The Dos and Don'ts of Bathing Your Baby
Ah, newborns. When they first come into the world, you’re scared to hold them. I mean, they’re so tiny and fragile—what if they slip from your grasp? Well, if you thought holding a baby was frightening, wait till it’s time to give them a bath.
If bathing your baby makes you feel nervous, you’re not alone. Many parents also feel this way. But like most things in life, you get better with time and practice. To help you out (and ensure you don’t turn those first baby baths into a disaster), here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you bathe your newborn:
Dos for Bathing Your Newborn
1. Start With a Sponge Bath
Sponge baths are recommended for newborns till the stump from the umbilical cord falls off. Bathing them this way prevents any infections around the area where the umbilical cord was. Usually, the stump falls off within a week or two.
2. Prepare the Bathing Area and Gather Necessities Before Starting
You should have the bathing area ready before starting the bath. This includes putting together all the necessities so you’re not running around searching for shampoo and diapers in the middle of the action.
The last thing you want to do is leave an infant unattended on a changing table. Meanwhile, here’s a checklist of items required for your baby’s bath:
* Basin or bowl of warm water
* Soft padding for the flat surface
* Clean washcloth
* Baby bath oil
* Soft towel
* Diapers
3. Keep the Baby Warm With Lukewarm Water and a Towel
You shouldn’t bathe your baby with hot water to avoid hurting their delicate skin. Cold water isn’t recommended either.
Instead, lukewarm water around 38℃ is more ideal to protect their skin and health. You should also ensure the room where you bathe the newborn is at a comfortable temperature. A warm environment with a temperature of 23°C should be perfect for the bath.
Finally, keep the infant wrapped in a towel throughout. You should only expose the areas you’re washing to prevent them from getting cold.
Don’ts for Bathing a Newborn
1. Don’t Bath Daily
As much as you want a clean and spotless baby, it’s not medically recommended to bathe a newborn every day. I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t that unhygienic?” Not exactly.
Babies don’t get dirty as much as you think, mainly because they don’t sweat much. So, a bath three times a week should suffice. Bathing them daily can strip away natural oils and lead to dry skin.
2. Don’t Leave Them Unattended
Whether during a sponge bath or in a tub, you should never leave your baby alone, even for a few seconds. It’s possible for the newborn to slip from the bathing surface—or worse, submerge their head in water. So, ensure you never step away during a bath.
3. Don’t Use Bath Seats
Bath seats are generally not recommended for babies because they can lead to drowning. Infants can slip from these devices, especially if they’re left unattended. Instead, a baby bathtub is more suitable.
Conclusion
Bathing a newborn can lead to nerves and anxiety for parents. However, with some extra care and safety precautions, you’ll master the routine within days or weeks. By keeping these tips in mind, you won't struggle to get your bundle of love squeaky clean with a few scrubs.