Change your baby safely and calmly
Place nappies, wipes, a flannel and clean clothing within reach before you begin. Never leave a baby alone on a changing table, bed or sofa, even for a few seconds. Keep one hand on the baby whenever you need to reach or turn.
Clean the skin with water or a mild product suitable for your baby. Pat skin folds dry and only use an ointment when there is a reason to do so. Speak to a healthcare professional about broken skin, blisters, weeping patches or redness that is spreading quickly.
Wash hands at the right times
Wash your hands with water and ordinary soap after changing a nappy, using the toilet, coughing or sneezing, and before preparing a feed. At home, disinfectant hand gel is usually unnecessary when soap and water are available.
Ask visitors to wash their hands before touching the baby. Anyone with an active cold sore should not kiss a newborn baby and must avoid direct contact with the affected area. Postpone postnatal visits if someone is ill.
Bathing and temperature
A baby does not need a bath every day. Choose a warm room, have a towel and clothes ready, and check the water with a bath thermometer or as instructed by the Dutch postnatal maternity care service (kraamzorg). Keep hold of the baby at all times and stay within arm's reach.
Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even in a bath seat or in shallow water. If you need to leave, take the baby out of the water and bring them with you. Take care with hot drinks near the changing area.
Nails, umbilical cord and first teeth
Follow the instructions from the kraamzorg professional or midwife for caring for the umbilical cord stump, and keep the area clean and dry. Ask for an assessment if redness or swelling increases, there is pus, an unpleasant smell or bleeding that does not stop, or if the baby appears unwell.
As soon as the first tooth comes through, follow current oral care advice and start brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for young children. Take your child to a dental practice and ask for personal advice if brushing is difficult.
Sources for this guide
This guide provides general information. Your healthcare professional or the competent authority can explain what applies in your situation.
- RIVM: hygiene and handwashingAccessed on 2026-09-07
- RIVM: cold sores and newborn babiesAccessed on 2026-09-07
- Ivoren Kruis: fluoride adviceAccessed on 2026-09-07