Bath time can be really a fun time for your little one and it’s adorable to see a baby splashing in the bath with bubbles and smiling face.
First time moms are always worried about their little one’s bath time.How can we keep them comfortable and safe? How can we make bath time hassle-free? How to make bath time enjoyable? and the questions continues…
Don’t be panic if your baby cries and squirms initially. He will take some time to get used to it.
Only the first few baths can be a bit tricky. Trust me, but you’ll soon be a pro 😉
Here’s a guide on how to bath your baby.
Frequency of baby bath
Until your little one starts getting on the floor and dirty on himself, a daily bath isn’t necessary. In fact, your newborn baby will only need a bath twice or thrice a week, as long as his genital area is cleaned thoroughly after each diaper change.
You can clean baby’s genitals using lukewarm water and cotton wool or with wet wipes.
Upgrade the bath time and techniques in each stage of your baby’s development- When the baby is one to four weeks old- Use a sponge bath, until his umbilical cord stump heals.
Once umbilical code stump is healed you can start with a baby tub bath, and eventually a tub bath, when baby starts to sit up on his own or outgrows the infant tub.
When to give your newborn a bath?
You might be confused on what time to choose for a baby bath, but for your information is there is no clear cut time for it 😉
I would recommend to choose a time when you both are relaxed and won’t be interrupted. But make sure your baby is not hungry or sleepy also avoid times like when he is just awake after a nap or straight after a feed.
However it’s better to stick to a routine while they grow up.
Where to bath your newborn?
Consider using a small portable plastic bathtub with a baby support . The baby support stand might be easiest for the first few weeks. Once your baby gets older, you can remove the baby support and use the tub for bathing.
As it’s a portable baby bath tub you can use it in any room that’s warm, safe and clean – it’s not necessary that it have to be a bathroom.
Newborn Baby Bathing Steps
- Before undressing new born baby for bath, take a cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water and wipe his eyelids from inner to outer eye. Use a separate cotton wool for each eye. Then wipe his face
- Undress your newborn baby, take off his nappy
- Cradle baby’s head with one arm, by supporting his head and neck with the other arm. Gently lower the baby into the lukewarm water, feet first, keeping a close hold throughout the bath
- For head wash, support hi head, lay him down in the water that only his back head is submerged. Gently splash some water on his head
- Gently wash his genital area and at last the bottom
After Bath – Drying and dressing your newborn
- Support his head and neck, lift him out of the bathtub and place him on the back of a clean, and dry soft towel
- Wrap him with a soft towel and pat dry. Pay attention to skin folds, including armpits, under the chin, groin, around the neck, navel and behind the ears
- If your baby’s skin is dry, or if he has nappy rash, you might want to apply a mild lotion
- Put nappy on first and dress your baby
- Place him in a safe place, like a cradle or bassinet.
- Empty the water from the tub.
Tips to make bath time enjoyable (3+ months)
Sing a song : For your baby, the act of bathing is a great sensory experience. Sing a song and some soothing or funny sounds that he will enjoy
Bath with the baby: Babies likes skin-to-skin contact with parents moreover it helps to build bonding, and it’s plain cuddly. Plus, being close to your baby will make him feel secure as he fine tunes himself to the sensation of the water. But please take extra care while getting out of the tub so you don’t slip.
Bath toys : Give him his favorite bath toys like rubber water ducks, dori fish, floating color balls and other water creators and he will enjoy bathing with them
Bossing the toys: Ask your toddler to bath his toy as children enjoys bringing toys to life and loves to be bossy over them.
Floating games: Give your toddler different objects and ask him to guess whether it will sink or float.
Note:
- Babies can drown in less than 5 cm of water. Never leave your newborn unattended in the bath. Even if you’re using a bath support, never leave older children or siblings to supervise. If you are in an emergency and you have to leave the bath area, please wrap your baby in a towel and take him along with you
- About 7-10 minutes is enough for a baby bath
- You don’t usually need to use soap – it can make your newborn slippery and irritate the skin. Use a mild, gentle non-soap cleanser if needed
- In Indian tradition we apply oil and massage new born babies before bath. You can use virgin coconut oil, nalpamaradhi oil or any oil that suits your baby’s skin and wash it off with gram flour( before applying anything to baby’s skin please do a patch test, as baby’s skin is highly sensitive)
- For cradle cap removal you can use a home made oil which is also a natural remedy for cradle cap click here to know more