Bathing hacks: How to top and tail a baby
Some babies love having a bath, while others need time to get used to it. For the first few weeks or so, you may want to top and tail baby instead. Our step-by-step guide to cleaning newborns starts at their head and ends at their bottom!
- You don’t need to wash your baby every day—for the first few weeks it may be easier to top and tail instead.
- Top and tailing is where you carefully wash the face, neck, hands and bottom.
- You will need a bowl of cooled, boiled water, a bowl of warm water, cotton balls or cotton pads, a fresh diaper, clean clothes, and clean towels.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and remove any rings or bracelets.
- Check if the room is nice and warm—undress your baby and place them on a clean towel.
- Topping means washing your baby’s face, neck and hands.
- Babies’ eyes can be a little sticky after birth. Dip a cotton ball or a cotton pad in cool boiled water and gently wipe your baby's eyes from the nose outwards, using a new piece of cotton ball for each eye.
- Use a fresh piece of cotton ball dipped in warm water to clean around your baby's ears, avoiding the inside.
- Wash the rest of your baby's face, neck and hands in the same way.
- If your baby still has vernix (the creamy white layer) in their creases, leave it there as it helps the skin barrier to develop.
- Keep your baby’s umbilical cord stump clean and dry to avoid infection—wipe it with a fresh cotton ball dipped in cooled, boiled water each day and gently pat it dry.
- The umbilical cord stump should drop off after about 10 days—if you have any concerns talk to your healthcare provider.
- Tailing means cleaning your baby’s genitals and bottom.
- Remove diaper and wash baby’s bottom and genital area with a fresh cotton ball and warm water.
- If you prefer, use baby wipes, but make sure they are unperfumed and suitable for newborns.
- Gently pat your baby dry paying particular attention to the skin folds, before putting on a clean diaper.
- Dress baby in clean clothes. Newborns loose heat quickly so you may also want to use a blanket.
- When you feel ready to move onto giving your baby a bath instead, read our checklist to find out how to do it.
Sources:
https://www.smababy.co.uk/newborn/topping-and-tailing/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/washing-your-baby/
Related articles
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
1 min to read
Finding the right childcare solution
A nanny, a child minder, nursery… Every choice has its pros and cons. Only you can decide which option best suits your baby and your household.
1 min to read
How lack of sleep can affect your toddler’s health
Did you know? Not getting enough sleep may lead to your toddler consuming extra calories.
2 mins to read
Preparing Your Toddler For A Sibling
When a new baby arrives in the family, your oldest child gains a new status, that of the older brother or sister. But this also means that they will have to share their mummy and daddy.
3 mins to read
Fiber and Whole Grains Foods for your Toddler
Help your little one eat well by choosing foods containing fiber and whole grains.
1 min to read
How to provide a healthy toddler diet
A healthy toddler diet now can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some nutrition building blocks for the best food for toddlers.
2 mins to read
Baby Milestones
Here are a few key milestones to observe in your baby’s development. Watch and enjoy your little one's progress!
1 min to read
What does a “healthy diet” mean for your toddler?
Did you know? As they reach 12-18 months old, toddlers may be more likely to miss out on several key nutrients.
3 mins to read
Potty Training for Babies
Around 18 to 36 months of age, your toddler may begin to show some interest in toilet training. Before you begin to toilet train, it's good to plan ahead and prepare as much as possible.
4 mins to read
How to understand fiber on nutrition labels
Sometimes, finding whole grains and fiber can take a bit of investigation. Many packaged foods come with a nutrition facts panel.
1 min to read
How to help toddler tummy problems
Painful toddler tummy problems, including toddler diarrhea and toddler constipation, are horrible for parents and babies alike.
2 mins to read
Vision
Curious about your baby’s vision? Your little one sees the world very differently than you do. Here is a guide to the general development of a baby's eyesight.
1 min to read
Why toddlers need to eat in between meals
Did you know? Toddlers may get up to 25% of the calories they need from snacks.
3 mins to read
The Importance Of Vegetables In Your Child's Diet
Vegetables are one of the main food groups that your child should have in his diet.
2 mins to read
Your growing toddler – What to expect beyond 1000 days
Look back at the healthy habits you’ve encouraged, which have helped your toddler grow so far, and look forward to the exciting developments to come.
6 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
You know they’re tired, but they refuse to listen—and try as you will, the land of nod seems but a distant dream.
2 mins to read
Travelling With Baby
Going away with your baby gives you the opportunity to spend time with your family and enjoy their company. To make your trip a success, good preparation and organization are essential.
2 mins to read
Smart snacking guide for toddlers
In order to meet his nutritional and energy needs, your toddler may need to eat between his main meals.
4 mins to read
Healthy eating habits start now
Did you know? Your baby’s dietary patterns are set before his second birthday.
6 mins to read
