Newborn babies don't need to be bathed as often as older babies or young children because their skin can dry out quickly. If the umbilical cord has not come off, the baby should only be bathed with a sponge. When bathing a newborn, you must act very carefully to avoid any unwanted things.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Using a Sponge
Step 1. Use a bath sponge for the first 3 weeks
A baby's umbilical cord usually doesn't come off for up to 3 weeks. The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends waiting for the umbilical cord to fall off before bathing the baby in the tub. During these 3 weeks, only bathe the baby with a sponge.
- In the first weeks, newborns do not need to be bathed every day. Even bathing the baby too often can harm the skin. The face, neck and diaper areas are areas of the body that need to be washed and can be covered with a burp cloth and clean diaper. Don't bathe your newborn more than a few times a week.
- If the umbilical cord has not detached after 3 weeks, consult a pediatrician. This may be a sign of a serious problem, or that it should be forcefully removed.
Step 2. Prepare the necessary equipment
You have to prepare various equipment when you want to bathe a newborn with a sponge. Make sure all the equipment is prepared before you start bathing him.
- Use a room that is warm and has a place with a flat surface. You can use a table in the kitchen or bathroom. If the room is warm enough, you can even use a blanket spread out on the floor.
- You will need a soft towel or pad to lay your baby on while bathing.
- You need a plastic basin or sink as a place for water to bathe the baby.
- You'll also need a washcloth, cotton swab, baby soap, baby wipes, and a clean diaper.
Step 3. Bathe the newborn
When all the equipment has been prepared in one place, start bathing your baby.
- Always hold the baby with one hand. Newborns can't control their movements so you have to hold them with one hand so they don't hurt themselves when they're writhing.
- The first step, remove the baby's clothes and wrap him in a towel. Lay the baby on his back on a towel or blanket.
- Start with the baby's face. Wet a towel, then wring out the excess water. Do not use soap to wash your face because it is at risk of getting into the baby's eyes. Gently wipe the baby's face. Use a cotton swab or clean damp cloth to wipe the baby's eyelids to remove scale and dirt. Move the cotton / cloth from the inside out.
- You can bathe all parts of the baby's body with just water. However, if the baby looks dirty or smells, you can use a moisturizing soap that is safe for babies. Also, be sure to wipe the creases under your arms and ears clean, as well as between your fingers and toes.
- Only open the part of the baby's body that you are wiping. This is useful to keep the newborn baby warm.
Part 2 of 3: Bathing a Newborn in a Tub or Sink
Step 1. Use the tub or sink
If the umbilical cord has fallen off, the baby can be bathed in the tub or sink. Use a baby-safe bath or sink.
- You can buy plastic bath tubs specifically designed for newborns at baby supply stores or the internet. You can also purchase an inflatable bathtub that fits snugly against the tub or sink.
- You can also use a bathtub or sink that has been lined with rubber pads to prevent the baby from slipping.
- Put 5-8 cm of warm water into the tub. Always hold the baby in one hand at all times.
Step 2. Find out how to hold a newborn in the tub
Make sure the baby is firmly and securely in the tub. Find out how to hold your baby so he's comfortable and doesn't move around too much.
- Hold the baby tightly, but still make him feel comfortable.
- Support the baby's head and midsection with your arm, and use your other hand to bathe him. You can do this by wrapping your arms around your baby's back. When it's time to wash your back and buttocks, slide his body so that the front of the baby rests on your arms.
- You can also buy a bath chair at a baby supply store or the internet. However, even if you use a bath chair, you should always hold the baby.
Step 3. Bathe the newborn
Bathing a newborn should not take more than 10 or 15 minutes.
- Before placing your baby in the tub, remove his clothes so he is wearing only a diaper. Wipe his face and eyes as you would with a sponge, using a damp cloth and cotton swab without soap to clean the eyelids.
- When you're done, remove the diaper. If there is stool in the diaper, clean the baby's bottom and genitals before you bathe him. Lower the baby's feet first when you put him in the tub.
- Gently clean the baby with a damp hand, sponge or washcloth. You can use baby-safe soap. If your baby has dry skin, try using a cleanser that contains a moisturizer.
- You can gently pour water on your baby during this bath to keep him warm.
- Maybe you don't need to wash her hair. However, if your baby's hair is visibly dirty, or if your baby has a common problem with babies, namely cradle cap, which causes scaly patches to appear on the scalp, it's a good idea to wash your baby's hair quickly. Gently massage the shampoo into the baby's scalp. Rinse her hair with a washcloth or place her hair under a faucet. Always cover your baby's forehead with your hand to prevent soap from getting into your eyes.
- After bathing, lift the baby out of the tub and immediately wrap the towel around him. Dry the baby by patting it gently, then put on clean clothes.
Part 3 of 3: Studying Precautions
Step 1. Check the water temperature
Water temperature is important for the health of newborns. You need to know the right water temperature to keep your baby safe and comfortable.
- It's a good idea to put cold water in the tub first, then add hot water. Mix the water evenly to remove any part of the water that is still hot or cold.
- It would be better if you buy a thermometer to make sure the water temperature is really safe for newborns. The ideal temperature for a baby is around 36 °C. This is the normal human body temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, use your elbow to test the warmth of the water, not your hand.
- If your baby can reach the faucet while bathing, don't let him touch it. As they get older, babies can open the tap (which runs hot water) which can cause blisters on their skin.
Step 2. Use the right soap and lotion
While you don't always need soap for bathing your newborn, choose baby-safe soap if you want to use it.
- Never use scented soaps or bubble baths (soaps that produce a lot of foam). This soap can make baby's skin dry and irritated.
- Plain water is generally safe to use. If you feel the need to use soap, use a mild moisturizing soap specially designed for babies to keep their skin from drying out.
- Newborns usually don't need lotion after bathing. You simply dry the folds of skin after bathing to prevent rashes from forming. If you feel the need to use lotion, use a hypoallergenic product just in case your baby has an allergy that you don't know about.
Step 3. Avoid leaving baby in the tub unattended
Even if you only leave the room for a few seconds, leaving your baby in the tub unattended is extremely dangerous.
- Always have everything you need ready to bathe your baby before you put him in the water. This is very useful so you don't have to leave the room because you have to pick something up.
- If you do need to leave the room, first remove the baby from the water. Newborns can drown in water as high as 3 centimeters. Leaving a baby alone (even if only for a moment) can be disastrous.
- If you bathe him in a high place (such as a table), the baby may fall and injure him.
Tips
- Your baby may be a little fussy the first few baths. Bathing is new to the baby so he may cry or struggle.
- Consult a doctor or pediatrician if your baby develops a rash or something unusual on the skin when you bathe him.
