As soon as the parents come to know that they are pregnant, they start planning a lot about their baby. One of them is the daily bath routine. It is very important to keep your baby clean right from day one otherwise the baby may develop some infection. It is very important for the new parents to know about how to start the bath-time routine of their baby. A newborn baby has very delicate skin and the parents should be extra careful about using any products for them. Here is everything you need to know about the Newborn baby bath.
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When to give bath to Newborn baby?
Most parents are very excited to give their baby the first bath. But, we should not forget that the baby has its umbilical cord stump still attached to it, which needs to be kept clean and dry. So for the first two weeks, it is important to just give them a very good sponge bath. The umbilical cord stump falls off usually within 1 to 3 weeks. But, the wound needs to be taken care of until it heels.
Tips to give a sponge bath to your baby with an umbilical cord
Until the umbilical cord falls off, you should give a sponge bath to your baby. Sponge baths should be given only once or twice a week, it is not needed daily. Giving frequent baths to the baby may cause the baby’s skin to get damaged and become dry and irritated. Here is a step by step guide to giving a sponge bath to your baby
- Keep everything that you need handy and ready including a mild soap, washcloths, a big towel, a clean diaper, and a fresh change of clothes.
- Keep the room environment warm while giving a sponge bath to the baby.
- When you are ready to give a sponge bath to the baby start from the top of the baby’s head and work towards the toes paying attention to the crevices.
- Once finished rinse the soap out with another washcloth dipped in warm water.
- Always support your baby’s head and neck.
The first newborn baby bath
Once the umbilical cord has fallen off, you can give your baby his or her first bath. It is the most important part of your and your baby’s memories. For the first bath, it is advisable to use a sink or a baby bathtub. Here also first gather all the accessories needed for the baby’s bath. Make sure that all the essentials should at your arms reach when you give a bath to your baby.
To start with fill the baby bathtub with a couple of inches of warm water. Check the temperature of the water or you can also use baby bath thermometers. Bring the baby to the bathing area and undress the baby completely. Then put the baby inside the bathtub feet first. Support your baby’s neck and body first. Wash the baby’s body with a mild soap, and then gently rinse the soap with a cup filled with warm water.
Establish a routine
You should establish a baby bath routine. Whether you are alternating between sponge baths and actual baths, the baby should have a routine. If you are giving a bath to the baby in the morning then your husband should give a bath at night. So, the baby learns that when dadda is giving a bath then it is night time and he or she should go to sleep. You can of course change the bath time routine if your baby is hungry, grumpy, or sick.
How to wash the baby’s genital area?
If you have a baby girl then wash the genital area softly from front to back. If you have a baby boy, then clean the boy’s penis area and clean the boy’s penis through skin folds. Slowly lift your baby out of the bath very cautiously and then wrap the baby in a towel.
Pat the baby’s skin dry and then you can use a mild lotion for the baby’s skin.
How to wash baby’s scalp and hair
Baby’s scalp and hair also need washing just like us. So, you should make a point to wash your baby’s scalp and hair twice a week. In the bathtub hold your baby’s neck for support in a slightly backward position. With the other hand pour some warm water over the baby’s hair, and then cleanse it with a mild shampoo. Once the shampooing is done then again cleanse the baby’s hair with warm water. Gently washing the baby’s hair will not hurt the soft spot on the baby’s head. But, if you are concerned please contact the baby’s pediatrician and take advice from him.
How hot should the water be for the newborn baby bath?
The water temperature should be not so hot or not so cold. It should be warm. The ideal temperature of the water should be between 37 degrees centigrade and 38 degrees centigrade. You should also check the temperature at different parts of the bathtub, as there can be hot water pockets that can burn your baby’s skin. Baby bath thermometers also can come real handy.
Benefits of Newborn baby bathtime
There are lots of benefits of newborn baby bath time. Here is the list of those benefits
- Baby and parents bonding time
- Good learning for newborn babies
- It soothes the fussy babies and induces sleep
Baby and parents bonding time
It is one more opportunity to spend time with each other. Just you and your baby. You can sing a song to the baby, play with water with the baby, the baby will soon learn the impact of kicking and splashing water. It is the time spent together.
A good learning experience for babies
During the everyday bath time, the kids learn how to kick and splash, how to play with water toys, and discover their new love of water.
Soothes the fussy babies and induces sleep
Sometimes when the baby is fussy giving a bath with warm water relaxes the baby a lot and after that giving a good massage to the baby with soft hands will soothe the baby a lot and put the baby to sleep.
Newborn baby bath essentials
Forgiving the baby his or her first bath you must need some essentials. Here is the list of essentials that you need for the baby’s first bath, but, be careful that you do a skin patch test on your baby before using any bath products.
- Baby bathtubs
- Baby washcloths
- Baby Towels
- Baby bath kits
- Baby bath thermometers
Baby bathtubs
Baby bathtubs are very essential for a baby. You cannot put the baby directly into the big bathtub. You need to put the small bathtub inside it. Here is the list of bathtubs that you can use.
The First Years sure comfort deluxe newborn to toddler tub
- It has three stages of transition from Newborn to toddler and comes with a sling that is very comfortable and is of great use.
- The hammock-like sling holds a growing baby better.
- Mesh sling also provides extra support and comfort during the first bath of the baby.
- Sling is machine washable and durable and the anti-slip pads are dew resistant.
- The tub has a comfortable design to help the growing baby throughout.
Cost:
$19.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 sling and sit tub
It is a four-stage convertible baby bathtub for newborns, infants, and toddlers.
Includes soft mesh sling for newborns, cushion inserts for toddlers, and great sitting position for new seaters.
Also has a plug for easy draining and cleaning.
Has also got a convenient hook for drying and space storage.
It also has a squeeze bottle and gentle scoop for rinsing the baby.
Cost:
$39.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Baby washcloths
Baby washcloths are very important for giving a bath to a baby. These clothes are also useful in giving a sponge bath to the baby. Here is the list of some of the best baby washcloths.
Bamboo baby washcloths
- It is made up of 90 percent rayon.
- Made up with the latest textile technology which manufactures it in double-layered pattern and makes it more durable.
- The bamboo-made towels also help preserve the environment by degrading fast when not in use.
- The material is hypoallergenic and safe for babies.
- This is also a perfect gift for a baby shower.
Cost:
$9.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Sweet child baby bamboo washcloths
- It is a 100 percent organic baby washcloth that is really soft for a baby’s skin.
- Perfect for the baby’s sensitive skin
- Each washcloth is 10 by 10 inches and is larger than any other washcloths
- The washcloths are 100 percent worth the money spent.
Cost:
$6.86
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Baby towels
Baby towels are very necessary to wipe the baby’s body thoroughly and cover them when you take the baby out of the bathtub and dress him up. So, that your baby does not feel cold
Bamboo hooded baby towel
- It is made up of Rayon and Bamboo and is 100 percent organic.
- The size of the towel is 30 inches by 30 inches.
- This material absorbs material faster and makes sure that your baby gets dry faster.
- Ultra-thick, durable, and highly absorbent.
Cost:
$18.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Burt’s Bees baby hooded towel
It is made up of 100 percent cotton material.
The hood is the perfect size for a baby’s head. Not too large, not too small.
Made up of soft and absorbent knit terry fabric.
It is made up of breathable cotton and is manufactured to maintain softness and durability.
Cost:
$24.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Baby bath kits
Whenever you give a bath to your baby, a baby bath kit is very important. But, make sure that you do a patch test on the baby before using any bath kit that you have purchased. Here are some very good baby bath kits.
Aveeno Baby Mommy and Me Bathtime set
- It is a 4 piece gift set that contains everything that you need for your little one’s bathtime.
- The set contains an 8 fl Oz bottle of Aveeno baby daily moisture wash and shampoo, a bottle of Calming and comfort baby wash, and a fragrance-free Aveeno baby lotion bottle.
- Also includes a bottle of stress relief body wash for moms.
Cost:
$17.92
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Aquaphor baby welcome baby gift set
- The gift set contains all the baby skincare essentials that one needs.
- The set contains baby healing ointment, diaper rash cream, baby wash and shampoo, and a pack of water wipes.
- It comes in a reusable canvas basket and is a great gift for new parents to be.
- All products are free of fragrances, chemicals, and dyes.
Cost:
$19.88
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Baby bath thermometers
Baby bath thermometers are very important for newborn baby baths. These bath thermometers help you determine the temperature of the water with which you are planning to give a bath to your baby.
B&H Baby thermometer The infant baby bath floating toy
It measures water temperature and temperature of the room
The thermometer measures both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Flashes and beeps when the water temperature is too hot or too cold.
It is BPA free and should be kept dry when not in use
Cost:
$17.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
Doli Yearning baby bath thermometer
- There is a degree centigrade or degree Fahrenheit button at the bottom. You can use it to change it.
- You should remove the insulation spacer from the bottom cover and then it works.
- It can measure both the baby bath thermometer as well as the room temperature.
- The thermometer tells you the water temperature within one second and you can also tell it from the LED Display.
Cost:
$12.99
Purchase:
You can purchase it from here.
So, these are a few tips for a Newborn baby bath that you should be aware of. Also, above are some of the products that can be used for newborn baby baths.