108. Caring For Baby

Your baby’s eyes may be swollen and have a little discharge after birth.

To care for your baby’s eyes

• Use a clean wet cloth to wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye.
• Use a different part of the cloth every time you wipe.

At birth, your baby’s first teeth are already underneath the gums. Taking care of your baby’s mouth and gums will help keep those baby teeth healthy. Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, soft washcloth every day. Once teeth appear, a small baby toothbrush with water can be used daily to clean your baby’s teeth. Toothpaste is not necessary. Lift your baby’s lip once a month to look for any signs of tooth decay. If you notice any signs of changes in your baby’s teeth, call your dentist or dental hygienist.

Your baby’s nails may be long at birth. The skin is attached to the underside of the nail and can be easily damaged. The best time to care for your baby’s nails is when he or she is asleep.

Care of your baby’s nails

• Use an emery board to gently file the fingernails and toenails
• If you choose to trim your baby’s nails with scissors, use only small, blunt scissors (not pointed)

Don’t bite your baby’s nails as this could cause an infection.

The umbilical cord joined you and your baby during your pregnancy. At birth the cord was clamped and cut, leaving a small amount of cord attached to your baby. The clamp will be removed by your nurse after 24 hours. The remaining cord will fall off in about 7 to 21 days.

Care of your baby’s umbilical cord

• Ensure that diapers do not cover the cord.
• Keep the cord area dry to promote healing.
• A small amount of oozing or bleeding is normal when the cord is ready to fall off.
• Your baby may be bathed before the cord falls off. After the bath, allow the cord area to dry before dressing your baby.