Cleaning eyes, nose and ears

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Once a day, clean your baby’s eyes, nose and ears gently with a cloth. This can be done when bathing. Water on its own is fine, as baby's facial skin is too sensitive for soap.

1. Get some cotton balls.
2. Soak one in water.
3. Clean the eye corners, by wiping gently from the inside corner to the outside corner and using a different piece of cotton wool for each eye.
4. Wipe gently around each nostril to get rid of mucus. It's best not to put anything inside your baby’s nostrils (including cotton buds) as this can damage the lining of the nose and cause bleeding.
5. Wipe behind your baby’s ears and around the outside of each ear. Be careful not to stick anything inside baby’s ear, as it is very easy to cause damage.

Some babies get anxious or irritated when you try to clean their face. Singing a song might distract them. Sometimes it is good just to be quick and get on with it.

Newborns often have snuffly breathing when overstimulated or tired. This is because the nasal passage is very narrow. Your baby's frequent sneezing will help remove any mucus plugs in the nasal cavity.

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