Gently Pat Your Newborn Dry
Once youve finished bathing your newborn, you can remove them from the bathtub and set them on a clean, soft towel. Use the towel to gently pat them dry, going in the same order that you washed their body.
Your baby might feel a little cold when first coming out of the bath, so it helps to dry them off quickly.
How Frequently To Bathe Newborns
The AAP recommends bathing your infant three times a week until their first birthday. “Obviously there are unique messes that babies can find themselves in as they get older and more mobile that may require an extra bath from time to time,” says Dr. Grant. “But in general, this rule is sufficient as long as the diaper area is cleaned appropriately at each diaper change.”
Should You Use Fabric Softener On Baby Clothes
You dont always need to use a fabric softener for the very first wash of your newborn baby clothes. Later, you will realize that these clothes will spend a lot of time in your washing machine.
However, a fabric conditioner will be a great help when you want to keep your babys clothes snuggle soft, particularly if you wash your newborn clothes many times. In addition, a fabric softener can also be used to prevent the fabric from beginning itchy for your babys skin
Dont forget to check the label before using fabric conditioner to wash baby clothes. Some types of baby clothes have a flame-resistant coating which might be damaged by fabric softener. If the label tells you the all-clear, you can try using a gentle and hypoallergenic fabric conditioner. The famous brand to choose is Comfort Pure.
Just like the baby detergent, you should also find a suitable fabric softener. Make sure that is specifically made for sensitive skin so it can protect your newborn babys sensitive skin.
There you got it how to wash newborn baby clothes properly. But remember that certain special items can require different special washing techniques.
You May Like: How To Know If Newborn Has Milk Allergy
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.
Dealing With Stubborn Stains
Any mother can tell you, stains will happen. Various liquids will be coming out of both ends of your baby, sometimes at an alarming rate. Most of those liquids will be smelly and stain-causing.
There is something about a crisp, white onesie that just makes a baby want to puke all over it. The biggest stain-causing problems you will have to face with a newborn are poop, spit up, and baby oil.
You May Like: When Can You Wash A Newborn
How Often Should Kids Wash Up
I mean, as long as everyones talking about it…what about your toddlers stink? Per the Cleveland Health Clinic, toddlers and little kids only need a soak in the tub two to three times per week. Older kids ages six to 11 should hit the bath two to three times per week at a minimum, and tweens and teens should shower daily. But the experts note that these arent exactly hard-and-fast rules. If your toddler is throwing a temper tantrum and doesnt want to get in the bath, its no biggie. And if your big kid spent the day playing in the mud, then theyll need to hop in the tub even if its not their bath day.
Do You Really Need To Pre
When you have a newborn, get ready to start constantly swapping new outfits both theirs and yours! But lets focus on the baby. Nothing fits for more than a few wears, and the kid is always growing! With all of these new duds, many parents find themselves asking if they should pre-wash baby clothes before letting the child wear them.
Today, well tackle this issue and share some tips for gently washing babys clothes to keep their little bodies extra safe.
Don’t Miss: When Should You Do Newborn Photos
Tips If Your Baby Is Fussy
Not all babies will enjoy having a bath. If your baby is fussy while bathing, don’t worry. You can try some of the suggestions below to see things improve:
- avoid bathing your baby when they are hungry or tired
- wash a little at a time, rather than giving your child a full bath
- wrap your baby in a towel and then gently lower them into the water as you unwrap them
- place a warm face cloth on top of your babys tummy in the bath
- gently splash water on your baby
- bathe your baby with an adult.
How Hot Should The Water Be
The water temperature to bathe your baby should be warm, never hot. The ideal temperature is 98.6°F . You can use a bath thermometer to monitor the temperature, or check the water with your wrist or elbow to confirm its warm and not hot.
Also, check different sides of the tub or baby bath to confirm there are no hot spots. If using a tub or basin, turn on the cold water first and then the hot water to fill it.
If you live in a house, you can also adjust the water heater to ensure it doesnt go above 120°F , which can badly scald your babys skin. You likely cant adjust the water heater if you live in an apartment complex or condo.
Don’t Miss: When To Change From Newborn Diapers To Size 1
Is Cradle Crap Caused By Not Washing My Newborns Hair
Sometimes, youll find your baby with cradle cap, a type of rash called infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Thats your newborns first encounter with dreadful dandruff, but its common, non-contagious, and harmless. Youre probably more bothered about the sight of brown, red, white, or yellow flakes than is your newborn.
Its not exactly known what causes cradle cap. Studies suggest that pregnancy hormones cause the production of a natural antifungal serum called sebum. Others attribute it to Malassezia, yeast growing alongside the sebum, and other coliforms.
In a severe case of cradle cap, it may spread to your babys face or body, sometimes in patches or tiny hanging pieces. Then you should contact your pediatrician, who will recommend mild baby shampoo, along with regular anti-yeast medication like 1% hydrocortisone cream.
Soft brushing also helps remove the scales but avoids anti-seborrheic shampoos that contain 2% salicylic acid or sulfur. While effective at loosening the cradle cap, these will irritate your newborns sensitive skin. Petroleum or petrolatum jellies and some ointments can work, but avoid baby oils as these only enhance scale buildup.
Fill Your Babys Bathtub With Water
The second step is to fill the bathtub with water. You only need two to three inches of water to bathe your newborn.
The water temperature should be roughly the same temperature as the human body98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Anywhere between 90° F and 100° F is perfect. Use a thermometer to make sure youve got the temperature just right.
Don’t Miss: How Often Do You Sponge Bathe A Newborn
Tips For Safely Bathing Your Newborn
Besides keeping your baby happy and getting them clean, safety should be a top concern when it comes to bathing your baby. Unfortunately, drowning is something all parents of newborns need to be aware of.
As the AAP notes, ost child drownings inside the home occur in bathtubs, and more than half of bathtub deaths involve children under 1 year of age. These are sobering statistics, but they are not meant to scare you instead, they are reminders to take safety very seriously when it comes to bathing your baby.
Here are some other safety recommendations to keep in mind:
Bathing A Baby: The First Tub Bath
Make the first tub baths quick ones. Fill the tub with only 2 or 3 inches of warm — not hot — water. Use one hand to support babyâs head, then slowly lower them.
- Using a washcloth or baby bath sponge, wash the face and hair. When rinsing, protect eyes with your hand across the forehead. Gently wash the rest of baby with water and a small amount of soap.
- Use water or a cleanser designed for babies. As hair grows, try gentle baby shampoo.
- To keep baby warm during the bath, cup your hand to let handfuls of water wash over baby’s chest.
- Gently pat baby dry. Apply baby lotion all over to seal in moisture.
- Now it’s time for a fresh diaper. Apply diaper ointment to protect against irritation.
When bath time is over, wrap baby in a towel right away, covering baby’s head for warmth. Congratulations on a successful bath!
Read Also: How Much Do Newborns Sleep First Week
Babys First Bath Time
When that first bath time comes, theres a lot for parents to consider, from what products you need to use to the water temperature and depth. However, for babys first bath, its best to keep things simple and stick to a few tried and tested tips, including:
- Bathe them with someone else around for support and confidence
- Stick to gentle sponge baths initially
- Start with a short bath and a quick clean to let them get used to the experience
Remember, while your babys umbilical cord stump is still attached (this will fall off anytime between around five and 15 days after birth1 its best to avoid getting it wet to avoid infection, so sponge bathing may be the best method for keeping your little one clean in their first couple of weeks.
If Your Newborn Hates The Bath
Its actually very common for newborns to dislike bath time, especially at first. You may be surprised to learn this, and even think you are doing something wrong or that there is something wrong with your baby if they cry or fuss during bathtime.
One reason some babies resist bathtime is that they dont like the sudden temperature changes that happen. You can mitigate this by gently transitioning your baby into the water. Wrap them in a towel at first and gradually immerse them in the water, keeping the towel on until they are all the way in.
You can also experiment with bath temperatures to see what your baby likes best. And always have a warm towel ready when they come out so that transition isnt too jarring.
Some newborn prefer bathtime if you are holding them completely. As such, many parents decide to bathe with their babies in their arms. This can be a wonderful bonding experience. However, you must consider safety here. Only bathe with your baby when you are fully alert. Make sure you have a towel ready, and possibly another grown-up to hand your baby to when you are done. Dont use soaps and other bath products geared toward adult skin.
Finally, keep bathtime fun for your baby! Newborns cant play with bath toys yet, but that doesnt mean they cant be entertained by them. Funny faces and games of peek-a-boo can be very helpful as well.
You can spot clean your baby in the meantime. And most babies will eventually enjoy bath timeall in good time.
Read Also: Why Is My Newborn Spitting Up Breast Milk
How To Hand Wash Your Babys Clothes
It is highly recommended that you hand wash your babys clothes rather than washing it in a washing machine. Most of you might be asking yourself how to wash newborn baby clothes? Here are a few easy steps to make sure you properly hand wash those baby clothes:
Remember, the human hand is a source of bacteria, before handling your babys clothes sanitize and wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Measure the temperature of the water
While washing baby clothes, it is essential to check the water temperature. If you hand wash clothes in extreme heat, it could alter the integrity of your babys clothes causing rips and tears, additionally, extreme heat may cause you to burn your hands.
3. Use eco-friendly, non-chemical detergent
Remember, your body is extremely different from that of your newborns. Using regular detergents could damage your babys skin, cause allergic reactions and maybe even cut your babys skin. Ensure you use a detergent that is cleared for baby skin, making it non-chemical and eco-friendly is an additional safety measure.
4. Soak before and after the wash
Bacteria can build up before a wash, to ensure you kill most bacteria, soak your babys clothes in hot water before a wash for 30 minutes, wash and finally soak in warm water after the wash.
5. Dry the baby clothes
Babys First Bath At Home
Once you get your little one home, theres no set timetable for when to give baby her first sponge bath. Experts agree that the timing for bathing a newborn is up to the parents, and that theres no big rush. Many families are excited about giving a baby their first newborn bath at home, but waiting a few days is fine, says Justin Smith, MD, a pediatrician at Cook Childrens Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
Holly S., a mom of two, gave birth to her second baby at home and didnt bathe him for more than a week. Theres no need to wash them right away in most circumstances, she says. Any blood from the birth can be wiped off, and you just need to wipe their diaper areas thoroughly in the meantime. She also made sure to rub the vernix into her babys skin to get the most out of its antimicrobial and moisturizing properties.
Also Check: Must Have Essentials For Newborn
When Do You Give A Baby Their First Bath
Your babys first bath actually isnt a soak in the tubits a sponge bath. Per Dr. Poinsett, newborns with the umbilical stump still attached should be sponge bathed instead of being submerged in water. In other words, until the stump is gone, a proper soak isnt in the picture. As for how long you can expect to be doing the sponge bath routinethat really depends on the baby. The umbilical cord may fall off within the first week, or it might hang on for a little longerbut it will be pretty clear when it happens because, well, your baby will have a belly button.
How To Give A Newborn A Bath
Once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, you can start giving baby full baths. Bathing a newborn can be tricky at first, so if possible, enlist the help of a partner or family member. Its best if those early baths can be done with multiple caregivers around so you have extra hands if you need them, Smith says. After youve rounded up your baby bath supplies and decided where youll be bathing your little one, follow these steps.
Step 1: Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water. Aim for about 2 to 3 inches of water, to keep baby safe. Making sure to support babys head at all times, gently lower your little one into the water. The bath temperature for a newborn should be between 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, never hotter than 120 degrees. While most parents are worried about making the bath too hot, be sure you dont err in the other direction, since babies get cold easily. Kelly B., whose baby is now 3, learned a thing or two when she nannied for a woman who had infant twins. She taught me that the water should be warmer than youd expect, she recalls. Dipping your wrist in is a good way to gauge the temperature, but if youre nervous about getting it right, you can use a thermometer.
Yes, theres a lot to think about when it comes to babys first bath. But soon enough bathing a newborn will become second nature, and before you know it, your child will be sitting up on his own and splashing away in the tub. Thats when things really start to get fun!
Don’t Miss: Is It Normal For Newborns To Have Dry Skin