When you have been grooming yourself for close to twenty years or more, keeping a tiny baby comfy and clean may seem like a no-brainer. But, any parent will tell you that basic care and grooming of an infant presents some challenges that are unique to little ones.

From treating cradle cap and cleaning earwax to trimming nails and hair, there are a whole lot of things that take on a new dimension when you have to do it to a tiny human being.

How often should you bathe your baby?

A young infant is mostly on his back all day and does little more than drinking milk and pooping. As such, he does not need to be bathed more than three times a week. Keep your baby’s face and diaper area totally clean, ALWAYS. The rest of the body does not really get dirty.

Once the baby starts getting about on all fours, you will have to keep his hands and legs clean, which means a bath every other day. By the age of one, toddlers start getting really messy. A daily bath is now in order. If you live in a warm place, you can go ahead and give your baby a cool bath everyday. But in cold places, too much washing with soap and water can dry out the skin.

What are the common skin problems that little babies develop?

Baby acne: They are little pimples that appear on the baby’s face a few days after birth, and usually go away without any treatment. These may recur a few times throughout the first few months and do not need a specific treatment. Some babies develop eczema, especially if it runs in the family. In that case, a natural, light, all-purpose moisturizer keeps skin soft and supple.

Cradle cap: This is an accumulation of dead skin on the scalp, especially on the crown. To remove this, apply mild baby oil and massage the head lightly. Comb your baby’s hair gently to get the flakes out. Then wash his head with a mild shampoo. Bathing your baby’s head regularly helps keep this condition under control. Babies usually outgrow this after the first few months.

Diaper rash: Diaper rash is most commonly caused by yeast infection or irritated skin. Change your baby’s diaper frequently to avoid skin irritation. Once an irritation becomes apparent, stop using wipes. Switch over to water and cotton. Leave your baby’s tushie open to the air. Never use powder when the skin looks red. This compounds the problem. Consult your doctor if the problem worsens.

What are the other aspects of grooming?

Ear and nose care: Sticking a cotton swab into a baby’s ear or nose is absolutely taboo.

Clean the outer ear with a slightly wet washcloth. Wax will come out of its own accord.

You need clean only the wax that may get collected in the outer ear cavity. Mucus can be cleaned with the end of a wet washcloth. If the nose is uncomfortably stuffed due to a cold, contact your doctor.

Mouth care: A young baby drinks milk many times a day, and as such is prone to infections of the mouth. Using a wet cloth, you can wipe his gums and tongue gently after each feeding. As teeth begin to appear, you can start with a baby tooth brush.

Finger nails: A baby’s fingernails are very thin but exceedingly sharp. He can scratch himself in the ears or other sensitive areas if the nails are not trimmed. Use a pair of blunt-tipped fingernail scissors when your baby is sleeping. His nails are soft just after a bath. Do not cut too close and NEVER use nail clippers. Even with a lot of care, parents may clip off the tip of the finger while using clippers.