Effective First-time Bathing Tips for your Newborn
Everything in your home is set up to welcome the newborn from the hospital. As a mom, you always want to have everything covered so that you aren’t bogged down. While you might have prepared for any situation, don’t be surprised if you will be a little nervous when giving your baby her first birth. So many questions will run through your mind about the right water temperature, the right soap, and many more.
Nevertheless, there is nothing to be worried about. First, you don’t need to bathe your baby every day since she doesn’t get dirty really. You can hold off her first bath for a while. So, here is how you should bathe your baby for the first time:
- Fill the baby bathtub with some warm water
- Two to three (2-3) inches of warm water would suffice. This will be safe enough for your baby. Your baby’s bath should be 37 degrees C to 38 degrees C, which is around body temperature. But while you are worried about getting the water too hot, you should also be careful that you don’t make it too cold since babies get cold really fast. You can measure the temperature by dipping your wrist or using a thermometer if you are too cautious.
- Support your baby’s head the whole time while you gently lower her into the water. You can use this newborn to toddler bathing tub or bathing seat to support your baby.
- Always keep the baby covered even during the bath. Your baby loses heat very fast, so you need to keep her covered as you bath her, preferably with a warm washcloth. If you have a thermostat, you can turn it up during the bath.
- Use a soft washcloth to wipe your baby all over. Gently rub her from her head, face to every other part while paying particular attention to creases under her arms, behind the ears, neck, and the genital area.
- You don’t have to use baby soaps or shampoo. But in case you do, prefer to use natural baby soap such as Weleda.
- In case you use shampoo, cup your hand across her forehead when rinsing her so that the shampoos do not enter her eyes.
- Don’t do lotions or powders. After the shower, wrap her in a hooded towel. There is no need for after-bath products. Your baby’s skin is soft and supple enough without lotions. Using a Powder is also not good because the particles can get into her lungs and cause respiratory problems.
- If you feel like your baby’s skin is too dry to be left without oiling, then you can use coconut oil, sunflower oil or petroleum jelly. The places that tend to have dry patches include the ankles and the wrists.
Final thought
Every mom looks forward to giving her baby the first bath. Since it can seem like a daunting task, it is good to ask for help. For the first time bath, do it with someone so that you can get the hang of it. Moreover, don’t worry when your baby cries. It is not an indication that you are doing something wrong.
Related:
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY NEWBORN BABY BREASTFEED?
HOW TO CHOOSE A NAME FOR YOUR BABY
LAST MINUTE THINGS TO DO BEFORE BABY ARRIVES
