Baby Grooming Checklist

Who knew your little one would need so many grooming accessories? Here’s a list of all the things you’ll use to keep him clean and neat.

Who knew your little one would need so many grooming accessories? Here’s a list of all the things you’ll use to keep him clean and neat.

The Necessities

• Nail clippers: Your baby’s nails grow fast, and he’ll probably constantly be scratching himself with them. So try to trim them a few times a week. Small, baby-size clippers work well. Simply pull back the nail bed with your finger and clip baby’s fingernail, being careful not to cut too short. (Tip: Keep an eye on his toenails, too—even though you probably won’t need to trim them as often.)
   
• Baby emory boards: If you’re nervous about clipping baby’s nails, try an emory board instead. Just be sure to file your baby’s nails every other day so they don’t get too long or sharp.
   
• Baby comb or brush: Gently comb his hair after each bath. You may also want to brush it (especially if your baby has lots of hair!) when he wakes up in order to get out any knots formed while he was sleeping. You may also be able to use a comb to gently remove flakes of cradle cap.
   
• Infant gum massager: It’s important to promote good oral health early—even before baby’s first tooth pokes through. Start by gently rubbing the rubber tip of the infant gum massager in circles over his gums to clean them and keep them healthy.
   
• Toddler toothbrush and toothpaste: When teeth start to come in, gently brush them with a baby toothbrush and non-flouride toothpaste. By the time your baby’s back molars have sprung up (between 2 and 2½ years), it’s time to switch to a toddler brush. Around age 2, he can start learning to brush his teeth with your help. Use a small amount of toothpaste and guide his hand in the same motion that you use. When he stops swallowing most of the toothpaste and learns to spit it out (around age 3), you can switch him to a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
   
• Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion: It’s important to keep delicate baby skin moisturized, especially in the winter. Apply Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion after each bath to lock in moisture. If his skin still seems dry, try moisturizing twice a day.
   
• Thermometer: A digital one is fast and easy to read. It’s best to take your baby’s temperature in his rectum, ear, or armpit (rectal temperature is most accurate in tiny babies). You won’t be able to use an oral thermometer until he’s much older. 
   
• Nasal aspirator: Since he’s too small to use a tissue or learn how to blow his own nose, you have to clear the mucus with a nasal aspirator. Put a drop of saline in each nostril, then squeeze the bulb of the aspirator to create a vacuum. Place it in his nose and release to collect the mucus.

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