As exciting as it is to give your baby his/her bath, it is also terrifying as hell – Will I hurt him? What if the soap/water goes in her eyes? What if I massage him too hard? What soap do I use? The common parenting ritual comes with a lot confusions!
When should newborns get their first bath?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying baby’s first bath until 24 hours after birth—or waiting at least 6 hours if a full day isn’t possible for cultural reasons.
Also you might be really into hygiene, but newborns don’t need a bath every day. They rarely sweat or get dirty enough to need a full bath that often. Three baths per week during baby’s first year may be enough. Bathing more frequently can dry out your baby’s skin. Of course the baby’s diaper area should be cleaned all the time, and make sure to wipe down all the little fat roll crevices under her neck and behind her knees regularly.
Only give your newborn sponge baths until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens by about two to three weeks of age.
Make the routine, fun!
The time of the bath – it is best to bathe your baby in the morning but when the temperature is pleasant and not too cold or hot. The water warm but not hot – you can test the temperature using your elbow and ensure that it is comfortable for your baby. If it is not cold outside, bathing could even be an evening routine. In fact a lot of parent’s prefer this as it helps put the baby to sleep easily. Just avoid bathing your newborn right after a feeding (it’s best to let her food settle a bit first) or when she’s overtired.
In the olden days, women used to bathe babies by making them lie on their legs… but most millennials will have difficulties with that. We have much easier and comfortable options like this anti-slip tub with a bath seat from Amazon.
Using coconut oil/ olive oil to massage your baby with gentle strokes – from head, neck, shoulder, arms, back, body and legs. Remember to massage their fingers and feet too. If the climate is warm enough, then you can let your baby play in the tub for 10-15 minutes before bathing him.
Add the bubble bath (check out this super mild yet pleasant to the tub before adding the warm water for maximum bubbles, let her play with the water and bubbles when you slightly massage her with the bubbles and play with her bath toys – These bath toys from Amazon can also help with teaching your baby about animals and colors in the future.
Washing their hair is a little tricky – ensure that the water is cooler than the one you use for the body. This shampoo from mother care is hypoallergenic and does not irritate your baby’s eyes. Pour the lukewarm water over your baby’s forehead ensuring that it flows towards the back of his head rather than the face. Hold one hand over baby’s eyes. Inspite of this, if the water flows over your baby’s face, it is okay, they’re used to being in warm fluid, so do not sweat it. Shampoo the hair and rinse carefully. Babies are naturally comfy in warm water and if you use hypoallergenic and non-irritating products, your baby will not be uncomfortable at all.
After the bath, place your baby on a changing mat to dry the water off using a soft towel like this one from mother care.
Apply a moisturizing lotion/oil on your baby’s hands and feet using soft strokes and powder on your baby’s neck, bum, and armpits if you’re in a warm climate.
It is natural that your baby cries during his bath. Be calm and distract him with toys and music. Soon enough your baby will adapt to the routine and squeal with delight when you turn on the tap. This is a great time for the parents to bond with their children and if you can make it fun and include your partner in this, it would ensure a strong connection with your children.
