You may be worried about caring for your premature baby at home. Your sweet baby requires more delicate and specialized care than other babies. It’s crucial to receive the necessary information and support from nurses and specialists before being discharged from the hospital.

It is not recommended to bathe premature babies until their umbilical cord falls off. This is because if the cord gets wet, it can cause infection or delay its detachment. Also, since premature babies have sensitive skin and are prone to infections, the frequency of diaper changes is very important. Now, let’s look at how to bathe your baby, what to pay attention to when changing diapers, and diaper rash:

Bath:

• All materials should be ready before starting the bath.
• The baby should be bathed in a warm room and dried quickly. After bathing, they should be wrapped in a warm, dry towel.
• The bath water temperature should be 37-37.5 ºC, close to body temperature. If a thermometer is not available, the water temperature should be checked with the elbow or the inside of the forearm to ensure it is neither too hot nor too cold.
• First the body should be washed, then the head.
• Bath time should be short.

Bottom cleaning:

• The baby’s diaper should be changed every 3-4 hours.
• The materials should be ready before changing the diaper.
• Hands must be washed thoroughly before and after diaper changes. Diaper changes should be done immediately before feeding to prevent the baby from vomiting.
• The bottom should be cleaned by rinsing with water or using a damp cotton pad.
• For baby girls, cleaning should be done from front to back, while for baby boys, the foreskin should be gently folded back.

Diaper rash care:

• To prevent diaper rash, you should change your baby’s diaper at least 8-9 times a day.
• The diaper should not be tied too tightly.
• The area should be washed with lukewarm water at each diaper change.
• Protective creams should be applied in a thin layer.
• If diaper rash occurs, the baby’s diaper should be changed more frequently to allow air circulation, and after cleaning the skin, creams containing zinc oxide should be applied.