Baby Hygiene

As I picked up my daughter Emily this morning, I could detect the faint odor of maple syrup on her cheek, the buttery smell of milk on her breath, and the fresh smell of her clean (for the moment) shirt. Babies have some of the sweetest — and worst — smells in the world! How do you keep your baby clean, neat, and sweet-smelling?

Daily baths are an important part of my kids’ bedtime ritual. When I take my daughter out of her high chair after dinner, she immediately yells “Ba-Dye!” (bathtime). She’s always loved her bath, unlike my first child, Christopher, who went through weeks of sponge baths to avoid the tub.

After bathtime, I brush Emily’s teeth. If your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, you can wipe baby’s gums with a clean piece of gauze. If you use a toothbrush, use only a tiny amount of toothpaste. Check with your doctor to see if you should use fluoride toothpaste or not. Many public water supply systems add fluoride to the water, and too much fluoride can discolor teeth. You should always clean your baby’s teeth and gums before putting her down to sleep. Falling asleep while feeding, at bottle or breast, can lead to tooth decay. If your baby fights having his teeth brushed, ask your doctor to show you ways to restrain the baby gently but firmly.

How do you clip those little nails anyway? You need to be flexible here, depending on baby’s mood and where you are. I’ve clipped nails on sleeping babies in carseats, on babies watching “Barney,” while singing a song or doing “This Little Piggie.” I’ve clipped one hand one day and the other hand the next!