Bathing your newborn baby? Things every mom should know.
Babies and Baths
Babies often find bath time enjoyable. They delight in stretching, moving around, and playing with the water. Additionally, babies tend to feel calm and relaxed after a bath, which can help soothe and comfort them.
Where to Bathe Your Baby
You have the option to bathe your baby in a regular bathtub with you, in a baby bathtub, or in a clean sink.
Maintain a room temperature between 22°C and 24°C (71°F and 75°F) to ensure your baby stays warm and avoid drafts. Position yourself at a comfortable height when washing your baby. Prepare a small pillow, blanket, and towel near the tub to create a cozy setting for your little one.
When To Bathe Your Baby
Plan bath time around your baby's alertness. Choose a moment when they are awake and calm. Remember, newborns don't need daily baths; 2 or 3 times a week is ample. For daily care, use a washcloth to gently cleanse their face, neck, hands, bottom, and genital area.
Bathing a Newborn Baby
Initial Bath: Usually, newborns are bathed within 24 to 48 hours after birth, but this timing can vary depending on where the birth takes place.
Different Approaches: Sometimes, newborns may not be bathed at the birth location and instead receive their first bath at home.
Babies adore skin-to-skin contact, so utilize bath time to provide your child with a soothing massage, which will reassure them.
How to Properly Clean the Umbilical Cord
To prevent infection, it is crucial to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the umbilical cord.
Follow these steps:
Clean the base of the stump daily after washing your hands.
Use a cotton swab soaked in warm water or saline solution to gently clean around the cord, ensuring to clean inside all the folds.
Thoroughly dry the cord with a dry cotton swab.
Always keep the umbilical cord dry and positioned above the diaper's edge.
Avoid using rubbing alcohol, creams, or ointments on the umbilical cord, as they can prolong the healing process.
Bath Time Safety Tips
Always supervise your baby during bath time, never leaving them unattended in the bath or on a table, as infants can drown quickly in minimal water.
Prior to bathing your baby, test the water temperature by using your wrist or elbow to ensure it is comfortably warm, around 37°C (98°F), the same as the body's average temperature. We used a handy baby water thermometer to ease our minds - check it out —> Here
Avoid filling the tub with your baby inside to prevent sudden temperature changes that could lead to burns. Keep essentials like towels and soap close by for easy access.
Remember to support your baby with one hand while reaching for items during bath time.
Points to Consider
Babies do not require daily baths, but it is important to clean their face, neck, hands, bottom, and genital area with a washcloth as needed.
Always supervise your baby during bath time to prevent the risk of drowning, as they can drown in a matter of seconds even in shallow water.
A few centimeters of water are all you need to bathe your newborn.
