Essential Tips and Important Advice for Bathing Newborns

Bathing BabiesYour first concern after their birth, especially if the baby’s umbilical cord is still attached, is learning how to bathe your newborn. If you’re reading this section ofSelMagzit means you are wondering how to bathe a baby. We all like to be clean, but the method differs greatly between adults and just a few days old babies. If you’re unsure how to approach this beautiful moment with your child, we will guide you through it.

 

We never thought about how to bathe a newborn or everything related to it. When people become new parents, they often intend to bathe their baby every day in a tub using special bath products. There are unclear methods to wash newborns that can have consequences for the child, such as using inappropriate shampoos orsoapsand responding to calls while bathing the baby are two mistakes that anyone can make when they start bathing their child. Here are recommendations for when washing a newborn with an umbilical cord and what to do to ensure the umbilical cord does not remain on the child’s body for long.

 

1. Wash the baby two or three times a week with a sponge soaked in warm water. This will help prevent diaper rash. If you frequently change the baby’s diaper and refresh them with wet wipes, there is no need to bathe them every day.

2. Place a towel under the baby to prevent slipping and to keep all items afloat in the water. Always have a dry towel ready to keep everything clean when you finish bathing.

Use shampoo and soap that won’t irritate the baby.

 

3. To prevent any harmful substances from getting into the baby’s eyes, keep your hand on the baby’s forehead while bathing.

4. Remember to have a soft towel ready to dry the baby.

5. Ideally, if the towel has a hood, it helps you keep the baby’s head at a comfortable temperature. It’s good to have at least three towels for the baby.

6. You can perform this sponge bath in your bathtub or a plastic tub for the baby’s comfort. Remember, to avoid injuries on the baby’s back, the tub should be at the same height as you.

7. If the umbilical cord gets wet, nothing serious will happen; simply dry it gently with a soft towel and continue bathing your baby. It’s good to know that the umbilical cord will detach from the baby’s belly button about three weeks after birth.

8. Be very gentle with your baby; cover them with a towel and remove each part of the body while washing. If bath time isn’t uncomfortable for the baby, you can wash them gently without a towel.

 

• Fill the tub with warm water or use a plastic tub.
• The water temperature should be between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius.
• Pour water into the tub up to the baby’s chest without submerging them.
• Start washing your baby from head to toe; this way, you prevent bacteria and secretions from sticking to them.
• Gently turn the baby to wash their back and bottom; remember that your child should be on one hand to avoid any incidents during washing.

Key Methods for Bathing Newborns

Golden Tips for Bathing Newborns

• do not use cotton swabs for drying the ears.
• Bathe them two or a maximum of three times a week; daily bathing is not necessary.
• The suitable bathing time for a baby is between 5 to 10 minutes.
• It is normal for your baby’s skin to be dry. However, it is good to moisturize their body after bathing; for this, you can usebaby oiland edible liquid vegetable oils (like olive,almondsunflower, etc.) to reduceskin drynessand to prevent flaking, as well as to soften their face. Just ensure that the oil does not get into their eyes and mouth.

Bathing a newborn and all the tips a mother should know

• Smile and talk to them.
• Bath time is a wonderful moment between you and your child; of course, someone might knock on the bathroom door, the phone may ring, or you might need to shift to another situation. In such cases, cover your baby with a towel and take them wherever you go. You should never leave them alone in the tub, as accidents can happen easily.