Whether to clean the stool of a newborn immediately depends on the situation. If the baby has no discomfort after defecation, the amount of stool is not large and does not cause abnormal reactions, it can be observed temporarily without immediate treatment. This is because the anal sphincter of a newborn is not fully developed, and mild defecation without other symptoms is considered a normal phenomenon, which will naturally improve as they grow.
However, if a newborn has frequent diarrhea and passes watery stools, cleaning should be done immediately. In this case, residual stool may lead to bacterial infection in the buttocks, causing redness or breakdown. Therefore, it is necessary to use warm damp cloths to clean the buttocks promptly, maintain cleanliness and dryness in that area, and protect the baby from health threats.
In daily care, ensure that the baby stays warm and avoid exposure to cold, and provide warm boiled water appropriately to prevent dehydration. When breastfeeding, mothers should adjust their diet to be light and easily digestible, increase intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and reduce spicy foods such as hot pot and spicy noodles to avoid affecting the baby’s gastrointestinal system and causing additional burden through breastfeeding. These careful care measures help maintain the health and comfort of newborns.
