I wanted to write a quick how-to on giving a baby a bath, as this isn’t something always talked about, and often something new moms just have to try and figure out on their own. Because there are way too many things moms have to figure out by trial and error as it is, I’m going to try and eliminate this one for you!
Bath Safety for Babies
Bath time is so fun, but it also comes with risk. To keep your baby safe in the water, be sure to fill up the bath and test the water prior to placing your baby in the tub as water temperature can change quickly resulting in water burns. Along these lines, please avoid adding water to the bath while your baby is in it. Don’t EVER leave your baby unattended. Infants can drown in very, very shallow water. If for some reason you have to leave the bathroom, bring your baby with you. Last, but certainly not least, please don't shower with your baby as floors and babies are very slippery, and an accident in the shower could result in serious injuries.
When to Give Your Baby Their First Bath
While the World Health Organization recommends waiting at least 6 hours to give baby their first bath, they prefer 24 hours. This is in consideration of Vernix Caseosa. Vernix is a white, creamy biofilm that covers an infant's skin during the third trimester of pregnancy. While it was traditional practice to wipe off verniximmediately after birth, if left on the skin, this substance protects neonatal skin and assists in the transition to extrauterine life. It has roles in regulating temperature, minimizing water loss, and innate immunity, among others. The majority of vernix will absorb into the skin within 24 hours, but for the full benefit, it will take about 5 to 6 days to fully absorb. So, it's completely up to you when you'd like to give your baby that first bath. If you do want to leave the vernix on, you'll want to make sure to tell your midwife or doctor to leave it on after birth. I recommend having this conversation during your prenatal appointments as well as after birth, so everyone is on the same page.
Another thing to consider is the umbilical cord stump. Some people choose to sponge bath baby until the cord falls off as it's important to leave the cord clean and dry. If you want to bathe your baby before the cord falls off, it's important to keep the stump dry. If you accidently get it wet, you can gently use a cotton swab to dab the wet area.
**If the stump ever looks red and irritated or you see yellowing/pus around the site, please tell your baby's pediatrician
Where to Give Baby a Bath
There are tons of baby bath options out there! You can choose the kitchen sink if that's easier on your back or you don't have a bath tub, or you can choose a small bathtub option to place in your regular bath. I recommend something soft, rather than the hard plastic ones, to make your baby more comfortable. If your baby doesn’t like the bath, go ahead and get in with them.. Skin to skin time will go a long in way in making your baby associate a bath with feelings of comfort and safety. Keeping your baby warm will help with this too - no one, I mean no one, likes a cold bath! In an infant tub, keep the water deep enough to cover the infant’s back, and use a wash cloth or bath cup to keep their legs and arms warm. If you are holding the baby in the bath, you can apply these same ideas - keep their legs, arms and back warm, while avoiding the cord area.
The Best Soap for Baby
There are many options out there for soap/shampoo, but many of them have a plethora of ingredients you likely can’t pronounce. I recommend an all natural, preferably organic, mild baby soap. Young Living has a 100% natural, plant-based baby wash with lavender that is amazing at helping babies relax and get ready for bed. To learn more, click HERE. You want to wash starting with the cleanest part of the body first (the eyes) and end with the dirtiest (the bum). First, grab your clean washcloth, and with just water, wipe baby’s eyes from inside to outside, using a different part of the washcloth for each. Next, lather up your wash cloth with soap, and gently wash baby’s face, behind their ears, and their neck. Rinse the soap off and wet their hair. Gently rub the shampoo on baby’s scalp with your fingertips in a circular fashion. Rinse thoroughly. I recommend a wash cloth rather than a cup for washing baby’s scalp and hair to prevent water from getting in their eyes or face. Next, wash their arms, chest and stomach, being careful to avoid the cord stump. Rinse. Gently lift up your baby’s head, careful to support their neck, and wash their back. Wash their legs, feet and toes, and finish with their genitals and their bum.
Drying Baby Off
When done in the water, bring your baby out of the tub safely. Those sweet babies are slippery! Wrap them carefully in a towel, and dry their heads well as babies lose heat quickly, especially out of their scalp. Dry them completely before putting their clothes on, but please avoid using baby powder to help dry your baby, as there are many side effects, including respiratory problems that are now associated with long-term use of these powders.
What Time of Day to Give Baby a Bath?
Though the time of day doesn’t necessarily matter, I recommend bathing in the evening as part of a pre-bed routine. Baths are very relaxing and can help settle a baby (and an adult) before turning in for the night. Plus, creating a pre-bed routine will encourage your baby to sleep well for you, which I know you desperately want : )
If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message!
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