You should only use plain water to wash and bath your baby for at least a few weeks. It's really important to look after your newborn baby's skin at this vital stage
A baby doesn't always need a full bath by the way and topping and tailing is normally enough. Use cotton wool or a natural sponge if you wish. Don't use cotton buds in your baby's ears and if baby gets sticky eyes you should ask your midwife for advice.
All babies are covered with vernix when they are in the womb and this naturally moisturizing, white sticky substance should be left ideally to absorb into your baby's skin and not be washed off.
In the first few weeks your baby's thin, vulnerable skin will develop a protective barrier and if you don't look after baby's skin at this early stage, there's a risk they might get unpleasant skin conditions as they get older.
Lots of mums worry about baby's cord area but it is best to keep it clean and dry and leave it alone. Pat it gently dry after a bath and ideally fold the nappy over at the top to expose the cord until it eventually falls off. If the cord or the area around it becomes red or starts to smell you should tell your midwife or doctor.
Premature babies need to be treated slightly differently as there is a higher risk of infection. Washing and bathing is exactly the same but your neo-natal unit are likely to advise you to use some antiseptic powder for the first few days.
Your baby's skin might be dry and cracked if he was born after his due date and this is quite normal as the protective layer of vernix has all been absorbed. Please don't use any creams or lotions at this stage. Believe it or not, the top layer of your baby's skin will peel off over the next few days, revealing perfect skin beneath. | 
Newborn Baby Checks
