Cord care, cradle cap and washing your newborn

Newborn skin and the cord stump can seem fragile. Here’s the NHS advice on keeping them clean, bathing safely, and common skin things you might notice.

The cord stump

The NHS says the stump usually dries and falls off in about a week, and some NHS trusts say it usually falls off between 5 and 15 days after birth. Keep it clean and dry, and tell your midwife, health visitor or GP about any bleeding or discharge. Clean the area only if it’s soiled with wee or poo, then pat it dry gently. Keep the cord out of the nappy area so wee and poo don’t reach it.

Bathing

The NHS says you don’t need to bathe your baby every day. A wash of the face, neck, hands and bottom is often called ‘topping and tailing’. When you do bathe your baby:

Never leave them alone in the bath, even for a moment.
Bath seats are not recommended.
Run cold water first, then add hot, so the water is warm and not hot. Test it on your wrist or elbow.
Dry carefully in skin creases and folds, and check that any oils or lotions are suitable for babies.

Common newborn skin things

The NHS says pink birthmarks, strawberry marks and newborn spots are typical, and that scalp swelling, bruising and bloodshot eyes are common after birth. Tell your midwife or GP if your baby’s feeding or behaviour changes. The NHS also says to contact your midwife or GP promptly if spots appear with feeding poorly or being unusually sleepy or irritable.

Cradle cap

The NHS calls cradle cap a harmless skin condition that’s common in babies. It causes greasy, scaly patches, usually on the scalp and face, isn’t itchy or painful, and can’t be caught from other babies. It usually goes away on its own within a few months.

Lightly massage an emollient (moisturiser) or coconut oil into the scalp to loosen the scales, then gently brush with a soft brush and wash with baby shampoo.
Avoid olive oil, peanut oil, soap, adult shampoo and perfumed products, and don’t pick at the crusts.
A pharmacist can recommend an emollient or unperfumed baby shampoo.

See a GP if it doesn’t improve after a few weeks of treatment, covers your baby’s whole body, bleeds or leaks fluid, or looks swollen. It could point to an infection or another skin condition.

Questions people ask

What if the cord smells or looks red?

Redness that spreads, pus, a smell, more swelling, or poor feeding can be signs of infection. Contact your midwife, health visitor or GP the same day. If your baby has a fever (38C or higher), treat it as urgent: the NHS says a temperature of 38C or higher in a baby under 3 months needs urgent help, so call 999 or go to A&E. The NHS cord advice itself covers bleeding or discharge.

Can I use oil in the bath?

The NHS says to check that any oils or lotions are suitable for babies. Ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure.

How often should I bath my baby?

The NHS says you don’t need to bathe your baby every day.