11. Hygiene, Umbilical Cord Care & Safety

in what order should a newborn’s body be washed? *

clean to dirty, with the diaper area last

how should the newborn be kept warm during bathing?

wash one section at a time and keep the rest covered

when should a newborn’s hair be washed? *

after the body has been dried and wrapped

• dry the hair immediately and apply a cap

how should a newborn’s eyes be cleaned? *

water only, from inner to outer canthus

• use a separate clean area of the cloth for each eye

when can a newborn have a tub bath? *

• after the umbilical stump has separated and healed

• after circumcision has healed

how should a female newborn’s perineum be cleaned? *

front to back

how should an uncircumcised newborn’s penis be cleaned? *

gently clean the outside without forcibly retracting the foreskin

what can protect irritated skin in the diaper area?

a barrier ointment such as zinc oxide or A&D

what diaper rash findings suggest a fungal infection? *

intense redness with satellite lesions, persisting beyond 3 days despite routine care

• check for rashes at every diaper change

how should parents care for the umbilical stump? *

keep it clean and dry, with the diaper folded below it

• avoid routine alcohol or triple dye

when does the umbilical stump usually separate?

around 7–10 days

what is omphalitis?

infection of the umbilical stump and surrounding tissue

what umbilical findings require prompt evaluation? *

spreading redness, purulent drainage, foul odor, or bleeding

how is newborn identity verified before transfer to a parent?

match the identification numbers on the newborn’s and parent’s bands

• number is different than the MRN

how should newborns be transported through hospital hallways?

in a rolling bassinet

what should parents verify before handing their newborn to hospital personnel?

proper staff identification

what are the ABCs of safe infant sleep? *

Alone, on the Back, in a Crib

what should the infant’s sleep surface contain?

a firm mattress without pillows, loose blankets, toys, or bumpers

should an infant sleep in a rocker or bouncer? *

no

• chin-to-chest positioning can obstruct the airway

when is tummy time appropriate? *

while awake and supervised