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When To Give The Baby's First Bath?
It used to be standard practice in hospitals to take infants away immediately after delivery for a wash. Not anymore. The experts advise a 24-hour delay for the baby's first bath. According to the experts, there are certain exceptions to the following recommendation: If the infant has been exposed to certain infections after delivery, such as HSV(Herpes simplex virus), HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, an urgent wash may be recommended.According to Dr Shelly Gupta, postponing the first infant bath may have major medical and emotional advantages. Because infants are particularly sensitive to cold, it may reduce cold stress. Cold-induced stress can cause the body to work to keep itself warm, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop, studies suggest that postponing a baby's first bath reduces the risk of hypothermia and hypoglycemia. Furthermore, newborns are born with a waxy, cheese-like covering on their skin known as vernix caseosa, which you should not wash off since it helps maintain heat and may act as an extra barrier to infection.
Baby's First Bath At Home
Once your baby arrives home, there is no specific timeframe for giving them their first bath. Keep in mind that you should not fully immerse your baby in water until the umbilical cord has fallen off and they are completely healed. Baby boys who have been circumcised should continue to take sponge baths until their penis heals.Other than that, there are no strict regulations to follow. Experts agree that bathing a baby is entirely up to the parents, and there is no urgency. Many families are excited about giving their babies their first bath at home, but waiting a few days is fine.
How Frequently Should You Bathe A Newborn?
When it comes to newborn bathing, one to three times per week should suffice, this regimen may even be adequate for the baby's whole first year. Bathing a newborn more often than necessary might cause dry skin. Some parents choose to provide frequent showers as part of their child's bedtime ritual, which is also acceptable. Dr Shelly Gupta believes that baths may help calm fussy newborns and help them sleep better.
How To Bathe A Newborn?
Bathing a newborn may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little planning and the proper setting, the baby's first bath (and subsequent baths) can be a stress-free, enjoyable experience. Yes, the baby will probably cry, but it doesn't imply you're doing anything wrong. Don't worry about it so much! Here are the steps for what you need to do—and what you should know—when washing a baby.
How To Sponge Bathe A Newborn?
For the first week following delivery, you should give the baby a fast, gentle sponge wash. Here are the steps on how you can bathe your baby:
Step 1: Gather your materials
Use our helpful baby bath supplies checklist to ensure you have all you need. At the very least, have a dry towel, a clean diaper, washcloths, and baby soap on hand.Step 2: Pick a location
Decide where you'll give the infant their bath. While not absolutely essential, infant baths are very handy. They may be used in the sink or bathtub, and most incorporate a hammock-style sling to support the baby's head. Choose a warm area where you can kneel or stand comfortably while maintaining one hand on the baby at all times.Step 3: Wash a small portion at a time
After you've removed the baby's clothing and diaper and placed them in the baby bathtub (or on a soft, dry towel), cover them with another towel, lifting just a little portion at a time and patting dry as you go. Gently clean the baby with a warm water-soaked rag, giving particular attention to the diaper region and any wrinkles or rolls.Bathing A Newborn
Once the umbilical cord stump has come off and healed, you may begin giving the infant thorough baths. Experts suggest that newborn baths be soft and brief—your child may complain at first (in which case, return to sponge baths and try again in a few weeks). Even if the infant is ready, washing a newborn may be difficult, so solicit the assistance of a partner or family member. It's best if those early baths can be done with multiple carers around so you have extra hands if you need them. Follow these steps after you've gathered your baby bath materials and selected where you'll bathe your young one.
Step 1
Fill the baby bathtub or sink with several inches of warm water. Aim for 2 to 3 inches of water to keep the infant safe. Always support your baby's head and carefully lower them into the water. Keep their heads and most of their bodies above the waterline. According to experts, a newborn's bath temperature should be between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit and never exceed 120 degrees. While most parents are concerned about heating the water too much, be careful not to use cold water, since newborns feel chilly quickly. If you are concerned about getting it correct, try a bath thermometer.Step 2
Keep your infant covered in the bath. Because they must be held above water for safety, even in a warm bath, babies may rapidly lose body heat.Step 3
Wipe the infant down thoroughly. Wipe the baby's whole body, including its head and face, using a soft washcloth. Pay close attention to wrinkles under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and in the genital region. A bath may seem incomplete without lathering with baby soap and shampoo, but it is not necessarily required. Warm water and a cloth is plenty to get them clean. If you do use soap or shampoo, experts recommend a natural, fragrance-free choice. Also, after washing your baby's head, cup your palm over their forehead to keep the suds from getting into their eyes. Wondering what to do if your infant gets a cradle cap? According to experts, if it does not disturb the infant, you may usually leave it alone—they will outgrow it soon. However, if you wish to attempt to remove the scales, gently loosen them with a gentle brush while the infant is bathing.Step 4
Skip the lotions and powders. You do not need to use after-bath items after the baby is out of the bath and covered securely in a hooded towel. Newborn skin might seem dry, so it's tempting to put on lotion—but it's not necessary. Babies are born with soft, supple skin and natural oils, so they don't really need lotion. Petroleum jelly might help with dry spots on the ankles and wrists. While you may think baby powder is a pleasant touch after a newborn wash, the experts warn against applying it since the particles might enter the baby's lungs and cause respiratory difficulties. There is a lot to consider while giving your baby their first bath. Bathing a baby will eventually become second nature. If your young one has begun to love their showers, give them some additional time to splash about, as this helps to diminish their fear of the water. Before you know it, your baby will be sitting up on their own, splashing about in the tub, and playing with bath toys—that's when the real fun begins!
How to Dry a Newborn After Bathing?
Here's how to finish your baby's bath, including rinsing, drying, and applying lotion:Dry them gently
Gently pat (not rub) your baby's skin with a soft dry towel. Be careful to thoroughly dry their bottom and any other regions with folds of skin. Chubby babies have many of those!Take it easy on the baby lotion
That gorgeous and ultra-sensitive skin does not require many, if any, lotions, oils, or creams, however, a small amount of baby-safe lotion is alright. However, avoid baby powders, as they can irritate an infant's breathing passages. If your practitioner recommends it (for example, if your infant has dry or eczema-prone skin), warm a hypoallergenic lotion in your palms and massage it into her skin.Nappies and dresses
Put on a fresh diaper and outfit. If they need a little comfort after the sponge bath, wrap them in a blanket and sit in for a hug with your clean, sweet-smelling baby.Why Is It Necessary To Bathe A Newborn Baby?
Bathtime has far-reaching advantages beyond simply cleaning up! Here's why baths are beneficial for babies: They promote bonding
Bathtime rapidly becomes a highlight of the day since it focuses on quality time spent together. Taking care of your baby shows them that you care, so look into their eyes, kiss that belly, count those tiny toes, and sing silly songs while you wash. Your delicate touch and voice will communicate to your child how much they are loved.There's so much to learn
Yes, there is plenty to learn in the tub. Tickle your child's senses by gently dripping water across their tummy, or demonstrate cause-and-effect by kicking the water and making a splash. And don't forget to conduct a play-by-play while you wash – name their little body parts as you bathe, and they will learn a whole tub of words!They can be calming
Nothing is more peaceful and comfortable than a soak in the tub after a long day, as you've certainly discovered from your own bathing experience. Increase your relaxation even more by trying your hand at newborn massage afterwards. While most babies enjoy it, if yours does not (they fuss or turn their heads), don't worry; simply hug instead.They may induce sleep
There's even more reason to enjoy bathing your baby, especially if you incorporate it into their sleep routine. Warm water, a warm atmosphere, and the feeling of being safe, secure, and loved all work together to lull your baby to sleep.Bathtime is a joyful time for both babies and new parents! If yours is less than thrilled, keep the event brief and sweet. Your baby will soon squeal with excitement when you turn on the tap.
FAQs on What You’ll Need to Know About Baby’s First Bath?
- What should a baby's first bath be?
After the umbilical cord heals, you may put your infant in the water. Their first bathing should be mild and short. - What is the first step in washing your baby?
Wet your baby's head with water. Apply light soap or shampoo on the washcloth. Gently wipe the washcloth over their head from front to back. Keep the soap out of their eyes.
