwife.
It is important to cut your baby’s fingernails regularly as they grow quickly, are quite sharp and your baby can scratch themselves easily. You can buy special baby nail clippers or scissors. Many parents find it easier to use a baby nail file. Scratch mitts can be used but take these off for skin to skin or breastfeeding.
That very first bath is such a lovely way to bond with your baby but do remember that not all babies love baths to start with. Some parents prefer to wait a few days before washing their baby. If your baby was born with vernix still on their skin, it’s recommended to leave it to sink in, as it acts like a moisturiser. Daily bathing is not necessary for your baby’s sensitive skin; some parents prefer to just clean your baby's face, neck, hands and nappy area every day.
Use a first infant formula throughout the first year. It doesn’t matter which brand you choose as they are all very similar. Talk to your midwife or health visitor if you have any concerns.
Stick to a first infant formula throughout the first year. When your baby is six months old, it’s okay when cooking and preparing foods to use small amounts of pasteurised whole cows’ milk. Tap water is fine for infants over six months of age. When your baby is one year old, they will be getting more of their energy, vitamins and minerals from food, and then full fat cows’ milk can be their main milk drink. There is no need for follow-on formula.
You need to make sure you clean and sterilise all equipment to prevent your baby from getting infections and stomach upsets. You’ll need:
The following instructions apply to all feeding equipment you use for your baby, whether you are using expressed breastmilk or first infant formula.
Use fresh water from the cold tap to fill your kettle every time you make up infant formula. Do not use water that has been previously boiled or artificially softened water. Bottled water is not recommended to make up a feed as it is not sterile and may contain too much salt (sodium) or sulphate.
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Fill the kettle with at least 1 litre of fresh tap water from the cold tap. Don’t use water that has been boiled before.
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Boil the water. Then leave the water to cool in the kettle for no more than 30 minutes so that if remains at a temperature of at least 70’c.
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Clean and disinfect the surface you are going to use. It’s really important that you wash your hands to stop bacteria spreading.
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If you are using a cold-water steriliser, shake off any excess solution from the bottle and the teat, or rinse the bottle with cooled boiled water from the kettle (not the tap).
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Keep the teat and cap on the upturned lid of the steriliser. Avoid putting them on the work surface.
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and pour the correct amount of water into the bottle first. Double check that the water level is correct.
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Loosely fill the supplied scoop with the infant formula and level it off using either the flat edge of a clean, dry knife or the leveller provided. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only put the suggested number of scoops in the bottle.#
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Holding the edge of the retaining ring, put it on the bottle and screw it in. Cover the teat with the cap and shake the bottle until the powder is dissolved.
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It is really important to cool the infant formula so it is not too hot to drink. Cool the formula by holding the bottom half of the bottle under cold running water. Move the bottle about under the tap to ensure even cooling.
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Test the temperature of the infant formula on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby. It should be body temperature, which means it should feel warm or cool, but not hot.
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If there is any made-up infant formula left in the bottle after a feed, throw it away.
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To reduce the risk of infection, make up feeds as your baby needs them. One at a time.