When Do You Start Bathing A Newborn

How Often To Bathe Baby And Toddler

Bathing a Newborn Baby (with Umbilical Cord): Step-by-step Video

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 .

Editors 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.

Create Your Own Routine

As your child gets older, their bathing cadence can continue to be around three times a week. The older they get, the more they tend to run around and get dirty or sweaty, so bathing frequency should vary based on their activity level.

Some families prefer to create a bedtime routine for their baby as soon as possible, and this typically includes a bath, followed by a feeding. For other families, bath time is a bonding experience or a fun way for their child to play. If daily baths work best for your child and lifestyle, be sure to sufficiently and consistently moisturize their skin.

One thing we always emphasize with new parents: Whether your child is 6 months or 16 years old, do what works best for you. What matters is that theyre safe and clean. Other than that, no two families bathing habits need to be the same.

Want to feel more prepared for childbirth and baby-care basics? Call to enroll in prenatal classes today. To request a new patient appointment, call or request one online.

How Often To Sponge Bathe A Newborn

Some people call newborn sponge baths topping and tailing because, once a day, you clean their faces and their bottoms.

Although newborns dont get that messy, there are a few reasons to clean them every day:

  • When they spit up, it can get trapped in the folds of their neck, and this can make their skin raw and sore.
  • Their first poops are very sticky and harder to clean.
  • Newborns tear ducts can often become blocked, which can lead to discharge from their eyes.
  • Keeping their umbilical cord clean reduces the chance of an infection.

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Reasons Why Doctors Recommend Delaying A Newborns First Bath:

  • Reduced risk of infection

    Babies are born covered in a white substance called vernix, which is composed of the skin cells your baby made early in development. Vernix contains proteins that prevent common bacterial infections. Think of vernix as a sort of natural antibacterial ointment. Your baby is born covered in this anti-germ barrier. Bacteria such as Group B Strep and E. coli are often transmitted to newborns during delivery and can cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and meningitis, and can be fatal. These are not rare infections we test babies for them daily. Vernix is natures protection against these infections.

  • Stabilized infant blood sugar

    Bathing a baby too soon after birth can cause low blood sugar. Heres why: in the first few hours after birth, a baby has to adjust to life outside the uterus, including losing the placenta as a source of blood sugar. Bathing causes crying, stress and the release of stress hormones. Stress hormones can cause a babys blood sugar to drop, which can make a baby too sleepy to wake up and breastfeed, causing the blood sugar to drop even more. Rarely, low blood sugar can cause neurological injury.

  • No baby lotion required before a newborn bath

    Vernix is a natural skin moisturizer and skin protectant. Babies need skin protection during the transition from the amniotic fluid into the air environment. If you delay the bath, there is no need for artificially scented baby lotion. Instead, you get to enjoy that new-baby smell.

  • Where To Bath Your Baby

    How to safely bathe your newborn: Simple steps for baby

    You can bath your baby in a baby bath until theyre too big to fit comfortably. Then it might be easier to bath your baby in the big bath.

    You can help babies get used to the big bath by putting the small baby bath into the big bath a few times.

    Once your baby is ready for the big bath, you might like to take a bath with your baby .

    You can also shower with your baby. Keep your babys face away from the pouring water and make sure the water isnt too hot.

    A big bath allows more room for games and toys. Bath toys can be very simple try a plastic cup or a washcloth to start with. Or you could take your baby for swims up and down the bath just support under your babys body and head .

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    Washing And Bathing Your Baby

    You don’t need to bathe your baby every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom instead. This is often called “topping and tailing”.

    Choose a time when your baby is awake and content. Make sure the room is warm. Get everything ready beforehand. You’ll need a bowl of warm water, a towel, cotton wool, a fresh nappy and, if necessary, clean clothes.

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    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!

    By Step Of How To Bathe Your Baby

    How To Bathe Your Baby: Tips for Bathing Your Newborn
  • Start off being holding your baby on your knees and clean their face.
  • Hold them over the bath/bowl and wash their hair.
  • Dry their hair, remove their nappy if not already done to clean any mess.
  • Slowly place them in the water by holding their upper arms to support their head and shoulders.
  • Swish the water over your baby avoiding their face and head. Once youre happy with their bath, remove them from the tub and pat them dry.
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    Helping Baby Enjoy Bath Time

    To help your baby enjoy bath time, you can try placing your hand gently on their tummy. You can also place a warm wet washcloth on their chest and tummy. This can help your baby feel safe and secure in the bath.

    If your baby doesnt like baths, give them a top and tail bath one day and a proper bath the next. Generally, babies get used to baths by around three months.

    Topping And Tailing: Washing Your Baby Without A Bath

    Instead of giving your baby a daily bath, sometimes itâs enough to just âtop and tailâ your newborn â this just means giving the face, neck, hands and bottom a quick clean.You also might prefer topping and tailing to a âproperâ bath in the first few days after your baby is born, until you feel more confident about handling your newborn and looking after the umbilical cord stump.Although you might sometimes hear this referred to as a sponge bath, you donât need a sponge for topping and tailing your baby. Cotton wool is far better from a hygiene perspective, because youâll need a fresh piece for each part of your babyâs body that you clean.Before getting started, youâll need

    • a bowl of warm water

    • a towel

    • clean clothes.

    Hereâs how to top and tail your newborn:

  • Hold your baby in your lap or on a changing mat, in just a vest and nappy, and wrap him or her in the towel.

  • Dunk a piece of the cotton wool in the water , and gently wipe around your babyâs eyes. Start at the nose and move outwards. Use a new piece of cotton wool for each eye.

  • Take another piece of cotton wool and use it to wipe around the ears, but not inside them.

  • Use the same technique to wash the rest of your babyâs face, neck and hands.

  • Dry your babyâs skin gently, but thoroughly â taking care to dry in all the creases â and put the clean nappy on.

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    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.

    Tips For Sponge Bathing Your Baby

    How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?

    Keep your baby covered in a warm towel while youre bathing them. Only uncover the parts of your babys body that youre washing, keeping the rest of their body warm and wrapped up in the towel.

    Dont forget to wash hard-to-see areas, like behind your babys ears, under their arms, around their neck, and the genital area. And if your baby has sweet little rolls on their legs and arms, move their skin to wash in-between the creases.

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    Bathing Your Newborn In A Bath

    Youâll still want to give your baby girl or boy a proper bath every few days or so. If you feel a bit nervous about giving your newborn his or her first bath, donât worry. Bathing a slippery, squirming newborn baby can take some practice, but youâll soon get the hang of it.Bath time is also a great time for your partner, a grandparent or other close relative to lend a hand. Delegating bath duties isnât just a fantastic bonding opportunity for the person doing the bathing, it can be an opportunity for Mum to grab a little extra âme timeâ â especially during the whirlwind first few weeks with your newborn.When the time comes, itâs important to be prepared, so make sure the room is warm enough and get everything ready before you start giving your baby a bath:

    • Your babyâs bath â this can be a special baby bath or you could use a clean washing-up bowl. A smaller baby bath might help your child feel more secure.

    • Two towels

    • A clean nappy

    • Clean clothes.

    How Often Should I Bath My Baby

    Its not necessary to bath your baby every day around 2-3 times per week will be enough. Though you may find your baby relaxes when theyre bathed and you like to include bathing as part of their pre-settling routine.

    You may need to bath your baby more often once theyre eating solid food. Theres always more mess to clean when babies are learning how to feed themselves.

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    What’s The Best Way To Give My Baby A Bath

    • A bowl of warm water, boiled and cooled if your baby is less than two months old, for face washing.
    • A sponge or cloth.
    • Baby cleanser, mild soap or bath emollient.
    • At least one clean, dry towel. Hooded towels are good for wrapping up your baby from top to toe.
    • An old towel if you have a baby boy. He may pee when his diaper comes off and he feels the fresh air on his skin.
    • A clean diaper and clothes.
    • A warm blanket

    How To Sponge Bathe A Newborn

    How do I bath my baby? | NHS

    For the first week or so after birth, youll want to give baby a quick, gentle sponge bath. Heres how.

    Step 1: Gather supplies. Use our handy baby bath supplies checklist to make sure youve got everything you need. At a minimum, youll want a dry towel, clean diaper, washcloths and baby soap at the ready. Have all your supplies within arms reach so you dont have to step away, Smith advises. Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a second.

    Step 2: Pick a place. Decide where youll be giving baby that newborn bath. While not strictly necessary, baby bathtubs are convenient. They can be placed in the sink or tub, and some have a hammock-style sling that supports babys head. Choose a spot thats fairly warm and where its comfortable for you to kneel or stand while keeping a hand on baby at all times.

    Step 3: Wash small sections at a time. After removing her clothes and diaper and placing her in the baby bathtub , youll want to cover baby with another towel, lifting only a small area at a time and patting dry as you go. Using a washcloth dipped in warm water, gently wipe baby all over, paying special attention to her diaper area and any creases and rolls.

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    Cleaning Your Baby Between Baths

    Just as you’d still apply deodorant when forgoing your own shower, certain baby parts need attention daily whether they’re getting a full-on bath or not.

    “Be sure that you’re cleaning the diaper area well, especially following stool or ‘poopy’ diapers, in between skin folds,” Dr. Grant advises. For baby boys, gently retract the foreskin to clean the area underneath. For girls, the area around the vagina has similar folds that should be cleaned well.

    Don’t skimp on the lotion, either. “Daily application can help prevent eczema outbreaks, so this might be a useful replacement for bathtime in the bedtime routine,” says Dr. Grant. “This is especially important for babies who have already shown signs of eczema or have siblings or parents with eczema.”

    How Often Should I Bathe A Baby

    At the moment, dermatologists recommend that newborns have a bath three times a week.

    That translates to about every other day, with some allowances for the days when baby is too cranky or tired to tolerate a bath.

    Is it OK to bathe a newborn once a week? Also yes, as long as youre also sponge bathing them and paying attention to the folds of their neck, under their arms, and the skin around their diaper on the other days.

    Of course, there will be some days when your baby might need an emergency bath because of a blowout diaper.

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    How To Sponge Bathe A Newborn Step By Step

    Step 1

    Select a warm and draft-free area. Try in the kitchen or on a bathroom counter. It should be somewhere next to a sink. Put your phone on silent so that you will not be tempted to leave your baby unattended just for a moment.

    Step 2

    Have your newborn sponge bath kit ready in the bathing area before you start. You will need:

    • Two washcloths
    • Clean clothes

    Step 3

    While some babies like to be bare, most dont, so remove all clothing except the diaper and swaddle your baby in a towel. Hold your baby on your lap while sitting in a chair with your bath kit on an adjacent table, or stand up at the counter with baby lying on a pad of thick towels.

    Step 4

    Keep your swaddled babys head and face exposed. Begin washing her face carefully with the washcloth, using warm water, and making sure to wash behind the ears, in the ear crevices, and the neck creases. Unless your babys skin is sweaty, oily, or dirty, plain water is enough otherwise, it is okay to use a mild soap on your newborn.

    Step 5

    It is best to hold your baby in the clutch hold and then squeeze a bit of warm water on top of your babys head, apply a dab of baby shampoo, and gently massage the entire scalp. Use no special caution over the soft spot. Its really tough underneath.

    Step 6

    Step 7

    Step 8

    How to Clean A Baby Girls Private Parts

    For a newborn baby girl, white discharge is common between the inner labia and vagina of newborn baby girls. It is not necessary to clean away this normal discharge.

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