How To Bathe A Newborn In The Sink

What Do I Need For A Tub Bath

• Baby bathtub

• Nonslip mat or pad

• Bath thermometer . These often have “safe” bath temperature ranges marked on them.

When bathing your baby in a tub:

• Clear the counter or table top of breakable objects and electrical appliances to prevent injury.

• Fill the tub with warm water, making sure the water is warm, not hot. Always test the water before placing your baby into the tub. Some parents feel most comfortable using a baby bath thermometer to confirm the correct temperature of the water.

• Follow the same general bathing instructions for a sponge bath.

• NEVER take your hands off your baby, or walk away, even for a moment.

• Be sure to clean the bathtub after each use.

Why Do Some People Bathe Their Babies In The Kitchen Sink

Although some people find the idea of bathing their babies in the kitchen sink gross, it has been a very common practice among parents for a long time. In certain cultures and economic conditions, babies are even bathed in pails and bowls. Reasons, why parents consider using the kitchen sink, include:

1. To save money for something else having a baby can cause a financial strain on some parents so not buying a baby tub allows them to save money.

2. For ease after the babys birth, it can be hard for some mothers to sit or bend for a long time. The sink allows them to be comfortable while bathing their babies.

Is Water Enough For My Babys Bath

For the first month, plain water is recommended for your babys skin5. After this, you should start to use a gentle cleanser, as water doesn’t remove the fat-soluble impurities left behind under nappies and clothes. If they remain, they can cause the delicate skin barrier to break down. And hard water alone can actually dry your babys skin11.

A gentle baby specific cleanser like JOHNSON’S® TOP-TO-TOE® Wash is recommended to help cleanse effectively because it:

Removes impurities including fats and oils

Provides mild and gentle newborn care

Is suitable for use from day 1

Is formulated to minimise the risk of allergies

Is pH skin neutral

Discover our full range of baby skin and hair products to find the perfect one for your newborn.

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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.

How To Bathe Your Baby

Bathtime is a chance for you and your baby to have fun, play and interact. A bath 2 to 3 times a week is enough to keep your baby clean.

Your midwife or public health nurse will show you how to bathe your baby for the first time. You can ask to see it done once or twice before you try.

You can wash your baby in the main bath or in the sink, or in their own small baby bath.

You can also give your baby a ‘top and tail’ clean instead of a bath. Or you could have them in the bath with you.

Watch a video on how to bathe your baby

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When bathing your baby, take the following steps:

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How To Bathe A Newborn Baby

Bathtime is an important time, as 1. Like many activities in these early weeks and months, its an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your baby1.

When that first bath time comes, theres a lot for parents to consider, from what products you need to use to the perfect bath temperature and depth. However, for your newborns first bath, its best to stick to a few tried and tested tips, including:

• Check your baby is awake, and the room youre using is warm1
• Your babys bath should be around 37 and 38C2 make sure you mix the water well to avoid hot patches1
• Fill the bath with two to three inches of water this is usually deep enough for a newborn3
• Ask someone else to fetch anything you forget so you can always stay with your baby4
• Use one hand to support your babys head and neck while you bathe them5
• Start with their face and gradually move down the rest of their body5
• Keep bathtime short and always bathe your baby in a warm room so they retain their body heat6

If youre bathing your newborn while their umbilical cord stump is still attached its best to avoid getting it wet7. Sponge bathing may be the best method for keeping your little one clean in their first couple of weeks.

Monitor Your Baby Closely

Keep a close eye on your little one and make sure theyre enjoying bath time! Some newborns take to the water naturally and have a blast in the tub. On the other hand, some infants need time to get used to the feeling of being in water and being bathed.

Whatever the case may be, just monitor your baby closely. If theyre having fun, let them play in the tub for a while! If they seem uncomfortable, try to get through bathtime quickly.

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How Often Should You Bathe A Newborn

• If Your Newborn Hates the Bath

Bathing a newborn is something many new parents eagerly look forward to. After all, there is nothing sweeter than a tiny baby getting gently soaped up and cleaned, while splashing around.

But the reality of bathing our babies may be different than expected and you may also be concerned about how to bathe your baby safely.

Maybe you have a baby who seems to really dislike baths. Or you feel unsure of how often to bathe them. Too much to bathe them daily? What if you cant get in a decent bath more than once or twice a week?

Rest assured, bathing your baby doesnt have to be as complicated as it seems. A few basic tips can go a long way.

As for how often you need to bathe your baby? There arent too many rules. If your baby can only get in a good bath a few times a week, you are actually totally on track. Its also usually OK if you want to bathe your baby more frequently, too.

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How To Bathe Baby In A Bathtub

After your infants umbilical cord falls off, you can bathe them in a baby bathtub. Follow these steps to safely bathe your baby:

Remember to never leave a baby unattended in a tub, even for a second. They can quickly drown, even in a shallow amount of water.

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Baby Bath Sink Inserts

Sink inserts are accessories used while bathing a baby in a sink or sometimes a tub to ensure the babys comfort and safety. They come in various designs and are comfortable when you dont have an extra hand to hold the baby during the bath. The different techniques used by parents when bathing their babies in the sink include:

• Going Hands-Free
• Using a sink insert on a kitchen sink

It is easier, and much better for you to go for the foldable kitchen sink insert. It is baby-friendly, comfortable, and fits into many sinks easily. It supports the baby and protects them from the cold harshness of the sink. It serves as cushioning for the baby. It frees up your hands from having to hold your baby and ensures your comfort as you bathe your baby.

Add The Finishing Touches

Finally, apply a safe, gentle, moisturizing lotion, like Mustelas Hydra Bebe Body Lotion. It protects your babys skin from becoming extremely dry and delivers long-lasting moisture.

And if your baby has eczema-prone skin, try our Stelatopia Emollient Cream or Stelatopia Emollient Face Cream and say good-bye to irritation! It moisturizes and soothes your babys skin.

What makes this cream so amazing is that it absorbs quickly into your babys skin and provides moisture to relieve any irritation, itching, or discomfort that accompanies eczema.

We also recommend soothing your little one after their bath with our Melting Massage Balm. Composed of 100% ingredients of natural origin, this balm has a luxurious texture perfect for baby massages.

Finally, put a new diaper on your newborn and dress them in a warm outfit. And voilà! Youve got a clean, adorable baby on your hands.

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How To Bathe A Baby Without A Baby Tub

Use the basin or the kitchen sink, if they are deep enough. Cover the whole sink with a thick, clean, big towel. Alternatively, you can sit on the floor of the shower stall. Cover your hips with a big towel to prevent the baby from slipping. With your left hand, hold the babys right shoulder while her neck and head are resting on your left arm. Use the other hand to clean the baby. You can use a sponge, a washcloth, or simply your hand to clean your baby.

Bathing your baby is one of the most enjoyable moments of motherhood. However, we usually do not have access to our baby tub when we are on a road trip or traveling. It is important to respond to the babys needs like feeding, bathing, entertaining. Here is how to feed a baby on the road trip, a complete packing list, and entertaining ideas.

For bathing a baby, there are some important factors you need to consider. Lets see what they are and how we can address them.

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Bathing Your Baby Safely

You don’t need to bathe your baby every day, but if they really enjoy it, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.

It’s best not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they’re hungry or tired. Make sure the room you’re bathing them in is warm.

Have everything you need at hand: a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.

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Clean The Entire Body

A soapy washcloth is best to clean the babys entire body. Use mild and irritation-free soap or gentle non-soap cleansers. These products are best suitable for the babys skin. Wet the babys head with a small amount of water.

Then apply shampoo and gently massage circularly using your hand and fingers. Be very gentle while washing the genitals or diaper area. Never use soap there the baby can feel irritation. After washing, pour several cups of warm water and rinse off the whole body fully.

Setting Up Babys Bath

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Newborn Bath Temperature How Warm Should It Be

Ideally, you should keep your newborns bath temperature around 37C to protect their skin, which is much thinner and more sensitive than an adults2.

Check the temperature with your elbow or hand and be sure to swill it around with your hand first to make sure there are no hotspots before putting your baby into the water2.

Additional Newborn Bath Tips

• As you move from one area of the body to another, change the washcloth parts to keep the clean cloth on cleaner parts of the body.
• Pat the skin with a washcloth and blot dry with a towel rather than vigorously scrubbing, which may irritate your bathing babys sensitive skin.
• Spot-cleaning works best for babies who do not like either a total sponge bath or an immersion bath. Clean the areas that get the oiliest, sweaty, or dirty.
• Clean the eyes on an as-needed basis rather than during the regular bath. Infants often protest eye cleaning, which may set off a protest for the entire bath. Using cotton balls and warm tap water , wash accumulated discharge out of the corners of your babys eyes.
• Cotton-tipped applicators are handy when cleaning little crevices in and behind the outer ear, but never try to clean inside the ear canal, as you may damage the canal or eardrum.

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Have All Of Your Supplies Handy

First things first: make sure to have all of the supplies we listed above easily available. Choose a stable place to set out all of the items. Some parents like to use a bathroom countertop, or even just the bathtub itself.

Other folks prefer to use a changing table or a kitchen countertop. Whatever surface you choose, just make sure that its safe and stable.

Preparing For Babys First Bath

1. The longer you wait for babys first bath, the better.

While many institutions used to bathe babies within an hour or two of birth, many have now changed their policies. The World Health Organization recommends delaying your babys first bath at least 24 hours after birth. If this is not possible due to cultural reasons, bathing should be delayed for at least 6 hours.

There are benefits to delaying baby’s first bath, roughly 24 hours or several days, in order to maintain the smell of baby’s first environment, said Sarah Weinstein, a certified nurse-midwife at Banner – University Medical Center South Campus Multispecialty Services in Tucson, AZ. This is thought to be soothing, and it also allows a more natural transition to the extra-uterine environment.

Newborns dont come out clean and ready to snuggle, but that creamy, white coating, called the vernix, has amazing benefits for baby and helps keep their skin moist. According to the Academy of Pediatrics, the vernix is especially important for preemies, whose skin is highly prone to injury.

2. Sponge baths are best until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off.

Until your babys tiny umbilical cord stump falls off, stick to a sponge or damp cloth bath. There are several reasons for this, but one of the biggest is to prevent infection.

We want to avoid submerging baby in water until this takes place, Weinstein said. This allows for the normal healing process whereby the umbilical cord stump dries and falls off.

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