Bathing tips for a Newborn

Bathing your newborn can be a scary and challenging task. You might be afraid as to how to go about the bathing ritual and how your little one will take things, but don’t worry we know you love your baby and will carry out the task with utmost care, making her first experience an awesome one.

For the first few weeks, it is recommended that you should sponge bathe your baby. For sponge bath make sure that the room you choose is comfortable and cozy. Soak a soft washcloth in warm water and use it to clean your baby’s face, hands, and body. After that, pat your baby dry using a soft towel. Do not undress the baby completely, first wipe the upper body and when you are done with it then only remove the diaper and clean her legs and bump.

You should start with the tub bath only when the umbilical cord of the baby has fallen off, and the area has healed. Follow these few tips as they can help you out in bathing your baby in a tub:

• Buy a baby bathtub or an insert which is the size of your baby. Kitchen sink will also do, but make sure to keep your baby’s head up by giving her the support of your hand.
• For bathing your baby, choose a time when your baby is relaxed.
• Fill the bathtub with three inches of warm water. The temperature should be around 90 F. Always check the water before putting your baby in the tub. Too hot water can cause burns.
• Gather all the stuff that you might need for bathing the baby. Soap, cleanser, shampoo, everything must be all there and readily available.
• Gently slip your baby in the tub, inserting legs first. The first dip in water might startle your baby, but be focused. The baby might wiggle or move a bit, but you need to be calm. Keep your hold strong. Some babies might like water while others may not, do not let that stress you out.
• It is better if you have a helper by your side. It might be difficult for you to handle your baby alone; hence if possible take the help of your partner or someone else.
• While bathing your baby, talk to her make her feel at ease. Pour cupfuls of water on your baby after regular intervals so that she doesn’t feel cold.
• Do not leave your baby unattended for any reason when she is in the bathtub.
• Use a mild soap for your baby. Use your hand or cloth to rub it on your baby’s skin. If you are shampooing your baby’ hair, then save it for the last.
• Pour water cautiously on the head while clearing out the soap, water should not reach the eyes of the baby.
• Clear out the mucus in the corners of the eyes and nostril gently with your hand.
• A five-minute bath is enough for your baby. Take her out and immediately wrap her in a soft towel.
• Dab your baby dry gently with the towel, do not rub as the baby’s skin is too soft. After that, apply baby lotion to lock the moisture and dress her up quickly.

Newborns do not get dirty that much unless they start crawling; hence there is no need to bathe them daily. But remember to clean their bump and genitals when changing the diapers. If you wipe your baby thoroughly, then bathing her three times a week is enough. Rest of the days you can sponge bathe her. A gentle, warm bath will keep the little one clean and happy. Expect your baby to cry a little but if it cries a lot then cut the bath short.