How to Bathe a Newborn

When it comes to bathing your newborn, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. It can be a little intimidating at first, but with this guide, you'll be able to bathe your little one like a pro! In this post, we will discuss the best way to bathe a newborn and some tips for making the process easier.

When to bathe a newborn

You may have been told that it's best to wait a few days before giving your newborn their first bath. This is because they are born with a protective coating called vernix caseosa, which helps to keep them warm and protected. Vernix also helps to seal in the natural oils on your baby's skin.

For the first few days, you can simply wipe your baby down with a damp cloth instead of giving them a full bath. Once the vernix starts to wear off, you can start bathing them every day or every other day.

You can give your baby a sponge bath once you bring them home from the hospital. Sponge baths are a safe way to bathe your baby until their umbilical cord falls off. You'll need to clean their head, body, and diaper area.

How often you bathe your baby is up to you, but know that too much bathing can actually strip away the natural oils on their skin and lead to dryness.

You'll also want to avoid bathing your baby in water that's too hot, as this can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Stick to lukewarm water instead.

Now that you know when to bathe your newborn, let's move on to how to actually do it!

How to wash a newborn with a sponge bath

Supplies you'll need:

- A basin of lukewarm water

- Two washcloths

- Mild baby soap or cleanser

- A soft towel

- A clean diaper

To start, the first thing you need to make sure of is that the room that you are washing your baby in is warm and not cold. The ideal temperature here would be around 75°F. After that, you can remove your baby's clothes and wrap a towel around them. Next, it is a good idea to lay your baby down on a flat surface before you begin.

To start, fill a basin with lukewarm water and place it on a safe surface. Wet one of the washcloths in the water and wring it out. Gently clean your baby's face, being careful not to get soap in their eyes. After that, unwrap the other parts of the baby's body and use the other washcloth to clean the rest of the body.

You should start from the head. Begin by dipping the clean cloth in warm water. For this phase, use only warm water without soap to avoid putting soap in your baby's eyes or mouth. Wipe the top of the head, around the outside ears, neck folds, and eyes.

After that, you can use soapy water to clean the rest of the baby's body. Just be careful not to use too much soap, a couple of drops should suffice. If your baby is circumcised, avoid cleaning around the penis and you should take help from your pediatrician since they will best be able to guide you.

After cleaning your baby all around, you will need to dry them properly and be very careful to dry out all the skin folds. after drying your baby you can just put them in a new diaper and you're done!

How to bathe baby in a bathtub

Supplies you'll need:

- A baby bathtub or sink insert

- A soft towel

- Mild baby soap or cleanser

First, you'll want to fill the tub with about four inches of lukewarm water. You'll also want to have everything else you need within arm's reach so that you don't have to leave your baby unattended. Gather a soft towel, mild baby soap or cleanser, and any other supplies you might need.

To start, undress your baby and wrap them in the towel. Lower them into the tub feet first and support their head with your hand. Their head and chest should be above the water at all times. You can use one hand to pour water over their body and the other to wash them. Be sure to avoid getting soap in their eyes.

Start by washing their face with a cloth or just using your hands. Then move down to their chest and belly before washing their arms and legs. Finally, you can wash their diaper area last. When you're finished, lift your baby out of the bathtub and wrap them in the towel. Dry off their skin gently before putting on clean clothes.

It is a good idea to put your baby in a hooded towel after you have bathed the baby. Using a hooded towel will help keep your baby warm and comfortable after a bath, while at the same time making your baby look very cute. Hooded towels cover the baby’s head as well so that cold air would not reach their head or neck. 

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've successfully bathed your newborn like a pro! Just remember to take your time, be gentle, and avoid getting soap or water in their face. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your pediatrician. Happy bathing!