Bathing your baby is an experience many parents appreciate. It is a great time to bond, without any distraction, as your new little family member enjoys the feeling of warm water on their skin. New mothers often worry about when and how to bathe children, their frequency and safety. healthychildren“.
When should newborns get their first bath?
The World Health Organization recommends (WHO) Delaying the baby’s first bath until 24 hours after birth or waiting at least 6 hours if a full day is not possible for cultural reasons.
Reasons for delaying the baby’s first bath:
Body temperature and low blood sugar:
Babies who bathe immediately may be more likely to catch a cold and hypothermia, and the slight pressure of bathing early can increase the likelihood of some children developing low blood sugar.
Bonding and breastfeeding:
Taking a baby to shower too early can interrupt skin care, mother-baby bonding, and breastfeeding success early. One study showed a 166% increase in breastfeeding success in the hospital after applying a 12-hour delay in a baby’s first bath compared to For those who took a shower within the first two hours.
dry skin
Matter Vernix It is a white, waxy substance that coats a baby’s skin before birth. It acts as a natural moisturizer and may have antibacterial properties. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) It is best to leave the oily coating on the skin of newborns for a while to help prevent their sensitive skin from drying out.
How often do babies need to shower once they get home?
Newborns don’t need to shower every day, they rarely sweat or get dirty enough to need a full bath often.
Three baths a week during the first year of the baby may be enough, bathing frequently can dry out your baby’s skin.
Can my baby shower before the umbilical cord falls off?
Give the newborn a sponge bath only until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which usually occurs around one or two weeks of age.
How to give a sponge bath?
A sponge bath is similar to a regular bath, except that you don’t put your baby in the water.
Baby Bath Sponge Safety Tips:
Prepare supplies before you begin, have a basin of water, a wet towel washed in soap-free water, a dry towel, and anything else you may need on hand before you begin.
Place the child on a flat surface that is comfortable for both of you. A changing table, bed, floor, or counter next to the tub will do. If your child is on an above-ground surface, always use a seat belt or place one hand on it to prevent falls..
Start by washing the face first:
Use the wet cloth to wash the face, taking care not to enter the water into the eyes or mouth, then dip it in the water basin before washing the rest of the body and finally the diaper area.
Keep the baby warm:
During the sponge bath, wrap your baby in a dry towel and only reveal the parts of his body that you wash, especially for wrinkles under the arms, behind the ears, and around the neck.
When is my baby ready for regular bathing?
Once the navel area has healed, you can try putting your baby directly into the water. His first baths should be gentle and as brief as possible.
