Giving your newborn a bath: Here's how to do it right!

Posted By: Jay Verma In: Parenting On: Comment: 0 Hit: 1938

It is possible to add bath time to your baby's routine, shortly after the baby is born. Some experts can recommend little delay in your little one's first bath as the skin of your baby is covered in vernix (a wax substance protecting your baby from the germs). Once your baby is home, a sponge bath is the safest way and you can clean the baby's head, body, and diaper area. For new moms, baby's bath time can be a little difficult in the beginning, so here we are providing you with the right details on how to give your baby a bath.

Baby's first sponge bath

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Also read -  Things that make postpartum life more and more exciting!

A sponge bath is recommended for the first few weeks until the umbilical cord falls off.  To keep the hassles away, you need to ensure that you have all the essentials you need within easy reach, warm up your room so that your baby feels comfortable.

Things that you may need

·         Padding for hard surfaces, a blanket or a towel

·         A bowl of warm water (not hot water)

·         Washcloth

·         Clean diaper

·         Baby towel

·         Mild baby soap

Once you have all the essentials near you, follow these steps

·         Keep your room warm, wrap your baby in a towel after removing the clothes and diaper.

·         Lay your baby on a flat surface such as a changing table and keep one hand on your baby to ensure safety.

·         Unwrap the towel, one part at a time, the area you're washing.

·         Start from the top of your baby's head and face, dip a clean cloth in warm water without soap, you must avoid soap from getting in your baby's eyes or mouth. Wipe softly around outer ears, neck, chin, and eyes. 

·         Now you can use soapy water to clean the diaper area and other body parts. Clean the under arms and around the genital area, be careful if your baby was circumcised, do as directed by your doctor in such circumstances.

·         It's time to dry off your baby, use a soft and clean towel, keep their head warm, put on a clean diaper.

Bathe your baby in a baby bathtub

Once the umbilical cord falls off, you can give your baby a bath in a baby bathtub.

·         You don't need too much water, usually, 2 to 3 inches of water from the surface of the bathtub is sufficient. Some tubs can be placed in the sink, depends on the model you have.

·         Once you remove clothes and diaper, place your baby in the tub safely, right away so that your baby won't feel cold.

·         Give support to your baby's head with one hand and place your baby's feet in the tub with your other hand. The head and neck of your baby must be well above the water, safety first!

·         Pour water over your baby to keep them warm.

·         Clean your baby's face and head with a washcloth, shampoo on your baby's scalp (once or twice a week is enough).

·         Use a wet washcloth and wash the rest of the body.

·         Lift your baby out gently and dry off with a towel.

Remember, never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub or on the flat surface,

Also read - When babies start teething: Everything you need to know!

How often should you bath your baby?

For the first year, three baths a week is enough, any more frequently than this can lead to skin dryness, especially if you are using soap.

Final words

Make sure that your baby enjoys the bathtime, never use too hot water, and never leave them unattended. If your baby is crying or not enjoying the bath, ensure that your room is warm enough. Hope this helps, and you will enjoy some good time with your little one.

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