Newborn Hygiene

Caring for a newborn's skin and body can feel intimidating at first because everything seems so small and delicate. The good news is that newborns don't need much. A gentle touch, a few simple products, and a little consistency go a long way. Here's what you need to know.

Smiling baby sitting in a white plastic baby bathtub.

Diapering

Newborns go through a lot of diapers — expect 8–10 a day in the early weeks. That's a lot of practice, which means you'll be a pro before you know it.

What to know:

Change diapers frequently to prevent irritation. Don't let a wet or soiled diaper sit too long
Always wipe front to back, especially for girls
Let the area air dry for a moment before putting on a fresh diaper
Use a thin layer of diaper cream or ointment at each change to help protect against redness before it starts
Cloth and disposable diapers both work — the best diaper is the one that works for your baby and your family

What's normal:

Newborn poop changes a lot in the first days, from dark, tarry meconium to yellow and seedy (if nursing) or tan and pasty (if formula feeding)
Frequent pooping is normal early on; some babies slow down significantly after a few weeks, which is also normal (such as every 5-7 days). Constipation is more the consistency of hard, small balls and not frequency
If you see bright red blood in the stool, white or pale poop, or black stool after the first few days, give us a call.

Smiling mother holding her baby’s hands while changing the baby’s diaper on a changing table.

Bathing

Stick to sponge baths until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off (the cord remnant at the belly button, which usually falls off within 1-3 weeks). After that, a few times a week is all they need. Newborns don't get that dirty.

How to give a sponge bath:

Choose a warm room and gather everything you need before you start
Use a soft washcloth and warm (not hot) water
Work from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest — face first, diaper area last
Keep the umbilical cord stump and belly button area dry throughout

Once you transition to a baby tub:

A few inches of warm water is plenty. Always test the temperature with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby in
Never leave your baby unattended, even for a second
Use a fragrance-free, gentle baby wash
Pat skin dry rather than rubbing, paying attention to all the little creases and folds

Skin and Common Rashes

Newborn skin is sensitive and still adjusting to life outside the womb. Most rashes and skin changes in the first weeks are harmless and temporary, but it helps to know what you're looking at.

Mother lying on bed facing and holding her newborn baby dressed in a star-patterned onesie.

Call your child's pediatrician if you notice:

A rash accompanied by fever
Blisters, open sores, or skin that looks infected
A rash that's spreading quickly or isn't improving

Worth watching:

Diaper rash: Red, irritated skin in the diaper area. Usually responds well to frequent changes, air time, and a barrier cream. If it's not improving after a few days or looks raw and painful, check in with your child's pediatrician
Eczema: Dry, itchy, inflamed patches that can appear anywhere on the body. Common in babies and very manageable. Your child's care team can always help you find the right approach

Smiling toddler in snowman pajamas holding two plastic spoons while sitting on a dark couch.

Common and normal:

Baby acne: Small red or white bumps on the face, usually appearing around 2–4 weeks. No treatment needed — it clears on its own
Milia: Tiny white dots on the nose and cheeks. Also harmless and self-resolving
Erythema toxicum: A blotchy, red rash that can appear in the first few days. Sounds alarming, looks alarming, but is completely harmless
Dry, peeling skin: Very common in the first week or two, especially in babies born at or after 40 weeks

Sleeping baby wearing a blue knit onesie lying in a wooden crib with star-patterned sheets.

Umbilical Cord Care

The umbilical cord stump at the baby's belly button will dry out and fall off on its own, typically within 1–3 weeks. In the meantime, keeping it clean and dry is the main goal.

Newborn baby sleeping on a white bed, wearing a white hat and striped long-sleeve shirt, partially covered with a gray and white patterned blanket.

Daily care

Stick to sponge baths until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off
Fold the front of the diaper down to keep it exposed to air and avoid irritation

Baby sleeping on back in a wooden crib with gray moon-patterned sheet.

Healing process

Let it fall off naturally — don't pull at it, even if it looks like it's barely hanging on
A small amount of dried blood around the base when it falls off is normal

Smiling baby with curly hair lying in a wooden crib on a white sheet.

When to call your child's care team

Redness, swelling, or warmth spreading to the surrounding skin
A foul smell or discharge
Bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure
The stump hasn't fallen off after 3 weeks

Mother gently touching and watching over her sleeping baby lying on a bed.

Nail Care

Newborn nails grow fast and can be surprisingly sharp. Keeping them trimmed helps prevent your baby from scratching their own face... which happens more than you'd think.

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Trimming tips