How to bathe a newborn

Even if there is nothing like this smell of a freshly clean baby, there are other reasons why it is important to bathe your baby.

Babies for babies are important for psychological, emotional and practical reasons. Baths can be a soothing experience and can help calm a difficult baby. Bath is also a good link for you and your baby.

But above all, babies need baths to keep their skin, body and their hair clean.

Luis Garcia, MD, pediatrician of OSF Healthcare, shared his advice to parents to bathe a newborn baby.

When starting to bathe your newborn

You can start swimming your newborn immediately when you go home. The hospital nurses probably gave your baby their first bath in the hospital.

For their first baths for your newborn baby, give your baths to the sponge. Babies do not need to be overwhelmed in a water bath in the first weeks.

Once your baby is about six weeks old, you can start swimming them in a baby bathtub.

How often should you bathe a newborn

The baths help clean up your baby’s layer. Without ordinary baths, your baby is more likely to develop a rash.

But too many baths can dry your baby’s skin.

“Babies do not need a bath every day throughout this first year,” said Dr. Garcia.

“Three times a week is a good approach.”

You can bathe your baby more often if you need it. You should bathe your baby after a disorderly meal or a large eruption.

If your baby is messy but does not need a full bath, you can wipe them with a damp toilet glove. Using baby wipes on your baby’s face is OK from time to time. Most baby’s wipes have alcohol, so that they can dry or irritate your baby’s skin.

Keep your baby safe in the bath

When you start swimming your baby in a baby bathtub, do not use too hot or too cold water. Use lukewarm water. The bodies of babies warm up faster than the adults’ body. Thus, their small bodies are much more sensitive to hot water. A good rule is to use water which is a little hotter than body temperature.

Do not fill the baby baths too much. Babies can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.

Finally, never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub.

How to bathe a newborn

How to give your baby a sponge bath

Soak a soft toilet glove with hot (not hot) water and a little soft soap for baby. Do not let the toilet glove become maty. Wipe your baby from top to bottom, including their hair. Rinse the toilet glove with a new water and wipe your baby again.

How to give your baby a bath in a bathtub

Once your baby is seated alone – about 6 to 9 months – you can start swimming them in the bathtub. Fill the bathtub with a few centimeters of water.

Many babies like to play with toys in the bathtub. Make sure the toys with which your baby is playing are safe.

Just like when you bathe your baby, use a soft toilet glove to wash your baby from top to bottom. Dr. Garcia says that any safe and hypoallergenic soap is good for babies a month and more. You can use a combination of baby shampoo and body washing. Or you can use two separate soaps. As long as everything is in baby safe.

However, too much soap can dry your baby’s skin.

“We don’t need to use soap at each bath. Everything to avoid overexposure to chemicals is the best,” said Dr. Garcia.

Make sure you get all your baby’s cracks and crevices – behind their ears, between their toes and in their diaper. Use a cup to rinse the foam. Try to avoid having water or soap in your baby’s eyes.

Use a soft towel to dry your baby after a bath. Do not rub them with the towel. Type them dry to avoid irritating the skin.

After your baby’s bath

Dr. Garcia shared some tips on your baby’s skin care.

Lotion: “You can use baby lotion after their bath to keep their skin soft and soothed,” said Dr. Garcia. “For all products, read the ingredients. If you don’t know, ask your baby’s pediatrician. ”

Eczema: For very dry skin, they can have eczema. If your baby has an eczema, you can try wet envelope therapy. To make enveloping therapy, simply wet a few towels with lukewarm water. Wrap the affected area for a few minutes at a time.

Baby Powders: “Baby powders are not safe due to certain chemicals related to cancer development in the future. Risks prevail over the benefits,” said Dr. Garcia.

Nail care: “An easy way to cut baby nails is to place them to avoid this fear of cutting your nails that are too short and removing the edges,” said Dr. Garcia.

Last update: February 21, 2024