Caring for your baby’s nails, skin, and umbilical cord is an important part of ensuring their health and comfort. These sensitive areas need gentle attention and regular care as your little one grows. By establishing a simple routine, you can help keep your baby’s skin soft, their nails trimmed, and their umbilical cord stump clean and healthy. It’s completely normal to have questions or concerns during this process, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance and reassurance whenever you need it!

Trimming Baby’s Nails¹

• Frequency: Check your baby’s nails regularly. They grow quickly, so aim to trim them every week or as needed.
• Tools: Use baby nail clippers, scissors, or a nail file specifically designed for infants.
• Timing: Trim nails after their bath when they are soft, or when your baby is sleeping or breastfeeding, to minimize movement.
• Technique:
• • Hold your baby’s hand firmly but gently. You might want to ask your partner or a friend to help.
  • Clip nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails, avoiding the corners.
  • If you accidentally cut the skin, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.

Keeping Baby’s Skin Healthy

• Bathing: For newborns, sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord falls off. Use warm water and a mild, fragrance-free baby soap. Newborns don’t get very dirty, so bathing your baby 2-3 times a week is often sufficient.²
• Moisturizing: After baths, gently pat your baby’s skin dry. Many parents like to use lotions, but unless the baby’s skin is dry, they’re usually not needed. If necessary, use fragrance-free products to minimize irritation. Avoid powders unless recommended by your baby’s healthcare provider.
• Diaper Rash Prevention:
  • Change diapers frequently to keep the area clean and dry.
  • Allow diaper-free time when possible to let the skin breathe.
  • Use a barrier cream (like zinc oxide) during diaper changes.
• Sun Protection:^3,4,5 
• • Keep your baby out of direct sunlight, especially infants under six months.
  • Dress your baby in lightweight, protective clothing and use a hat with a brim.
  • If protective clothing and shade are not available, babies younger than six months old can use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face. Be careful not to get it near their eyes.
  • Choose a mineral sunscreen with either titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as the active ingredients, as these tend to be more gentler for sensitive skin.

Caring for the Umbilical Cord Stump⁶

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Babycare for the Breastfed Baby
• It Takes a Village
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References