Nose
There is no need to include this in your daily cleaning regime. Usually a gentle wipe with a piece of damp cotton wool will clean this area sufficiently.

Ears
Earwax is a natural secretion of your body. Don’t use ear buds to clean his delicate ears as this may cause more damage than good. If you are concerned about excessive earwax, consult your doctor or clinic sister.

1. Wipe the outside of his ear with a moist piece of cotton wool

2. Be sure to clean behind his ear and in the creases as milk tends to collect here

3. Use a fresh piece of cotton wool for each ear.

Nails
Babies’ nails are extremely sharp and they scratch and cut themselves easily as their arms flail uncontrollably in the early months. You will need to cut your baby’s nails often as they grow extremely quickly. The biggest challenge is to cut your baby’s nails without him squirming too much.

Tip: Wait till your baby is asleep, and then trim his nails

1. Cut your baby’s nails after a bath when they are really soft. A newborn’s nails are very soft so it’s possible to gently “tear” the nail off with your own fingernails if you are too scared to use scissors

2. Get into a comfortable position that allows easy access to your baby’s hands and nails

3. If need be, ask your partner to hold the baby while you trim his nails

4. Push the finger pad gently back from the nail

5. Cut the nail.

Eyes
Young babies often wake up with crusty eyes; don’t be concerned as this is normal. For the first two or three months, make sure you clean your baby’s eyelids regularly.

1. Clean his eyes with cotton wool and cooled, boiled water

2. Wipe the upper eyelid from the inside of the lid (by the nose) to the outer part to avoid spreading any infection

3. Repeat, wiping under the eyelid

4. Use a separate piece of cotton wool for each eye.

Tip: If your baby’s eyes are sticky, or red, the lids swollen or the discharge yellow, express a bit of breast milk onto a gauze square and gently clean the eye from the inside out