How To Bathe a Newborn Baby? Importance And Steps

Meaning of Bath

Bathe is our major day-to-day routine. In simple words, we can say bathe means cleanliness of body or washing a body with water, soap or a body wash.

Importance of Bathe and Massaging Baby

When you have newborns at home, your very top priority being a parent is to give them a good and fresh bath. Bathing a newborn baby is something many new parents enthusiastically anticipate. But if you are newly mom, you can face many difficult situations while giving a bath to your baby. At that time take help from an experienced person just like your mom, grandma, or mother-in-law to give a safe and clean bath to your newborn. They will give you the many best tip to you about giving a bath to your little one.

But keep in mind, before giving a bath you should massage your baby with a good baby massaging oil. We all know, that our grandmother or old ladies say that massaging your baby is very essential. They show the importance of oil massage. Massaging makes your baby healthy, happy, and blithe. There are numerous health benefits of healthy massage including bones and muscles development, offering sound sleep, improving skin texture, and helping to soothe your little one.

Nowadays, several baby massage oils are available on the market. Many of them are made from natural ingredients means made with a blend of natural oils. And along with this, most oils are clinically tested. So, use those oils for your baby’s body massage.

Types of Baths for Baby

Majorly, there are two types of baths for your baby: bathtub bath and sponge bath. A bathtub bath is a normal bath to give your newborn and a sponge bath is a bath used for a few weeks after birth. Many parents prefer this bath in seek days means if your baby is not feeling well so, you can give him a sponge bath.

Sponge Bath

Sponge baths are an incredible choice when your little one isn’t prepared for a normal tub loaded up with warm water.

Only for the first few weeks of life, your newborn should be bathed with a sponge.

We all know the circumcised process is for boys. In that situation, a sponge bath is a great option or the easiest and safest way to bathe while the circumcision site heals.

You follow this sponge bath till the infant’s umbilical cord falls.

Giving a Sponge Bath to Your Baby

First of all, we will see a sponge bathe, which means you cannot use direct water to wash the body of your baby, you can just dip a soft sponge or cloth in water without soaking more and wipe the full body of your baby of that wet sponge or cloth. Give special attention to the neck region means under the chin because it gets dirtier due to sweat and dust as compared to other body parts.

If you don’t have a sponge then do not use a normal old cloth, it is better to use a cotton cloth. The cotton cloth is safe for your baby’s sensitive skin.

Just keep in mind, that you should use only warm water for your baby. Do not use too cold or too hot water because it can be harmful to your baby’s skin.

Tub Bath

Tub bath is a famous bath type for small children.  After your newborn’s umbilical cord tumbles off, you can wash them in a baby bathtub.

What type of baby tub is best?

When your child is prepared for a bath or a shower, you can use a plastic tub or the sink. But especially, you should prefer the inflatable baby bathtubs for your little one. They are non-slippery and travel friendly also. They help the baby to reduce the risk of falling down while bathing. Buy a favorite color bathtub that your baby love to enjoy the bathing experience.

Giving a Bathtub Bath to Your Baby

First, place the bathtub in the bathroom and fill it with warm water partially. Generally, 2 to 3 inches of water is sufficient. (Tip: Don’t fill a full tub with water) Collect the supplies which you can use for a bathtub bath including baby shampoo or a cleanser, a clean diaper, washed clothes for change, and a baby towel. And keep one hand on the baby all the time. One important warning is that never abandon your child in the water. There will be some risks like a baby will slipping and water will in the nose or ears.

List of required things to give bath to your baby

• Fresh cotton cloth or baby towel
• Mild baby soap
• Sponge
• Wrapper
• Clean diaper
• Baby bathtub
• Bucket of warm water, not hot water

Steps to follow for a newborn bathe

One important tip is that it does not require you to give bathe your newborn baby every day. If you wipe and wash the diaper area during diaper changing hence there is no need to bathe your newborn daily.

It is sufficient to give a bath thrice a week. Because, according to pediatricians, bathing your infant too much can cause skin allergies or can dry out the skin of your baby.

• The very first thing assemble the supplies that you use for newborn bathing such as baby shampoo or a baby cleanser, a soft baby towel, a fresh baby diaper, and wash clothes.
• Then get ready for your newborn for a bath by undressing.
• Place the bathtub on a flat surface.
• Fill that bathtub with a small amount of warm water.(don’t use water too hot or too cold, water around 100 F (38 C)).
• To check the accurate temperature of the water, use your forearm or elbow to ensure it water is not excessively hot.
• Put your baby in the bathtub and hold him with one hand and use your other hand to wash.
• Use a small amount of soap till foam and clean whole the body of your baby with that only. (don’t use excessive soap)
• Then lastly, rinse well and make sure all the soap is removed or not.

Here we have given you a few tips for safely bathing your newborn

• Use a bathtub with a slip-resistant surface
• Keep on hand on your baby at all times
• Always have a towel within reach