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When Should You Give Your Baby Their First Bath?
Your baby is adjusting to the world outside your womb. And, it is important to give them time to adjust. While earlier, the baby’s first bath timings were different, many hospitals now wait longer before giving newborns their first bath. The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests waiting at least 24 hours after birth. If that is not possible, it is recommended to delay bathing a newborn for at least six hours.Why Waiting Is Beneficial?
Delaying your baby’s first bath comes with many advantages:- Better temperature and sugar control: A newborn’s body is still learning to regulate heat and blood sugar. Bathing too early can make them cold or cause their sugar levels to drop.
- Supports bonding and breastfeeding: Early baths interrupt skin-to-skin contact, which is important for bonding and breastfeeding success.
- Protects delicate skin: The creamy white coating on your baby’s skin, called vernix, is nature’s moisturiser. It helps protect and hydrate your baby’s sensitive skin. Wiping it away too soon can cause dryness, especially for preterm babies.
How to Prepare for Your Baby’s First Bath?
Preparation makes all the difference. Before you start, make sure everything you need for your baby is ready. It is important to keep your baby’s bath supplies ready beforehand so that you don’t need to rush or leave your baby unattended. You can prepare for your baby’s first bath by following the steps below:- Pick the right time: Choose a calm moment when your baby is awake, calm, and fed. Avoid feeding your baby immediately after a feed.
- Make it warm: Babies lose body heat quickly, so keep the room warm.
- Check the water temperature: Fill the tub with about 2 inches of warm water. Ensure the water is warm and not hot. Test it with your wrist or elbow before using it for your baby.
- Have supplies within reach: Get towels, baby soap, shampoo, washcloths, and clean clothes ready. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a few seconds.
Step-by-Step: How to Bathe Your Newborn
- Support your baby carefully. Hold your baby with one arm under their head and neck, and the other under their bottom. Lower them gently into the water feet first.
- Start the bathing process with the face and head. Use a damp cloth to wipe their face and clean behind their ears. For hair, use a small amount of baby shampoo once or twice a week. Ensure your baby is not allergic to the shampoo. Preferably, use products prescribed by your paediatrician.
- Clean the body. Use mild soap only where needed, such as on hands, neck folds, and the diaper area. Rinse the soap gently with warm water.
- Keep the baby warm. Pour warm water over the baby’s body often to prevent chills.
- Finish the bathing process quickly. Baby baths should last about 5–10 minutes at first.
Drying and Moisturising After the Bath
After the bath, gently lift your baby out, supporting their head and neck. Wrap them right away in a soft towel, preferably one with a hood to keep their head warm.Pat your baby’s skin dry gently. Avoid rubbing the baby’s skin while drying. Pat gently, especially in folds like underarms, neck, and thighs. Once dry, apply a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic baby lotion to lock in moisture. Avoid powders, as they can irritate your baby’s breathing passages.
NOTE: In the initial days, it is best to use baby products recommended by your healthcare provider.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?
You don’t need to bathe your newborn every day. In the first few months, two to three baths a week are enough.Can You Bathe a Baby Before the Umbilical Cord Falls Off?
It is advised to stick to sponge baths until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off. It may take one to two weeks for the umbilical cord stump to fall off. This helps keep the area clean and dry while it heals. If the cord stays longer or looks unusual, check with your paediatrician.How to Give Your Baby a Sponge Bath?
On days you don’t want to give a bath to your baby or before the umbilical cord stump falls off, you can give a sponge bath to your baby. A sponge bath is simple and gentle. To give a sponge bath to your little one, follow the steps below:- Get everything ready first. Have a bowl of warm water, a washcloth, a soft towel, baby soap (if needed), a fresh diaper, and clean clothes nearby.
- Find a comfortable spot. You can use a changing table, bed, or padded surface. Always keep one hand on your baby if they’re on a raised area.
- Start with the face. Use plain water and a soft cloth to gently clean your baby’s eyes (from the inside corner outward), face, and neck.
- Wash the body. Dip the cloth in clean, warm water (with mild baby soap if necessary) and wipe your baby’s arms, chest, and legs. Clean the diaper area last.
- Keep your baby warm. Wrap your baby in a towel and uncover only the area you’re washing. Speak softly; it helps them feel secure.
When Is Your Baby Ready for a Regular Bath?
After the umbilical cord falls off and the area heals, your baby is ready for their first “real” bath. If you are sceptical about giving your baby their first bath, speak to your healthcare provider.What is Swaddle Bathing?
If your baby cries or gets cold easily while bathing, you can try swaddle bathing. This new bathing method combines swaddling and bathing. This method helps your baby feel secure while you wash them. To give your baby a swaddle bath:- Wrap your baby loosely in a soft blanket.
- Place your baby (still swaddled) into warm water up to their shoulders.
- Unwrap and wash one limb at a time, then rewrap before moving to the next.
What are the Precautions to Take While Bathing Your Little One?
Bath time is fun, and bonding is a moment of joy. But the safety of your baby always comes first. While giving a bath to your baby, ensure you follow the following precautions:- Never leave your baby alone in or near the water.
- Keep one hand on your baby at all times.
- Never rely on baby bath seats as they can tip over easily.
- Empty the tub immediately after the bath.
- Avoid using strong soaps or hot water.
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FAQs on It’s Time for Your Baby’s First Bath: Here’s How You Can Make It a Comforting Experience
- Is it okay to use soap on my newborn?
It is generally safe to use very mild and fragrance-free soaps on your baby. However, it is best to use a soap only after consulting your doctor. - What should I do if my baby cries during the bath?
Try to gently and softly speak to your baby to comfort them. Stay calm and ensure the water is warm. Babies usually cry when they are cold. If your baby continues crying during every bath session, give them a sponge bath. If you are worried about this, speak to your healthcare provider.