How to bathe a newborn baby is neither easy nor difficult, especially for new parents.
The truth is that the first month of being a mother is both joyous and confusing!
There are many ways to take care of infants that new parents do not understand, like how to hold the baby safely, which comfortable breastfeeding positions to choose, or how to bathe properly!
Adding bath time to your baby’s routine is something you can start as soon as your baby is born. But parents are usually afraid that what they do will hurt the baby, considering the baby’s body is very small, and his bones are still fragile.
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When To Start Bathing A Newborn Baby?
Some doctors recommend postponing the activity. This is because, after birth, the baby is still covered with vernix, a waxy substance on the skin that protects the baby from germs.
So, parents must understand how to bathe a baby properly, especially for the first time!
Delaying a newborn’s first bath by 48 hours effectively maintains the baby’s body temperature.
Furthermore, it increases moisture, improving skin integrity and promoting skin development.
Once you deliver your baby, nurses or hospital staff will clean the amniotic fluid and blood after your baby is born. But you can tell them to leave the excess vernix if you want.
After you bring your tiny one home, we can give him a sponge bath gently and happily.
Bathing A Baby For The First Time
During the first few weeks, parents can only clean their newborn’s head, body, and diaper area- until the umbilical cord falls off!
After the umbilical cord falls off on its own, you can start bathing your baby by immersing him in a shallow baby bathtub. From here, parents also need to understand how to clean a baby properly.
How Often Should I bath My Baby?
In the first year of life, a baby may only need about three baths a week. This is usually enough if you want to thoroughly wash the baby’s diaper area every time your little one changes diapers.
How to Bathe a Newborn Baby
There are many ways to bathe your baby that you can follow, but many things must be considered. Here is what you should do:
- Choose a warm room or temperature of 23.8 degrees Celsius to take a shower, remove the baby’s clothes and diapers, and wrap them in a towel.
- Lay your baby on a flat surface, such as the floor, changing table, table next to the sink, or bed. Make sure the baby doesn’t fall.
- Open the towels one by one to reveal only the body parts you will be wiping.
- Start with the baby’s face and the top of his head. Dip a clean cloth in warm water, use only warm water (without soap) to avoid getting soap into the baby’s eyes or mouth, and wipe the top of the head and around the outer ear, chin, neck crease, and eyes.
- Add a drop or two of soap to the warm water. Dip a washcloth in soapy water and wring it out.
- Use soapy water to clean all parts of the body and diapers. You may want to clean under your arms and around the genital area.
- Dry the baby, do not forget the folds of the skin. Put on a clean diaper. You can use a towel with a hood to keep your head warm while it dries.
- If the doctor advises, apply a small amount of ointment on the diaper rash or circumcision wound. It’s okay to apply baby cream, lotion, or whatever oil you like, but these things aren’t that important.
- If your baby still has an umbilical cord, use a cotton swab to lightly moisten the area with rubbing alcohol.
- Dress your baby in comfy clothes. If you put your little one to sleep, choose clothes that are easy to wear, clothes with snap buttons are better than regular button-down clothes.
- Hug, kiss, and cuddle with your little one before falling asleep! 🙂
Note: If you have a baby boy and have recently been circumcised, you should carefully follow your doctor’s instructions to keep your child’s genital area clean or dry until it heals. This usually takes about a week or so.
The Takeaway
Bathing a newborn can be a little scary…
You should always keep your baby safe and comfortable, especially when your baby is only a few weeks and months old; bathing him can be a little tricky.
However, with the right equipment and a little practice, bathing your infant can be a fun experience and a great bonding time.
