Giving your baby a bath for the first time can be daunting, especially for a new mom. You have so many worries. Is the water too hot? Is the water too cold? How do I take care of the umbilical stump? Is the baby wash mild enough for his sensitive skin? It can be tricky the first few tries, but don’t fret.
With every bath, it does get easier and it becomes a wonderful opportunity for you and your little one to bond.
Here are some bath time tips to guide you in bathing your precious newborn safely:
1. You don’t need to bathe your baby every day.
Three times a week is enough for the first few months until he becomes more active. According to the Mayo Clinic, giving him a bath too often can dry his skin.
When bathing your little one, use a mild soap that’s safe for newborns, like Baby Dove. It is made with 1/4 moisturizing cream and 100% skin-natural ingredients. It also goes beyond mild cleansing—it keeps your baby’s skin moisturized. And because it is created without parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, you don’t have to worry about using it on your newborn.
Some doctors recommend giving the baby a sponge bath until the umbilical cord falls off. Others say it’s okay as long as you avoid getting the umbilical area wet. Check with your own doctor to see which one suits your baby.
Of course, you can wipe or even wash parts of his body that get dirty like the face, neck, hands, and diaper area. The National Health Service calls this “topping and tailing” and you may want to try this on those days when you’re not giving him a bath.
2. Make sure your baby is comfortable.
It’s best to do bath time when the baby is fully awake and not hungry or tired. Giving him a bath while he’s sleepy is one way to make sure you’ll have a fussy baby in your hands. That can make bath time a bit more challenging so schedule his baths when he’s not likely to doze off or want to feed.
First, check if the room where you’re doing the bath is not chilly. Whether you choose to do it in the bathroom or in the nursery, keep it warm and cozy so that when you take off your baby’s clothes, he won’t feel cold.
Check the water as well. Here’s a tip on how to do so from experts: Test if the water is warm enough by placing the inside of your wrist or your elbow in the water. It should not feel too hot nor too cold on your wrist or elbow.
3. Keep your baby safe.
Before you even begin to give your newborn a bath, make sure you have everything you need within reach. This includes your basin of water, soap, washcloth or cotton balls, dry towel, and anything else you might need.
By doing so, you ensure that you keep the bath as quick as possible—it’s ideal to do it in just 5 to 10 minutes. Having everything you need during bath time also lessens the chance of having to stop the bath to get the essentials.
Remember, never leave the baby unattended even for a second. The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that children can drown in one to two inches of water so make sure you are mindful of your baby at all times. There’s also the risk of falling if you take your eyes off your little one so always watch your baby.
4. Do it with love.
Now that you’re ready to give him a bath, do it with utmost love and care. As you’re bathing him, it helps to talk to your baby to keep him engaged. Let him know what you’re doing. He will come to know your soothing voice and this will strengthen your
relationship as mother and child.
While giving him a bath, you may choose to hold the baby on your knee or let him lay down on a towel or changing mat. Begin with the face and dip the washcloth in the water and wipe around his eyes. Use a separate washcloth on each eye. After this, you can wash the head gently with a mild soap, avoiding the eyes and the nose. As soon as you’re done, dry the hair and the face with a clean towel then move on to the body.
Gently pour the water on his body using your hand or a small dipper. You may also use a washcloth to lather the soap. Do note that you should use different washcloths for every part of the body. If your baby’s umbilical stump hasn’t fallen off yet, be careful when doing this and avoid that area since it needs to stay dry. Rinse off the soap with warm water and quickly pat him dry.
Remember, your baby’s skin is sensitive and can easily become dry. It’s important to use products that will be safe for baby’s skin and gentle as well.
At first, bath time can be challenging. But as you gain your confidence as a new mother, you’ll soon enjoy this bonding activity with your baby.
Baby Dove supports you in how ever way you love your little one. With Baby Dove, there’s no right or wrong way to be a mom – only your way. You can choose from a wide range of products — bath soaps, body wash, baby wipes, lotions, and shampoos. Shop now at Lazada, Shopee, or Watsons via Shopalyst and get great deals.
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