Bringing home baby: Newborn care

Bringing a baby home is a special time and it's finally here. Keep them safe, clean and happy with these tips for basic baby care.

Always change a soiled diaper promptly to avoid diaper rash.

• Wash hands and gather everything you will need. Never leave a baby unattended on a table while you turn to reach for something.
• Choose a warm, safe and comfortable place: a table, the bed or on the floor. Use a changing mat to cushion the surface and to keep it clean.
• Remove the soiled diaper and place it in a diaper bin. Clean the baby's bottom with a cotton cloth dipped in a bowl of warm water or a baby wipe. Use a fresh cotton wool ball for each wipe.
• Always wipe a girl from front to back and clean thoroughly around a boy's testicles. Don't try to pull back a boy's foreskin, as you could damage it or make it sore.
• Pat dry with a towel if necessary and apply cream to any areas that look red or sore. Then put on the fresh nappy, wash your hands to clean away germs and dress the baby.

Now it's time to bond with baby.

Rub-a-dub-dub

Make sure to select a room that is warm and be prepared to keep exposed baby limbs warm during the process.

1. Run about 10 centimetres (four inches) of water to a comfortable temperature. Soap or lotion isn't needed but can be used if a baby is more than six weeks old.
2. Undress the baby except for the diaper and wrap them in a towel while you wash the face, ears and neck with warm water and a flannel or cotton wool.
3. Remove the diaper and clean the baby's bottom.
4. Put your arm around the baby's back, holding the arm that's farther from you. Use your other hand to support the legs and buttocks as you sit the baby in the bath.
5. Keep your arm around the head and shoulders as you wash the body, rolling the baby onto their chest as you wash the back.
6. Lift the baby out, using both hands to support the body and buttocks then wrap in a soft towel and dry carefully, with attention to the skin folds.

Be careful, babies tend to be very slippery when they are wet. There is nothing like the sweet smell of a clean baby.

Whether it's baby's bedtime, or they just need a nap, it's important that the conditions are right for a safe and peaceful slumber. A crib is the most secure place for a small baby, so long as you follow the guidelines below. Avoid the temptation to doze off with a baby on a bed, sofa or armchair, as they may overheat or even be smothered.

1. Make sure the baby doesn't get too hot or too cold – a room temperature of around 18°C (65°F) is best.
2. Dress the baby in light sleep clothing, place them on a firm, clean mattress covered in a single, fitted sheet and lay them down on their back, not on their front or side. Keep toys and teddies out of the sleep area.
3. If you need to cover the baby, use a lightweight blanket, not a duvet or quilt. Never use pillows, and keep the head uncovered. Place the baby's feet close to the foot of the cot so they can't wriggle under the cover, which should reach no higher than their chest and be tucked in securely under the sides and end of the mattress.

Now take in and savor the peacefulness reflected in a sleeping babies face or maybe even catch up on some sleep yourself.