HOW TO BATHE YOUR NEWBORN BABY

Welcoming your baby home is an overwhelming moment. As you get used to parenthood, especially if it's your first child, what often comes to mind is how to bathe a baby for the very first time. Being the first experience as a mother, that tiny bundle of joy will make you anxious. Nothing to worry about. Here is everything that you need to know about baby bathing. Continue reading!

When should newborns have their first bath?

WHO recommends that it's best to wait at least 24 hours before giving a bath to your baby to avoid any risk of infection. A little delay in the first bath also helps to prevent the drying of the baby's delicate skin and helps to regulate body temperature. In the hospitals, the first bath is given by the trained nurse. When you are ready, remember that your baby's first bath has to be a sponge bath if the umbilical cord stump hasn't fallen off. 

A newborn baby bath is a special experience for every parent. Daily practice will set you on the path to enjoying this routine with your baby.

Where to bathe your newborn?

To give your baby a sponge bath, place your baby on a comfortable, flat surface. You may keep the baby wrapped and expose only a small portion of the newborn during the bath. Ensure that you gently keep one hand on the baby at all times to ensure their safety.

When should you bathe your newborn baby?

According to the new guidelines by WHO, it is recommended that you should wait at least 24 hours after birth to give a bath to your newborn baby. A delay in the first bath is recommended to reduce the risk of infection. The waxy coating on the baby's skin after birth protects the baby from any disease-causing germs. Delaying the bath also prevents changes in body temperature, and thus baby's body temperature remains stable.

Talk to your newborn's specialist for advice regarding when and how to bathe a baby.

Setting up a baby for a bath:

Here are a few tips recommended by dermatologists as you begin cleaning the sensitive soft skin of your newborn baby in the baby bath procedure:

• Lay down your baby on a comfortable and flat surface.
• Keep the baby warm by wrapping the little one in a soft towel. Expose only the portion that needs to be wiped with a sponge or soft towel.
• For your baby's safety, always place one hand over the baby.
• Keep the bath gentle and brief.

Steps to bathe your newborn baby:

Stick to a sponge bath during the first two weeks. Check the water temperature before you use it for the baby bath. 

Here are the steps as to how to bathe a baby once you lay the baby on a flat surface:

• Plan ahead of the bath and keep all the newborn baby products ready and within your hand's reach as you learn how to bathe a baby.
• Dip a soft washcloth or a sponge into a bowl of lukewarm water. With the help of the wet cloth, wipe your baby's head first.
• Be very soft over the gentle spots, and do not forget to clean behind the ears, on the neck creases, and between the toes and fingers.
• Add a small amount of baby soap to the bowl of lukewarm water and clean the rest of the body with the soap water. Make sure to rinse the soap with water and avoid entering the soap into the baby's eyes.
• Now is the time to dry your baby. With the towel, gently wipe the body and immediately wrap your baby in a dry towel to prevent your baby from feeling cold.
• Once the umbilical cord stump falls and heals, you may place your baby in a small plastic baby tub placed on a sink or in your bathroom and occasionally pour warm water and use newborn baby products such as soap and shampoo for bathing the baby. You may shop for baby products online.
• Remember to support the baby's head and neck all the time.
• The Baby's skin is very soft and becomes very slippery when wet. So, take extra precautions in handling when the baby is wet.
• Generally, 5-10 minutes of bath time is sufficient. Long bathing time may make your baby's skin dry.

How do you dry up and dress the baby after the bath?

Once the bath is over, you need to cover up your baby quickly from getting cold. Here is what you do after the baby bath:

• Pat dry the baby with a soft cloth or towel.
• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer over the baby's body to avoid dryness of the skin.
• Dress them in comfortable soft clothes.
• If you are dressing up your baby on the table, remember to keep one hand on your baby all the time.

Bathing a newborn baby is a special time to bond with your baby. Changing diapers, feeding your baby, and keeping them clean is just one part of the story. The baby needs lots of love, cuddles, and skin-to-skin contact. Use touch supervision as you learn how to bathe a baby. Never leave your baby alone during a bath. Bathe your baby only 2-3 times a week in the early days. Later on, you can bathe your baby every day.

Your baby's bath is such a special moment every day for you to enjoy. Now you know the procedure, so enjoy it as you practice the steps with a wide range of safe baby products at Wellness Forever.