How To Bathe Your New Baby

How To Properly Bathe Your Baby

Hi moms! I want to talk to you today about how to clean your new
baby.

How often baby needs to be washed. How to wash baby if she has
what’s called an umbilical stump. It’s something on her tummy that
comes off after awhile.

I’ll also tell about the supplies you’ll need. Where to bathe baby,
safety precautions, and how to hold him.

Newborns don’t have to be bathed daily like small children who
should be bathed every day. The reason why they should not be
bathed regularly is that their skin can dry out quickly.

Also, their umbilical stump is still attached and that’s why a sponge
bath is best for newborns.

Continue reading the article to find out how to bathe baby properly.

Here we go!

Use a sponge bath

For the first three weeks, it is recommended to use a sponge
bath.

This is because the umbilical cord stump stays attached for a
period of up to three weeks.

Pediatricians recommend moms to wait until the stump disappears
before submerging your newborn in water.

While waiting for this period to end you should use sponge baths
only.

Consider washing baby only a few times a week.

If you notice after three weeks the stump has not disappeared
contact your pediatrician immediately.

This is a clear indication that there may be a problem which needs
to be solved.

Gather your supplies

To be in a position to give baby a sponge bath you need to have a
variety of supplies meant for this job. Ensure all the supplies are in
place before starting the bathing process.

-Identify a warm place with a flat surface.

You can opt for a bathroom or kitchen counter. If the room has
sufficient warmth, you can even lay a blanket on the floor and this
will enable you to bathe baby easily.

-You will need a soft towel to lay your baby during the entire
cleaning time.

-You will also need a basin for holding the bath water.

-You can use cotton balls or a washcloth.

-Make sure to have a clean diaper handy.

-Fresh baby clothes to dress baby when dried.

-You’ll need a soft dry towel to dry the areas washed.

-You can use mild soap made for newborns, but you can just use
water too.

Bathe your newborn

Once your supplies are in order, you can start to clean your baby.

-Hold your baby with one hand as newborns have no control
over their movements.

Keep one of your hands on your newborn to prevent him from
hurting himself as a result of squirming.

– Undress your baby and use a towel to wrap him.

-Begin with the face. submerge your washcloth in water and wring
it out.

Avoid using soap at this stage cause you want to prevent the
soap from getting in baby’s eyes.

Lightly wipe down your newborns face.

When it comes to wiping baby eyelids consider using a clean cloth
as it ensures they are free of the crust as well as residue.

-Plain water can be used for bathing baby.

But, if your newborn is producing a bad or dirty smell, you can
use a newborn safe moisturizing soap.

Make sure to clean creases both on the ears and those under the
arms fully and also remember the creases both on fingers and toes.

Clean your baby’s head by cupping your hands together in the bowl
of water. Gently pour over baby’s head.

-You have to ensure your baby is warm during the bathing process
and that’s why it is advisable to expose only the parts you are
washing. Also, dry the areas you’ve just cleaned right away.

Bathing a Newborn in a Tub or Sink

Consider using a tub or sink.You should only bathe your baby in
a tub or sink if the umbilical cord stump has disappeared.

Ensure the tub you are planning to use is safe for your baby.

-You can consider buying a free-standing plastic tub which is made
for bathing babies.

-You also have to ensure your bathtub is not slippery and you can
do this with the help of a rubber mat.

-The tub should be filled with two to three inches of warm water.
Ensure one of your hands is holding the newborn all the time.

Holding your baby in the tub

The safety of your newborn cannot be put into risk and that is why
you have to ensure your baby is safe while in the tub.

Find out how you need to hold her in order to prevent
unnecessary movements which may jeopardize her safety.

-Make sure she is comfortable.

-Use your arm to support baby’s head as well as torso while using
the other arm for bathing him.

Learning Safety Precautions

As a mom, you have to be careful when bathing your newborn so
as to prevent accidents.

Keeping your baby warm is important.

-The best thing to do is to put cold water in a tub and then afterward
add hot water.

By mixing both the warm and cold water the temperature will
be distributed uniformly thereby getting rid of both hot and
cold water spots.

– It is also worth it to invest in a thermometer so as to ensure the
temperatures are ideal for the newborn.

Most moms use their wrist to determine whether the temperatures
are suitable for the safety of their newborns.

If you have a thermometer, the water temperature is best at 90 to
100 degrees. Don’t let it be over 120 degrees.

Even in a warm bath, baby can lose body heat quickly.

“I always kept my two babies covered with a warm washcloth,
and I switched them out with fresh warm ones often,” says
Lauren W, a mom of two.

“I also turned up the thermostat a little bit before bath time to
make the house warmer.”
Article from thebump.com. called What To Know About Baby’s First
Bath.   Read here

You can also turn the shower on and let the hot water run to
create steam. Then wash baby in the warmer bathroom.

-If your baby is in a position to access water taps during the bathing
process, then bar him from touching them.

There you have it!

Baby may cry the first time or two but will get used to it. She
may even enjoy the warm feeling of the water!

OK, mom. I’m finished anyway.

Gotta go. Bath time! Have a great day!

courtesy of Howcast @youtube.com

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