Bathing Your Newborn Baby - A Guide for Parents

Key takeaway

To bathe your baby safely and comfortably, always use warm water, never leave them unattended in the bathtub, and use gentle soaps sparingly. Safety should always come first during bathtime, so keep a close eye on the temperature of the water and never leave your baby alone in the tub. With these tips in mind, you'll be an expert parent in no time!

Nothing is more important than keeping your newborn baby safe. Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, and it's easy to feel lost when faced with the responsibility of keeping your little one happy and healthy. One of the most important things you'll need to master as a new parent is how to bathe your baby properly. Here are some tips for cleaning your newborn baby.

When should newborns get their first bath?

When giving your newborn their first bath, you may have heard that it's best to wait a day or two. And while that may not have been the recommendation in the past, things have changed. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends waiting at least 6 hours before giving your baby their first bath. And if you can wait 24 hours, that's even better. 

Why the change? Well, it turns out that there are a few good reasons. For one, babies bathed right after birth may be more likely to become cold and develop hypothermia. Additionally, the minor stress of an early bath can also make some babies more likely to have a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). 

Furthermore, taking the baby away for a bath too soon can interrupt skin-to-skin care and bonding between mother and child. It can also interfere with breastfeeding, as mothers may need to leave the baby's side to pump milk. 

And finally, newborns have very delicate skin that can quickly dry out. Waiting to give them their first bath gives their skin a chance to adjust and start producing its natural oils. 

So when giving your newborn their first bath, it's best to err on caution and wait at least 6 hours—if not 24.

Can my baby have a bath before the umbilical cord falls off?

Technically yes, but it's generally not recommended. Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, usually within one or two weeks of birth, it's best to stick to sponge baths. This is because the umbilical cord stump is susceptible to infection. Give your newborn a full bath before the cord falls off; carefully clean around the stump's base. Once the cord stump does fall off, you can resume giving your baby regular baths.

How to give a Sponge Bath?

Okay, giving a sponge bath may not sound like the most fun thing in the world, but it's not that bad. Plus, it's a great bonding experience for you and your little one. Here's how to do it:

First, gather all the supplies you'll need: a basin of water, a soap-free washcloth, a dry towel, and anything else you might need. Then, find a comfortable surface on which to place your baby. A changing table, bed, floor, or counter next to the sink will work fine. If you're using a hard surface, pad it with a blanket or fluffy towel. And if your baby is on a surface above the floor, use a safety strap or keep one hand on her to prevent falls.

Now you're ready to start washing your baby. Begin with the face—use the dampened cloth to wash her face, careful not to get water into her eyes or mouth. Then move on to the rest of the body. Keep your baby warm throughout the process by wrapping her in a blanket or towel.

And that's it! You did it! Now celebrate with a cup of coffee—you deserve it.

Know When To Bathe Your Baby

Babies don't need to take baths every day over-bathing can strip away natural oils from their skin and lead to dryness and irritation. Most newborns only require a few baths per week and no more than once a day; if you're not sure how often you should bathe your baby, talk to your pediatrician about what's best for them based on their individual needs and preferences.

Avoid Using Soaps & Detergents

It's best to avoid using any soaps or detergents when washing a newborn baby—their delicate skin doesn't require anything more than warm water to keep them clean! However, if you decide that extra cleaning power is necessary (for example, if your baby has been exposed to dirt or grime), opt for a mild soap specifically designed for babies or infants. Be sure to rinse off any remaining soap residue thoroughly before taking them out of the bathtub!

When is my baby ready for a regular bath?

Bond with your baby through a relaxing, soothing bath - but only when his umbilical cord is fully healed! Start slowly and be gentle by keeping the first few baths brief. It's totally normal for babies to protest at first; if this happens, take it back to sponge bathing until they're ready again. You'll know when that time comes since little ones have ways of making their wishes known!

Here are ten safety tips you should follow when you bathe your baby:

1. It's essential to always stay with your baby while he's in the tub. Babies can drown in just a few inches of water, so it's crucial that you never leave them unattended. In addition to keeping a close eye on your baby, you should also make sure that the tub is free of any toys or objects that he could use to climb out. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your baby safe and prevent any accidents.
2. When it comes to bathing your baby, warm water is always best. Not only is hot water more likely to cause irritations and skin problems, but it can also be dangerous if your baby happens to slip or fall. To avoid any accidents, always test the water with your elbow before putting your baby in. That way, you can be sure that the water is just right. The general rule uses warm—not hot—water.
3. Baths are fun and relaxing for infants, but it's important to take some safety precautions to prevent any accidents. One way to do this is to use an infant tub - these tubs are designed to be shallow and have high sides to prevent your baby from accidentally slipping under the water. If you don't have an infant tub, you can still give your baby a safe bath by filling the regular tub only halfway. This will help to prevent any accidental drownings.
4. Another safety tip is always to keep one hand on your baby while they're in the tub, even if they're using a floatation device. This way, you can quickly grab them if they start to slip under the water. Be extra careful handling your slippery little one as you lift him out of the tub; support his head and neck at all times. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your baby's bath time is always safe and enjoyable.
5. Gently pour water over your baby using a cup, taking care not to splash him in the face. As mentioned above, It's best to use warm, not hot, water - too much heat can cause the blood vessels in your baby's skin to expand, leading to redness and irritation.
6. When it comes to keeping your baby clean, less is definitely more. Soaps can be harsh on delicate skin, so it's best to use them sparingly. If you do need to use soap, make sure you rinse your baby thoroughly afterward to remove any residue. When washing your baby's hair, stick to mild shampoos or body washes and only do it 2-3 times a week. And always avoid getting any soap in your baby's eyes - no one wants that!
7. Wash your baby's face and hair last so he doesn't get cold while you're cleaning him.
8. Wrap him in a soft towel right away, and cuddle him until he's dry (or nearly dry).
9. Dry his folds of skin care to prevent irritation and rash—pat, don't rub!
10. And finally, don't forget to kiss those toes!

Conclusion

Bathing a newborn can seem intimidating at first glance; however, following these simple tips will help ensure that both you and your little one stay safe and comfortable during bathtime. Keep an eye on the temperature of the water in the bathtub, know when it's time for a bath and when it's not, and use gentle soaps sparingly - if at all - when cleaning your baby's delicate skin after each bath. With these guidelines in mind, you'll be well on your way toward mastering this important parenting skill in no time! Remember: safety comes first!