1.      When should I start bathing my baby?

                 You can start bathing your baby in the first 10 days with clean plain water. However avoid giving a full bath to your baby before the umbilical cord has fallen off. You can use clean cloth dipped in plain water to wipe your baby clean in the first few days.

2    How often should I bathe my baby?

                  During summer or even in winter months, when it is hot, you can bathe him everyday. But when its cold, twice or thrice a week is more than sufficient. However make sure you clean your baby’s hands, groin, neck and face everyday even in cold months. It can be done with warm water and should be wiped off immediately.

3.  Should I use baby soaps?

You can start using non scented soaps or good branded baby soaps after the first 10 days. Remember not to use soaps in the first few days of birth.

4. Can I use oils for my baby?

Yes. You can use coconut oil or mustard oil for applying on your baby’s body or for a light massage. Olive oil is more expensive, however not necessarily better, so you can stick to coconut oils.

5.Can I use powder on my baby?

Try to avoid talcum powder on your baby. Especially in the first few days, avoid even baby powders or baby creams. And do NOT use powders on your baby’s face as it can lead to aspirations (aspiration is when something other than air enters your baby's lung through its nose or mouth).

6. What should I check in a baby powder or baby cream?

Look into the ingredients of the powder or cream and avoid anything that has liquid paraffin in them. Especially in the first few days of birth, avoid using any such powders or cream.

7. Can I use shampoos for my baby?

Yes. You can. After the first few days, you can use a good shampoo, but ideally the shampoo should be diluted. A dilution of 1:3 or 1:4 (One part of shampoo with 3 or 4 parts of water) should be ideal.

8.      My grandmom says I should pour oil into my baby’s nose and ears. Can I do that.

With all due respects to our grandmoms, and yes, sometime they are right but however, certain practices are very harmful to your child and this is one among them. DO NOT POUR ANYTHING INTO YOUR BABY’S NOSE OR EARS. It can be fatal sometimes. Your baby can aspirate the oil and becomes very difficult to treat or save your baby if this happens.

Also read 'While Bathing'