Bathing & Daily Care
Everything you need for daily newborn care - From that first nerve-wracking bath to managing common skin conditions in Singapore's humidity.
The First Bath
Sponge baths (until cord falls off)
- Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water - No soap needed
- Wipe face first (clean to dirty), then work downward
- Clean neck folds, armpits, and groin - Milk and sweat collect here
- Dry thoroughly - Especially skin folds - To prevent fungal rash
- You do not need to bathe daily - Every 2–3 days is fine for a newborn
Tub baths (after cord falls off)
- Water temperature: 37°C - Test with your elbow (should feel neutral)
- Fill baby bath to 5–8 cm depth - No more
- Support head and neck at all times with one hand
- Use a fragrance-free, pH-neutral baby wash - Minimal amount
- Never leave baby unattended in water - Not even for 2 seconds
- Wrap in towel immediately after to prevent heat loss
Step-by-Step Bath Guide
Prepare everything before undressing baby
Towel, clean nappy, clean clothes, baby bath filled to 5–8 cm at 37°C - Have it all ready before you start
Undress baby and lower into water feet first
Keep a firm hold on the upper arm and head. Lower gently, talking calmly throughout
Wash face with plain water on a soft cloth
Eyes: wipe inner corner to outer. Ears: outer ear only - Never insert anything into the ear canal
Wash scalp with a small amount of baby shampoo
Use a soft cup to rinse. Tilt head back slightly to keep water from the face
Wash body from top to bottom
Use a small amount of baby wash. Clean all skin folds thoroughly
Wash nappy area last
Girls: front to back. Boys: clean under the foreskin gently - Do not retract it forcefully
Lift out and wrap immediately
Support head and body. Pat dry - Especially folds. Apply barrier cream if needed
Dress and cuddle
Bath time often triggers hunger - Have a feed ready
Nappy & Diaper Care
How to change a nappy
- Lay baby on a flat, safe surface - Never leave unattended even momentarily
- Open nappy; use the front part to wipe away majority of stool
- Lift legs by ankles; wipe front to back (especially for girls)
- Clean all skin folds in the nappy area
- Slide dirty nappy out; fold and secure it
- Allow skin to air dry for 30–60 seconds
- Apply zinc oxide barrier cream if skin looks red
- Fasten clean nappy snugly - Two fingers should fit at waistband
Preventing nappy rash
- Change nappy every 2–3 hours, immediately after a bowel motion
- Always apply a thin layer of zinc oxide barrier cream
- Allow nappy-free time daily - Lay baby on a waterproof mat
- Avoid baby wipes with alcohol or fragrance on broken skin
- Pat dry - Never rub - After cleaning
- If rash persists 3 days or is bright red / blistering: see a GP (may be candida)
Diaper cost in Singapore
Newborns use 10–12 nappies per day - That adds up fast. Use our Diaper Cost Calculator to estimate your monthly spend by brand tier (budget SGD 0.25/nappy, mid SGD 0.45, premium SGD 0.70).
Common Newborn Skin Conditions
Milia
Tiny white bumps on nose, chin, and forehead - Blocked sebaceous glands. Affects ~50% of newborns.
Action: Resolves without treatment within weeks. Do not squeeze.
Baby acne (neonatal acne)
Small red or white pimples on face and sometimes scalp, appearing at 2–4 weeks. Caused by maternal hormones.
Action: Resolves on its own by 4–6 weeks. No treatment needed. Avoid creams.
Erythema toxicum
Blotchy red patches with small raised centres - Looks alarming but is completely harmless. Appears days 1–4.
Action: Resolves within 2 weeks with no treatment.
Cradle cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis)
Yellowish, greasy scales on the scalp. Very common in weeks 4–12.
Action: Gently massage coconut or olive oil into scalp before bath, comb gently. Resolves within weeks to months. See GP if spreading to face.
Dry skin and peeling
Normal in weeks 1–2, especially in post-dates babies. The outer layer of vernix-covered skin sheds.
Action: Apply fragrance-free moisturiser. No treatment needed unless skin cracks or bleeds.
Skin fold rash (intertrigo)
Red, moist rash in neck, armpit, and groin folds - Caused by heat and moisture in Singapore's humidity.
Action: Keep folds dry; air-dry after bathing. If bright red or not responding in 3 days, see GP - May be fungal.
Eyes, Ears & Nails
Eyes
- Clean with cotton wool dampened in cooled boiled water
- Wipe from inner corner to outer - A fresh piece for each eye
- Sticky eyes (yellow discharge) in week 1: blocked tear duct - Very common
- Massage the inner corner of eye toward nose, 2–3x daily, for blocked duct
- See GP if redness, swelling, or discharge worsening
Ears
- Clean outer ear only - Wipe the external folds with a damp cloth
- Never insert cotton buds, fingers, or anything into the ear canal
- The ear canal is self-cleaning
- Normal wax is yellow-brown - No action needed
- Foul odour or discharge: see GP
Nails
- Newborn nails are soft but can scratch their face
- File with a baby nail file - Safer than clipping in week 1
- Clip with baby scissors or clippers when baby is asleep - Press finger pad away
- Clip often - Nails grow fast
- Mittens are an alternative but interfere with sensory development
Continue the Newborn Guide: