Before Your Babys First Bath
While most parents are eager to give their babies the experience of their very first bath, it is important to ensure that your baby is truly ready. When you first bring your newborn home from the hospital, the stump of their umbilical cord must be kept clean and dry. While it is still attached, sponge baths are the best option for your baby.
Typically, after about 1 to 3 weeks, the umbilical cord stump will dry up and fall off. It is important to continue caring for the umbilical cord until the area completely heals. The ideal way to do this is to moisten one end of a cotton swab with water, gently clean around the base of the umbilical cord stump, and dry with the other side of the cotton swab.
Although moisture and drops of blood around the belly button is normal during this period of time, keeping the area clean and dry will help fight infection and prevent delayed healing. Check out our blog post on bathing a baby with an umbilical cord for more information.
When Can My Child Bathe Alone
Theres no one set age when its OK to bathe alone each child is different. Some are ready to become independent bathers before others. In general, wait until your child is around 8 or 9 to let them bathe without you in the room.
Of course, your toddler or preschooler can first make steps toward washing themselves, like sudsing their hair or pouring rinse water. But you should never leave a young child alone in the tub.
In general, wait until your child is around 8 or 9 and then slowly allow them to complete more and more steps of bathing more independently. Once you feel confident in their skills you can begin to let them bathe with only supervision and then eventually without you in the room.
As always, if you have questions about bathing your child, reach out to your pediatrician for advice.
How Often To Bathe A Newborn
Give your newborn a bath two or three times a week. Newborns don’t sweat like adults or get dirty like toddlers, so frequent baths aren’t a necessity. Plus, bathing your baby too often can dry out their delicate skin. Of course, more frequent baths may be in order when your baby starts eating solids and crawling!
Some babies find the warm water very soothing. If this is the case with your little one, let them linger in the tub and make a bath part of your daily routine.
Others cry through the whole bath. If your newborn protests, go back to sponge baths for a week or two and try again later. Otherwise, it’s fine to get them in and out quickly. Baths don’t need to take a lot of time: A few minutes is long enough to get your baby clean before the water cools down.
Read Also: When Can I Bathe A Newborn
When Will Your Baby Be Ready For His First Tub Bath
After your babyâs umbilical cord stump falls off, you can transition from sponge baths to actual baths in a sink or a baby bathtub.
His first bath in a tub should be gentle and quick however, you might need to go back to sponge baths if your baby fusses a lot and simply doesnât like this new activity.
Best Time Of Day To Bath Baby
How often should I bathe my newborn baby?
Generally there is no stipulated time for bathing your baby. However, you can bath your baby at any time of the day. But , what is important is to choose a good time when you are free . I would advise that you go for the morning bathe routine as it makes up time for both the baby and you .Why I say this is because babies in general are not yet old enough to be able to regulate their body temperature well. Hence, If your baby feels cold, he or she will not enjoy his or her bath. However, bathing your newborn baby in the morning is considerably a safer option. In addition, bathing your newborn in the morning has many benefits for both the baby and the parent. Because, when you bathe your baby at this time it allows him or her to get warmer as the day progresses.
Recommended Reading: How Many Diapers A Day Newborn
How Do You Give A Baby A Sponge Bath
Chances are youve never given yourself a sponge bath, and thus, are a little nervous to give one to your baby. Fear not: Sponge baths are very simple. According to the pediatrician, all you have to do is put a little soap on a wet baby washcloth and wipe your baby all over, starting at the head and working your way down. Next, repeat the process with a wet but soap-free washcloth to remove the soap from your babys skin. Voila, youre done.
What Do I Need To Bath My Baby
After some practice runs, youll work out what suits you best. Generally, its helpful to have:
- A table or bath stand which is stable and at a comfortable height so you dont need to bend over.
- At least one large towel and a washer.
- A mild cleanser any baby wash is fine or if your baby has dry skin, a non-soap, moisturising cleanser. Many baby washes are also suitable to use as shampoos, just make sure you rinse their scalp well.
- A clean nappy and clothing.
You May Like: How Long Do You Need Newborn Diapers
Clean The Area Around The Umbilical Cord After You Change The Diaper
The cord of the umbilical cord typically falls off in 515 days. You need to keep this area clean and dry so that it doesnt get infected. Use a slightly damp clean washcloth to gently clean around the base whenever you change the diaper. And make sure you wipe away any discharge from the cord. Continue to clean this area for a few days after the stump falls off.3
A Little Dirt Never Hurts
New parents typically wonder how often to bathe their baby or toddler, but theres no definitive answer. Experts will tell you three times a week for the first year is sufficient. However, if you want to bathe your baby more frequently, thats fine too.
If you choose to give frequent baths, keep soap and cleansing products to a minimum. Only give short baths and apply a baby-friendly moisturizer afterward.
Recommended Reading: How To Grocery Shop With Newborn
Should I Give My Newborn A Bath Every Day
That newborn smell is addicting. I remember holding my friends child, the first one I ever held, at a few days old, and they smelled like baby powder .
It was amazing. I would smell their head all day long. Then I had my own and I sat there for days just smelling his head.
But I had so many questions. When can I wash him, how do I wash him, should I use warm or cool water, rags or sponges, what kind of soap? The questions were endless.
And then I gave him his first bath. I started to at least, and I was so nervous that I called my husband to come in and hold him and do it. He was so little .
It took a few more times to get comfortable with the idea of giving him a bath. But I managed and now here I am trying to keep the water in the tub when he is taking a shower.
But how often are we really supposed to give babies a bath? How soon after they come home should you do that because they do generally do a sponge bath in the hospital before you leave.
Lets give some consideration to the frequency, the whys and what to use to give your baby optimally soft skin and so they stay healthy.
When To Give Your Newborn A Bath
You can bath your baby at any time of the day. Its a good idea to pick a time when youre relaxed and you wont be interrupted. And its best to avoid bathing your baby when baby is hungry or straight after a feed.
If bathing relaxes your baby, you can use it as a way to settle your baby for sleep in the evening.
Also Check: What Shots Do Newborn Puppies Need
How Often Should You Bathe A Newborn: A Guide For Parents
Caring for your brand new baby can be both exciting and confusing, especially when it comes to keeping their tiny body clean. How often should you bathe a newborn? And how can you keep them clean in-between baths? These are good questions.
In this article, well start by discussing how often to bathe your little one. Then, well go over a few ways to prevent dry baby skin when its time to put them in the tub.
Lets start with the big question: How often should you bathe a newborn?
How To Give Your Baby A Bath
Get everything ready before you start your babys bath:
-
Ensure that all the supplies you need like shampoo, soap, a hooded towel, and a cup for rinsing are within armâs reachânever leave your baby unattended in the bath, so make sure you have everything you need on hand, including your babyâs fresh change of clothes
-
Make sure the room is warm before undressing your baby.
Follow these step-by-step guidelines for bathing your baby:
Line a sink or baby bathtub with a towel, and fill it about 2 inches full of warm water âtest it with your elbow or the inside of your wrist to make sure itâs not too hot
While supporting your babyâs head with your non-dominant hand, use your other hand to guide him into the water feet first. Youâll want to do this swiftly so he doesnât get cold, and youâll want to make sure his head and most of his body are above the water level
Wash his body from top to bottom with clear water, and, if you prefer, a mild baby soap. Keep him warm by pouring warm water over his body using a cup. Use a soft cloth to wash his face
If he has hair, itâs enough to shampoo once or twice a week. When you do, massage a drop of mild baby shampoo into his scalp, even the soft spots of his head. Be careful not to get any soapsuds or shampoo in his eyesâcup your hands over his forehead when rinsing his head. If some soap or shampoo does get into his eyes, go ahead and wipe them using a cloth dampened with clear water.
Don’t Miss: How Much Oz Should A Newborn Eat
How To Give A Baby A Traditional Bath
Once the babys umbilical cord stump has fallen off, they can have a traditional bath. The AAD recommends the following method:
thinner skin than adults, a temperature suitable for an adult will be too hot for a baby. To test the temperature of the water, dip an elbow into the water. If the water does not feel cooler or warmer than the elbow, it is likely to be a safe temperature for a baby.
To bathe a baby safely, caregivers can follow this advice from the NCT:
Where To Bath Your Newborn
You can give your newborn a bath in a small plastic bath or even in the kitchen sink. The kitchen sink might be easiest in the first few weeks. A plastic baby bath is probably easier once your baby gets bigger.
You can bath your baby in any room thats warm, safe and clean it doesnt have to be a bathroom.
You can also shower with your baby. Keep your babys face away from the pouring water and make sure to use warm, not hot, water.
Don’t Miss: How Much Formula To Feed A Newborn Baby
How Often Should You Bathe A Newborn
Between spit-up, drool, and blowouts, it might seem like your little one constantly needs cleaning up. But when you stop to think about it, newborns dont sweat much or end up grimy from playing outside. Other than their bodily functions, they dont really get dirty.
So, how often should you bathe a newborn to keep them clean? As long as youre cleaning their spit-up, drool, and diaper area on a daily basis, we recommend a bath two to three times a week.
Whether youre still giving sponge baths or have moved on to sink baths, this frequency is enough to keep your baby clean.
When you bathe your baby too often, theyre more likely to develop dry skin. This is because baby skin is thinner than adult skin, leaving it prone to dryness and irritation.
Thats why we recommend limited bathing and little wipe downs for your babys delicate skin.
Now that we know the frequency of bathing, lets discuss how you can prevent dry skin and make bathtime work for not against your babys skin!
Learn How Frequently You Should Bathe Your Newborn According To Experts As Well As Tips For Preventing Eczema Outbreaks Between Baths
Bath time with your baby might be part of your nightly ritual, but doctors actually don’t recommend daily baths for babies. Excess exposure to water can zap their skin of moisture and worsen conditions like eczema. Then again, not bathing your baby often enough can also aggravate eczema, plus lead to other infections.
“It’s a delicate balance,” says Scott Grant, M.D., MPH, FAAP, at Detroit Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital of Michigan. But bathing itself is probably not the entire problem: “The use of bath products, including lotions that contain dyes or fragrances, can react with babies’ skin to make eczema worse even if there isn’t a ‘bath,'” says Dr. Grant.
So how often should you bathe a newborn? Read on for the guidelines.
Recommended Reading: How Much Formula Should A Newborn Get
How To Give Baby A Sponge Bath
Your newborn should be bathed with a sponge bath for the first few weeks of life. This is the simplest way to clean your baby before the umbilical cord falls off.
Sponge baths are also the best way to bathe boys who were circumcised while the circumcision site heals.
You can also give your baby a sponge bath anytime you want to wash one part or all of their body without getting them soaking wet.
Before giving your baby a sponge bath, make sure you have all the supplies you need within easy reach. Youll also want to warm up the room to keep your baby comfortable.
Once youve gathered your supplies, follow these steps:
Best Time Of Day For A Bath
Similar to the question of how often to bathe your baby, what time of day to bathe your baby is really up to you!
Many families adopt the bath before bed routine, as baths can help your child relax before bedtime, and can become part of a routine that signals to them that sleep is coming.
Evening is also when parents usually have the time to dedicate to bathing their baby. However, if you prefer bathing your baby in the morning or during the day, thats perfectly OK.
When considering what time of day to bathe your baby, also consider when you are going to be most alert. Bathing babies, and especially newborns, takes good hand-eye coordination, patience, and must involve vigilance on the part of the parent.
If you think you will be distracted with other responsibilities, or with your other children, choose another time to bathe your baby.
Also Check: How To Take Care Of Newborn Baby Girl
Read Also: When Should You Do Newborn Photos
How Often To Bathe Baby And Toddler
How often you bathe your baby or toddler is entirely up to you. Many children sleep well following a bath, which is why a lot of parents include it in the bedtime routine. However, bathing too often can bring more harm than good.
In general, once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, I recommend bathing infants no more frequently than every 2 days. If you have a baby boy who was circumcised, it is best to wait until the area has healed before giving him a bath . Exceptions to less frequent bathing are if the baby passes a very large stool or has diarrhea, and when the infant has been involved in family activities that are messier than normal .
Editor’s Note:
Small babies dont require daily baths three times a week should suffice during their first year . Even at birth, the recommendation for when to do the first bath has changed over the years. It has been found that delaying this bath until 24 hours after birth is more beneficial. This delay improves the likelihood of breastfeeding and prevents hypothermia . For now, a good wipe down following spit-ups and diaper changes is enough. Once your little one begins to crawl, you can increase bath times if you prefer.
If you worry about germs as your baby is crawling, you can wipe their hands whenever you get the chance. Although, dont stress it bacteria arent always harmful.