Bathing Your Newborn
Although bathing your newborn baby can seem little a simple common sense thing, it can also be a slippery nerve-racking experience. In the beginning you newborn baby may not like having a bath. He may feel cold and be subjected to water and soap in his eyes. He may feel your insecurities coming through to him. In time though, both you and your baby will become more comfortable with the experience.
To begin, a sponge bath is the best option for your newborn baby, at least until the umbilical cord heals and falls off. The umbilical cord needs to be kept dry. And, there is no need to give your newborn a bath every day. Bathing your baby too often can dry out his skin. Changing his diaper regularly and applying a washcloth for his face and hands will help to keep baby clean.
To sponge bath your newborn, you need a warm place with a flat surface. The bathroom or kitchen counter, a change table or a firm bed will do. You can even use a blanket spread over the floor if there are no drafts. Spread a soft blanket or towel over the area (on a change table be sure to use the safety strap). Fill a sink or basin with warm water, being sure the temperature is not too hot. You will also need a soft washcloth, a towel, baby shampoo, mild moisturizing soap (avoid using bubble bath powder or scented soaps), and cotton balls. Also, be sure to have a clean diaper and change of clothes ready.
To begin, undress your baby and wrap him in a towel. Only expose the parts you are washing so that baby stays warm during the process. Dip the washcloth in the warm water and wring out the excess. Start with your baby’s face. At this point, there is no need to use soap. Do use the cotton balls to wipe the eyelid and around baby’s eyes.
You can use plain warm water to sponge down the rest of your baby, or use a mild moisturizing soap if needed. Be sure not to forget all of baby’s little creases when washing, and under arms, behind ears, and between fingers and toes. Wash the diaper area especially well. Keep baby wrapped in a towel to dry him.
To wash you baby’s hair, support his head and shoulders with a free hand. Put a small crop of baby shampoo into your other hand and gently massage it into the scalp. Rinse out the shampoo with a wet washcloth several times to remove all the soap. If you baby has cradle cap, you can loosen the scales with a soft baby brush or soft toothbrush before rinsing off the shampoo.
When baby is ready for a tub bath, you are best to use one of the plastic tubs specifically designed for newborns. Safety is the most important thing here. Gather all baby’s bath supplies ahead of time and have them ready. Never leave the baby alone in the water—take him with you if you need to leave. And, always keep one hand on the baby at all times.
For baby’s tub bath, you only need a small amount of water. A few inches of warm water will do. It is wise to always check the water temperature with your hand before placing baby in the tub to ensure that the water is not too hot.
Hold baby securely with your hand and arm, supporting baby’s head and torso. Wrap your arm under baby’s back and grasp him firmly under the armpit. Lean baby forward over your arm when washing his back. Then using your washcloth soap baby and rinse him by gently scooping water over him. Always try to keep baby warm during the process.
After the bath dry baby gently with a soft towel, paying attention to drying the folds and creases as well. Most newborn babies don’t need lotion after their bath. Lotions may tend to encourage a rash to develop as they can block baby’s sweat glands.
It is up to you whether you bathe your baby in the morning or at night. Some prefer to bathe their babies in the morning when the baby is alert and ready to enjoy their bath experience, while others prefer nighttime bathing as part of a calming night-time routine.
