Cleaning a Face with Love: A Parent's Guide to Baby Hygiene

Babies tend to get dirty easily as their faces are consistently exposed, and their eyes, nose, and mouth produce secretions. While a baby's face may seem clean, periodic washing or wiping can still be beneficial due to the exposure of their face and the production of secretions in their eyes, nose, and mouth.

What to use

The optimal choice is undoubtedly water. However, for very young babies, using water might pose a challenge. In such cases, opt for a cotton ball or a dry cotton wipe. If clean water isn't readily available, a wet wipe containing only water can serve as a suitable alternative. Wet wipes with additional ingredients may lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Check with the product manufacturer to ensure its suitability for use on babies. If any signs of irritation occur, check the ingredients and avoid using such products in the future.

How to wipe

Gently wash or wipe your baby's face, avoiding harsh rubbing or scrubbing. Use a cotton ball or cotton wipe only once and discard. Refrain from washing or wiping mucous parts like eyeballs, inside the nose, mouth, or ears. For secretions in these areas, delicately wipe the outer corners. If there's an excessive buildup of wax or mucus in the ears or nose, consider consulting a doctor.

Tips

Babies like warmth

Pre-warm water if using it, so the baby isn't startled. For wet wipes, you can immerse them in warm water or warm them with your body temperature before opening them.

Make it a play

Babies are sensitive, and they may not enjoy the cleaning process. To make it a positive experience, incorporate playfulness. Smile, pop your lips, or make funny sounds to distract and engage the baby during the cleaning routine. This helps create a positive association, making future washes or wipes more manageable.