How To Give Your Newborn A Bath: A Beginner’s Guide
If you ever thought that giving birth was the most difficult part then I would hate to break it to you that it isn’t. Once the baby arrives, even the tiniest bit of task related to your baby can give you cold feet.
In the long list of such tasks is one that soon comes after giving birth and i.e., giving your newborn a bath.
Giving your newborn a bath can be a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your baby but there’s nothing to stress over as a little practice (with caution) can help you as well as your newborn enjoy bath time.
Your Baby’s First Bath
When giving your newborn a bath for the first time, it is essential for you to keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to give your newborn a bath immediately after bringing him/her home.
According to some pediatricians, it is alright if you wait a few days before giving your newborn a bath. Why?
Because newborn babies are born with a protective layer called vernix that protects them from infections as it has anti-infection and anti-inflammatory properties.
In a majority of cases, nurses take your newborn to get cleaned and washed but you can always ask them not to give your newborn a bath as it is perfectly normal to decide to wait a few days to give your newborn a bath.
That means delaying your newborn’s first bath is not a bad idea.
What is a Sponge Bath?
After you’ve waited a few days or 48 hours (at the least), you can give your newborn a sponge bath. A sponge bath typically requires you to clean your newborn’s head, body, and diaper area.
It is highly recommended to give your newborn a sponge bath for at least two to three weeks because it is the safest way to give your baby a bath until their umbilical cords fall off and the navel is healed completely.
Must-have Items When Giving Your Baby A Bath
- A soft, clean washcloth – 12 Pack Baby Washcloths – Extra Absorbent and Soft Wash Clothes for Newborns, Infants, and Toddlers
- Mild and unscented soap and shampoo – Aquaphor Baby Wash and Shampoo
- A soft brush- The 3-Step Cradle Cap System by Fridababy
- Towels or blankets – Spasilk Baby 23 Piece Bath Hooded Towels and Washcloths
- A clean diaper – Baby Diapers Newborn/Size 0 (< 10 lb)
- Clean clothes – Gerber Baby 8-Pack Short-Sleeve Onesies Bodysuits
How to Give a Sponge Bath?
Once you’ve all the necessary supplies to give your newborn a sponge bath, you’re good to proceed with the bath.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to giving your newborn a bath:
- The first step requires you to give your baby a bath in a warm room (the ideal temperature would be around 75°F (23.8°C).
- After taking your baby’s clothes off, you can place your baby on any flat surface, just make sure that they don’t fall (you can even use straps or simply hold them with one hand).
- The third step requires filling the sink or a bowl with warm (not hot) water and wrapping your child in a towel.
- After that, you can start unwrapping the area where you want to wash the baby first. For example, you can start by cleaning your baby’s face first and then move to other parts. You should do this by dipping a clean cloth in the bowl and then, gently clean your baby.
Just Remember
I know giving your newborn baby a bath for the first time can be an overwhelming task, however, you should do each step with a calm mind and I can guarantee you that the whole process will soon turn into a piece of cake from a mind-numbing experience.
