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Hygiene for infants
- 0-1 Years
- Child development and growing up
It's important to try to keep your baby clean and healthy by bathing them and brushing their teeth. It can help your baby to build up their immunity to infections and stick to good personal hygiene as they get older.
Explore the topics on this page:
Bathing your baby
Young babies will depend on their parent or carer to wash them. To keep your baby safe, you can use a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl. You still need to ensure they are supported in the water as they don’t have the ability to control their upper body. Never leave your baby unattended.
You don’t need to bathe your baby every day. The best time to bathe your baby is when they are awake and content. Get everything prepared before you start and make sure the room is warm. It’s best not to bathe your baby if they:
- have just been fed
- are hungry
- are tired
It is recommended to delay your baby's first bath until at least 24 hours after birth to help protect them. Where this might not be possible for cultural reasons, it is recommend the first bath should be delayed for at least 6 hours.
Brushing your baby's teeth
You can start brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they get their first tooth. This is often around 6 months old, but not always. You should brush your baby’s teeth twice a day. At first, there won’t be much to brush but it reinforces the idea of teeth brushing and makes it part of their routine.
Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) unless a dentist advises different. You only need to use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old. Avoid using adult toothpaste on your baby's teeth.
Your baby's fingers and toes
It's a good idea to check and clean your baby's fingers and toes. If your baby has long nails, it is important to file them so they don't scratch themselves. You can try using an emery board to safely care for your baby's nails.
Need more specific support for your child?
If your child needs more help or has additional needs, you can visit our specific section for extra support.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2023
