Welcoming a newborn into the world is an incredible experience for any parent. However, with this new journey comes the challenge of caring for a little one entirely dependent on you. One essential aspect of caring for a newborn is bathing them. Bath time is not just about keeping the baby clean but also provides an opportunity for bonding with your little one.
However, giving a newborn a bath can be intimidating for new parents. In this article, I’ll discuss the best way to bathe a newborn and answer frequently asked questions to make bath time a comfortable and enjoyable experience for you and your baby.
When Should I Give My Newborn Their First Bath?
You should wait at least 24 hours after your baby is born before giving them their first bath. This allows time for the baby’s skin to absorb the vernix, a white, waxy substance that protects the baby’s skin in the womb.
How Much Water Should I Use?
You should only fill the tub with a few inches of water to cover your baby’s legs and bottom. The water should be warm, but not too hot. You can check the temperature by using your elbow or a thermometer.
How Should I Hold My Baby During The Bath?
For newborns, it is recommended that you use one hand to support your baby’s head and neck and the other to support their bottom. You can also use a baby bath support to help keep your baby comfortable.
How To Sponge Bathe A Newborn?
For the first week or so after birth, you’ll want to give the baby a quick, gentle sponge bath. Here’s how.
Gather Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary supplies within arm’s reach. This includes a baby bathtub or basin, a soft washcloth, mild baby soap or shampoo, a clean towel, a diaper, and a change of clothes. Fill the tub with warm water, not hot, and test the temperature with your elbow or wrist.
Choose A Time When Your Baby Is Calm and Alert
Newborns can get fussy and irritable when they are hungry or tired. Therefore, it is best to choose a time when your baby is alert and calm, such as after a nap or a feeding. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time, so you don’t feel rushed or stressed during the process.
Undress Your Baby and Place Them in the Water
Gently undress your baby and wrap them in a towel to keep them warm. With one hand supporting your baby’s neck and head, lower them into the water feet first. Use your other hand to help their bottom and keep them steady.
Wash Your Baby
Use a soft washcloth and mild baby soap or shampoo to gently wash your baby’s face, body, and scalp. Pay special attention to the folds of their skin, such as behind the ears, under the arms, and around the neck. Avoid getting soap in their eyes, ears, or mouth.
Rinse Your Baby
Using a cup or your hand, rinse your baby with clean water. Make sure to remove all the soap from their skin and scalp.
Lift Your Baby out of the Water and Dry Them Off
Lift your baby out of the water and wrap them in a clean, dry towel. Use the towel to pat them dry, paying particular attention to their skin folds. Dry the creases behind their ears, under their arms, and around their neck.
Apply Lotion and Diaper Your Baby
Apply a mild lotion or oil to keep your baby’s skin soft and smooth. Then, diaper your baby and dress them in clean clothes. Choose loose-fitting clothes that won’t rub against your baby’s skin or irritate their umbilical cord stump.
Clean and Store the Bathing Supplies
Clean the baby’s bathtub or basin, washcloth, and other bathing supplies thoroughly after each use. Store them in a dry, clean place, ready for the next bath time.
Tips For Giving A Newborn A Bath
Gather all your supplies before starting the bath. This will help you stay organized and make the process smoother.
Ensure the room is warm and draft-free so your baby doesn’t get too cold during the bath.
Start by washing your baby’s face and hair with a soft washcloth and mild baby soap. Be careful not to get soap in their eyes.
Use a cup or pitcher to pour water over your baby’s body instead of submerging them in the water. This will help prevent water from getting into their ears and nose.
Clean your baby’s diaper area last, as this is the dirtiest part of their body. Use a clean washcloth and mild soap to clean the area gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start Bathing My Newborn?
You can start giving your newborn a sponge bath within the first few days after birth. Once the umbilical cord stump falls off, typically between one and three weeks after delivery, you can start giving your baby a regular bath.
What Temperature Should The Water Be For A Newborn’s Bath?
The water should be warm, around 100.4°F (38°C). You can check the water temperature using a thermometer or by testing the water with your elbow or wrist.
Do I Need To Use A Special Soap For My Baby’s Bath?
It is best to use mild, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic soap specially formulated for babies. Avoid using adult soap or any product containing harsh chemicals that irritate your baby’s skin.
How Often Should I Bathe My Newborn?
You do not need to bathe your newborn every day. Two or three times a week is enough. However, you can clean your baby’s face, neck, hands, and diaper area daily.
Conclusion
Bathtime can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your newborn. You can give your baby a safe and comfortable bath with some preparation and knowledge. Remember to keep the water warm, use mild soap, and always keep a hand on your baby. As a new parent, bathing your newborn may seem daunting, but you will get the hang of it with practice. This article has helped you feel more confident about bathing your newborn.
Hi, my name is Keren Smooth. My friends LaTarsha Holdenton and Renae Reinardy forced me to start Blogging under the company name “K2babycare” to share my knowledge of parenting with other Moms, to become a better Mom tomorrow than today.