New mom, the first baby. It may truly be daunting to think about because you’ll be doing everything thing for the first time in your entire life. Even if you’ve done it before, it may be intimidating to think that you’ll now be caring for your own baby. What if you make a mistake?
Don’t worry or fear. It’s your child that you’re caring for, that’s why you’ll surely do what’s best for him or her, right?
What can you read in this article?
- How to give newborn a bath
- How often to bathe a newborn
- Baby bathing tips
How to give newborn a bath, baby bathing tips.
Baby bathing tips. | Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
Here are 7 things you can do to make bath times fun and stress-free for both you and your baby.
1. You don’t have to be alone
Perhaps you want to prove you can do it all on your own. Don’t worry about what others will think. Just think about the many friends and relatives who are ready to help you, even if it’s just for the first few days or weeks. Bathe your baby with the help of your husband, your baby’s grandparents, or anyone willing to be with you during the first few baths.
2. Pick a time and stick to that schedule
Newborns are usually bathed in the mornings, but some parents prefer to do it at night. It all depends on the routine you will establish for you and your baby. Just remember to bathe your baby when she’s well rested and not hungry. Avoid bathing right after breastfeeding to avoid your baby from throwing up.
Whatever time you choose, stick to that schedule, and bathe your baby at the same time each day. Making this a part of your daily routine or schedule will lessen stress on both of you because you know when to anticipate and prepare when the next bath time will be.
3. Use bath items meant for babies and stock up on these items
List down items you’ll need in bathing your baby and choose baby-friendly products. Before you begin your bath ritual, make sure all the items you’ll need are complete and stored in one place, like a basket or plastic container.
Remember not to bathe your baby for too long, to keep him from getting too cold. All the items you’ll need must be within reach, so you don’t have to keep going out to get them.
So what are the most important things you’ll need? Baby lotion, soap, shampoo, powder, baby oil, and cream. Use a sponge, washcloth, baby towel, and after your baby turns a month old, mild baby cologne. It doesn’t have to be organic, though this is also a good option.
Prepare cloth or disposable diapers and baby clothes to dress your baby quickly to keep her warm. Don’t forget a simple toy (that’s not a choking hazard) to keep your baby entertained, or relaxing music in the background.
4. Start slowly
Though you need to make bath times quick, don’t start it suddenly. Just dab a small amount of water onto your baby’s head and body. If your baby still has an umbilical cord, or if she’s just a few days old, don’t fully submerge her in the tub yet. Use a small plastic basin, washcloth or sponge.
Focus on cleansing your baby’s head, neck, armpits, and other folds that may be prone to sweating. Wrap your baby in a towel with only their head exposed because this is the first part you’ll bath and dry quickly.
During your baby’s first week, don’t use shampoo first. Soap will suffice. After bathing their head, wrap your baby and pat dry their skin.
Remember: USE WARM WATER and not cold water when bathing your baby.
5. Prepare “bathtime gear”
Once your baby is a few months old and has gotten bigger since birth, you can start using a portable bathtub designed for babies. There are also baby bath mats you can purchase for babies who can’t sit up on their own just yet. Some parents opt to set down towels to keep babies from slipping off.
6. Maintain the right temperature
You don’t need a lot of water to bathe your little one. Remember that your baby is sensitive, so make sure that both the room and bathe water are NOT COLD. It’s important to note that warm water can easily cool if you have air conditioning. Make sure to check before bathing.
You should also take into consideration that what’s warm for you, maybe too cold for your baby. Use your elbow to check the water temperature. Or if you’re using a baby bath thermometer, water should be less than 90 degrees (Fahrenheit).
You can also use baby oil to warm them after their bath. This not only warms them but helps improve their body’s circulation.
7. Expect your baby to be fussy
Especially in the first few weeks, expect your baby to be fussy or cry because she’s still getting used to bathing. This is why she may still not be used to the process. Your baby’s first bath should be quick. This is why you need to have all the items, essentials, and clothes on hand to make sure the process is fast and efficient.
Use the toy you have by your side to entertain your baby. Sing and gently sway your baby, and make sure she feels your warm, gentle touch to calm her. Remember that crying is normal when you’re just starting to bathe her. Once your baby gets used to your routine, she’ll learn to enjoy it until she grows up. All the tears will soon be replaced by the priceless giggles and laughter of your precious baby.
According to a US study, bathing your baby is important because it offers a lot of benefits, especially to your baby’s development. Based on their research, they found that 84% of parents believe that bath time is one of the best times to strengthen the bond of baby, mom, and dad, most specifically during the first three years of a child’s life.
Not only is it essential for cleanliness and hygiene, but it’s also vital to a baby’s emotional and cognitive development.
Every thing a parent does with their child is a learning moment, especially if it’s an activities that makes use of the senses or feelings. Even something as simple as playing with soap bubbles can be like a little science experiment for your fast-developing little one.
As they say, feeling their mother’s (and father’s) loving touch is one of the most important experiences for a child. When it comes to bathing, your baby feels this tender touch, which makes it a great opportunity to bond and let them feel your love.
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How to give a newborn a sponge bath
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you may give your newborn a sponge wash until the umbilical cord falls away,
The typical time it takes for this to happen is two weeks, however the chord might sometimes fall out sooner or later. Moreover, according to a 2016 study, it’s normal to wait 5 to 15 days after your baby is born.
If your infant has undergone any type of medical operation and has stitches or bandages on their skin, they may also need just a sponge bath.
How to give newborn a bath with umbilical cord
As detailed by Healthline, you may follow this step-by-step on how to give a newborn a sponge bath.
- Remove your baby’s clothing and place them on the towel on their backs. Cover them with the second towel.
- Using a different cotton ball for each eye, dip two cotton balls in water and wipe each of your baby’s eyes from their nose to their outer eye.
- Wipe your baby’s face and ears using one washcloth dipped in water. Wipe the crease behind their ears well as spit-up milk may have gathered and dried here.
- Using the washcloth, gently wipe your baby’s scalp and neck with a few drops of soap. Allow the areas to air dry.
- Continue with the rest of the baby’s body. Cover each limb with the soapy washcloth one at a time. Pay close attention to the creases under their arms, the area around their diaper, and the areas between their fingers and toes.
- Wipe off the soap with the second washcloth, revealing one limb at a time.
- The umbilical cord area should be kept clean and dry at all times. If you find any dried blood or fluids, carefully wipe them away with the washcloth before patting them dry.
- Pat them dry with the cloth that your baby is lying on.
- If your baby’s skin is dry, apply a light baby moisturizer.
- Your child should be diapered and dressed in clean clothes.
When should babies be able to switch to other sorts of baths?
As long as there are no other concerns, your infant is suitable for a baby tub once the umbilical cord has fallen off.
A tiny plastic tub that sits in the main tub is preferred by many parents. However, you may find that using the kitchen sink or a baby tub that fits into the sink is easier on your back.
Baby bathing tips: How to bathe newborn without a tub
Baby bathing tips. | Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
If you don’t have a tub, that’s alright! There are many alternatives you can choose from to bathe your newborn.
1. Basin or kitchen sink
Cover the basin or sink with a big towel. The kitchen sink will double as a bath tub, and the large towel will keep the infant from slipping. You can fill a plastic cup with warm water and wash the baby’s head while the water is running. Hold the infant’s shoulder with your left hand while cleaning the baby with your right.
2. Plastic bin or portable tub
This is similar to a baby bathtub, although it is not as tilted as a bathtub. As a result, they’re excellent choices for when your infant can sit.
3. Shower with your baby
You can wash the infant with your other hand while holding the baby in the shower. Outside of the shower, everything should be ready, including a towel, diaper, baby cloth, and, of course, a baby bassinet.
How often to bathe a newborn
While it is usual in certain nations to not bathe babies every day, this is not the case in the United States. However, because we live in a tropical region, bathing your infant every day, or even twice a day, is acceptable.
There is no perfect time to give your kid a bath, according to Dr. Jennifer Tiglao, a pediatrician at Makati Medical Center, though most parents like to do so in the morning to create a routine.
Because babies are prone to becoming cold, it is preferable to bathe them in lukewarm water. The Mayo Clinic recommends a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, although it doesn’t have to be exact (no need to buy a bathtub thermometer either). To touch the water, simply use your elbow or the back of your hand. It should feel warm rather than heated.
