How much baby care is actually required? Whereas in the past people were convinced that babies needed to be bathed every day, today people have come to believe that one bath a week is enough.
Baby care is an absolute must, but as is so often the case, less is sometimes more. To ensure that the baby’s delicate skin is healthy and equipped to withstand external influences such as weather and pathogens, a few things should be taken into account. Baby skin is up to five times thinner than adult skin and has no greasy film to protect it from invading bacteria and other harmful substances. In the first few weeks, the baby spends most of its time well protected in its crib, so you can safely do without too many baby care products.
Basically, the products should be dermatologically tested and free of preservatives, colorants, perfumes, softeners, mineral oil and essential oils.
Those who want to save a lot of money will also find a wide range of products needed for baby and child care at discounter Aldi Süd. That you don’t have to sacrifice quality in the process is shown by the Mamia baby wet wipes with 99% water from Aldi Süd, which have won awards from Ökotest.
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Baby Care Is More Than Just Bathing
If you want to care for your baby properly, you should also think about cutting nails, applying lotion and the right eye, nose and ear care. We would like to give all young parents a few valuable tips for perfect baby care.
How Do You Bathe A Baby Properly?
As a rule, 37 degree warm water is sufficient for bathing. It is better to avoid bath additives for babies, as they almost always contain fragrances that can trigger allergies. If the baby has dry skin, you can add a few drops of almond or wheat germ oil or, if mom is breastfeeding, some breast milk to the bath water.
Instead of bathing the little bundle of joy frequently, it is better to use a soft washcloth and clear, lukewarm water to gently clean the skin folds, bends, bottom and genital area.
Alternatively, you can use wet wipes – especially for the frequently soiled pubic area – which contain no additives and consist mainly of water.
If you do decide to take a bath – which should last no longer than ten minutes – it is recommended that you massage the baby with a fragrance-free lotion with nourishing active ingredients after the bath.
Hair washing comes into play much later. It is enough to clean baby’s head with a damp washcloth.
Do You Have To Take Care Of The Nose, Ears And Eyes? What Is The Right Way To Do It?
Comprehensive baby care naturally includes the nose, ears and eyes. The nose has a natural self-cleaning mechanism that binds and expels dust and dirt.
If the nose does become soiled with secretions, a cotton ball dipped in warm water can be used to gently remove the little troublemakers. Small incrustations may have formed on the eyes after sleeping, which can be removed with some absorbent cotton twisted between thumb and forefinger.
The twisting creates a short style where the absorbent cotton can be easily held. Simply dip it into some boiled, already cool water and then gently wipe the plaque from the outside in.
To clean the ears, it is enough to clean the pinna and the fold of skin behind the ears with a soft cloth. The ear canal itself is cleaned all by itself, similar to the nose. Cotton swabs should be avoided altogether.
They not only push the dirt further inside the ear, but also carry the risk of damaging the eardrum if the baby moves unexpectedly.
How To Cut Baby Nails Correctly And What To Consider?
In the first few weeks, it is enough to carefully pluck the still very soft nails, but soon there is a risk that the little darling can inflict painful scratches with the increasingly sharp nails.
With a special rounded baby scissors, the problem can be successfully remedied. It is best to use the scissors whenever the baby is asleep. The baby’s hand is held tightly by the fingers from the front.
Pressing down gently on the fingertips makes it easier to bring the nails into a natural semicircular shape.