OK new mommies (and daddies!): we got you! It may be a little terrifying at first to think of bathing your little newborn. What if you slip? What if, what if, what if! Do not worry mommies and daddies, we have the ultimate guide for your newborn bathing needs!
Preparation
First off: make sure that everything that you will need for that bath should be within arm's reach. Shampoo, soap, or all around baby wash should be nearby. The towel you will use to wipe baby dry should be reachable too. If you are using a wash cloth to wash your baby in the bath (to reach those tricky parts like the underside of the neck!), make sure that it is either in the water already or at least nearby. If not a cloth, then maybe you prefer a tabo that can be used to help rinse off the soap and shampoo.
How to check the water
The water that you bathe your baby in should be warm but not too hot. The best way to check for the temperature is to use your elbow. If the water is too hot, add more cold water, or let it cool before letting your baby soak in it.
Safety first!
Next is that you have to make sure you are able to hold your child during the bath. With one arm, support their head, neck and body. The head and neck must be above the water at all times. If you have a baby net where your baby can lie in while bathing, all the better. Just make sure that your baby is secure in the net and that there are no obstructions for their movement.
Washing
Now if you are right handed, use your left arm to hold and secure your baby. Make sure that they are comfortable and you are too. If you’re left handed, then just switch it up. Gently rub the soap, shampoo, or baby wash on your baby, remembering those little spaces in their necks! Try to wash their little hands and toes too. Just remember to be gentle with all the motions and do not make it to harsh.
What about the umbilical cord?!
We asked our resident pediatrician, Dr. Gellina Maala, to give her thoughts on this. She said it is fine to just wash around the cord, and it is ok to wet it, just dry it off and the area around it as soon as you can. If the area is red, or there is a weird smell coming from the umbilical cord, it may be infected and you will need to consult your pediatrician about what to do. If there is yellow discharge, that is normal. Dr. Maala also says, “Bawal ang bigkis.” You must expose the umbilical cord so it will dry up and naturally fall off. This usually happens around 2 weeks after birth.
How long should baby be in a bath?
Dr. Maala says that a newborn should not be in the bath more than 5 minutes. With practice this will come easier for you, so don’t worry about it too much. Just make sure that your baby does not get cold!
Drying off
When you’re drying off, remember again the little parts like their neck and fingers that may not be exposed as much, that need to get dry. Be careful also when you are drying their hair and head because it is still very soft up there. Just a gentle rubbing down of the whole body is fine.
So there you go mommies and daddies. Our little guide to bathing your newborn. We hope this helps you and good luck! If you are looking for any more tips on parenting Download our App now!
