Richard Soper MD: Basic Hygiene When Taking Care of a Baby

While you may find a newborn baby hard to resist, Richard Soper MD believes that everyone who takes care of a baby need to observe certain basic hygiene rules. Following these rules will help ensure that your baby stays safe and healthy.

1. Wash your hands. Richard Soper MD says your baby was not born with strong immune systems and is thus susceptible to different types of infection. At the same time, your baby will look for your touch all the time. To keep your baby safe, you should wash your hands a lot, especially if you are returning from a walk outside the house. You should also keep your hands clean with soap and water if you have just changed your baby’s diaper or if you have used the bathroom.

2. Change your baby’s diaper often. While new disposable diapers boast superior absorbing power compared to older types of diapers, this doesn’t mean they will keep your baby clean. Changing your baby’s diaper frequently will help prevent diaper rash and keep infections, especially those affecting the skin and urinary tract, away. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water to keep the risk of infection down.

3. Keep your baby away from groups of people. This is especially important if your baby is six weeks old or younger. Having groups of visitors over might expose your baby to common infections, such as flu, common cold, or diarrhea, that might seem like nothing to adults but could be dangerous to a newborn. If you must have visitors over, Richard Soper MD suggests that you have them sanitize themselves with soap and water.

4. Keep pets away from your baby. While pictures of your baby and your dog or cat might look good on your social media feed, you might be putting your child at risk. Not only do they shed hair and dander that might get into your baby’s respiratory track; they could also lick your baby and spread infection into your baby’s eyes or mouth.