🧼 Baby care: fewer products, a simpler routine

What you need

• Safe lukewarm water and a clean, soft cloth.
• A mild, fragrance-free cleanser suitable for babies.
• Cleaning products in their original labelled containers, locked away.

Where to start

1. 1. Keep diaper changes gentle

   Clean with lukewarm water and use a mild cleanser if needed after a bowel movement. Rinse and pat dry, including folds. Ask your barangay health centre or rural health unit about water safety if the supply is uncertain, especially after flooding.

2. 2. Use fewer bath products

   Avoid fragrances, essential oils and homemade mixtures on baby skin unless a clinician recommends a specific product. Gather supplies first and keep a hand on baby throughout the bath. Never leave baby alone, even briefly.

3. 3. Respond to skin problems

   Change wet or soiled diapers promptly and avoid overdressing in hot weather. Ask a clinician about persistent, spreading, painful or blistering rashes. Keep prescribed treatments unless the prescriber advises a change.

4. 4. Use containers safely

   Choose food and milk containers designed for their intended use and replace damaged ones. Never microwave a bottle: uneven heating can burn baby. For powdered formula, follow safe preparation guidance, including water at least 70°C when mixing, then cool before feeding.

5. 5. Keep air and cleaning routines simple

   Avoid tobacco smoke and room fragrances. Ventilate when outdoor air quality and weather allow, with baby away from open windows. Never mix cleaning products, especially bleach with vinegar or ammonia.

6. 6. Compare function, not labels

   At a pharmacy or shop, compare ingredients, intended use, size and price. A simple product that suits your baby is more useful than a cupboard full of organic labels.

Classic mistakes

• ❌ Mixing homemade cleaners Natural ingredients can still be hazardous. Keep labels and never mix cleaning products.
• ❌ Treating every rash at home Seek advice if the rash persists or baby seems unwell. A baby under three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical assessment.

Questions dads ask

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