How to Bathe your Newborn Baby? – India

By Priyanka A R

For most new moms, bathing the little one can be a nerve-wracking experience. A lot of questions will pop into your mind. How to bathe such a tiny baby? How often should I do it? When is the ideal time for a bath? And you thought labour was the difficult part!

But you will soon realize that bathing time is a great occasion to bond. From day one, the baby starts communicating with his mom and bathing is a new experience for the baby. Don’t worry, he will let you know how he likes it. You can make it more enjoyable for the baby by talking/singing to him.

Read more to know how to bathe your newborn baby like a pro.

Pro Tip: You may need to set up a camera to get a few clicks of the baby’s first bath for your album. Ahh, You can thank me later. (But do not get distracted by any calls/texts while bathing your baby. Do not leave him unattended even for a couple of seconds.)

Ask your doctor when you should start bathing your baby regularly. In the first days after delivery, you need not bother about bathing your baby. Hospital staff will take care of that.

According to experts, until the umbilical cord stump heals and dries off, sponge baths are recommended. It may take up to three weeks for this to happen. Frequent baths may dry out the baby’s skin. You can bathe him daily or on alternate days depending on the climate of your region and as per the suggestions from your doctor. You can always sponge bath the baby using a dampened washcloth.

Also Read: Why your Newborn Baby is Crying?

The Perfect Time

If your little one is hungry or feeling sleepy, he won’t lie down for a bath. And do not bathe him right after feeding; chances are there that the baby might spit-up. Half an hour after feeding (not full stomach) would be proper. Make sure he is not sleepy. People usually say, fix a time for bathing so that baby’s biological clock gets adjusted to that. Well, it is up to you because a baby’s (or a mom’s) day won’t be the same as another. Be flexible.

The Prep Time

Before taking your baby for a bath clean his eyes with cotton balls dipped in water (lukewarm) towards the outer end. Make sure that the water is sufficiently warm but not hot for the baby. Try feeling the temperature before you actually use it(The famous elbow test is recommended).  You should be in a comfortable position-a kitchen table of suitable height is a good option. If you have a clean kitchen sink, there you go. But be extra careful about the faucets. 

And everything you need should be at hand, within reach.

• Soap/cleanser
• Oil
• 2 Water Tumblers
• Bath Towel
• Bath Tub/Bath Sheet
• Lay down the cotton clothes and nappies on the bed

Pro Tip: Keep the warm water in two tumblers, one for baby and one for you to dip your hands in between applying cleanser and water.

Of course, get all the help you can.

The Bath Time

Get him undressed slowly on his bed itself. Always support his head and neck while laying him on the bath sheet or bathtub. I used to apply virgin coconut oil on my baby from head to toe and let him lie down for 5 minutes when the body was gently massaged. This helps to remove dirt as well as any bits of poo or vomit.

Some babies love lying down like this and some don’t. Stay near your baby. The feeling of touch and smell helps his brain to develop. Make the baby feel safe and loved thus making him enjoy bath time. If he feels it distressing, keep the bath time short till he gets adjusted. Gently pour a handful of warm water (no need for the mug, your baby is tiny, isn’t he?) to the neck portion. Apply cleanser or soap gently, in small quantities or else it may dry out his skin. You can either use your hands or a clean and soft washcloth.  Wash again with a handful of water.

Pro Tip: Do not try to remove the scaly patched on your baby scalp(cradle cap) forcefully. He will outgrow it soon.

Cleaning genitals is very important. Don’t apply soap, use only warm water. For a baby boy, clean the outside of the foreskin. Only when it pulls back on its own, go for cleaning inside the foreskin. For baby girl wipe between labia with a wet cotton ball from front to back. If you do it reverse it may cause microbes naturally present in the anal area to move towards the vagina thus causing infection. Ladies, (For that matter, Gentlemen, it is a gender-equal world, both parents can be the primary caregivers) please keep this in mind.

Discharge in the genital area of babies is quite normal. Don’t be alarmed, get proper guidance from your paediatrician.

For cleaning the backside hold the baby in such a way that your baby lies on your non-dominant forearm supporting head and neck. Let that palm grasp his underarm farther away from you. Head upright, body in a slanting position. Apply cleanser and water and finally head portion.

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The Dressing Time

Pat dry the baby’s head and the back portion at first with a breathable and absorbent cotton towel and lie him down on a clean sheet and wrap the baby with it. Give special attention to the armpits, behind the ears and neck, genital area, that is where you have skin creases. If water remains there, it will lead to the development of blisters. If the umbilical cord stump is still intact, make sure that the portion is dried properly.

Avoid using talcum powder anywhere on your baby. Baby can breathe in fine particles which may cause respiratory problems. Dress him in cotton clothes and there you are. You have completed bathing your newborn for the first time.

Happy Bath Time!!