Can I Take A Bath With My Baby
- Babies love to lie on a parents chest in the bath.
- Having a bath with your baby can help you both relax and encourage breastfeeding.
-
Remember, your baby might have a wee or poo while in the bath with you!
-
Baths are slippery, so its not a good idea to get into or out of a bath carrying your baby. It’s better to bath with your baby when there’s someone else to hand them to you and take them from you. This could be your partner, your parent or a friend.
How Should I Bathe My Baby
Giving your baby a bath is fairly easy, but your methods should vary depending on how old your baby is and what type of bath youre giving them. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
Newborn babies dont have the ability to self-regulate their temperature, so when you do give them a bath, you should make sure that your baby stays warm. The room needs to be warm, and the water temperature should be less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You may even want to purchase a water heater to help make sure the water stays at the right temperature.
Its also important to get all your supplies ready before you give your little one a bath. That way, you wont need to take your eyes or your hand off your baby as youre washing them. We want to practice safe bathing, so you and your baby can enjoy bath time without stress.
When you wash your newborn, you should be very gentle. Their skin is very sensitive, and you want to avoid putting pressure on the soft spots on their heads. You should also make sure you clean out all the creases in their skin, especially in the diaper area.
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: How Often Should A Newborn Sleep
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.
Drying And Dressing Your Newborn After A Bath: Steps
Heres how to take your newborn out of the bath, ready for drying and dressing:
Bathing your baby takes practice, so try to relax and take your time. You might like to start by bathing your baby when someone else is around to help. If youre worried about losing your grip on your baby, you can make the bath less slippery by lining it with a clean cloth nappy or towel.
Recommended Reading: How To Set A Bedtime Routine For A Newborn
When Should I Give My Baby A Bath
- There is no set age when you should give your baby a bath. Babies get cold quickly, and thats more risky for them than being a bit dirty.
- If youre anxious about bathing your little one, you dont need to put them into a bath until you feel confident about it.
- You may prefer to just wash your little ones face and bottom to begin with. This is sometimes called topping and tailing.
- If youre feeling confident about bathing your baby you can do so when you wish.
- Choose a bath time when your little one is content and awake. Its better not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when theyre hungry or tired.
- Some babies love bath time to begin with, others dont. You may need to try different ways of bathing your baby and at different times of day, to find out what suits you both. Choose a time of day when your baby is happy and awake .
How Much Water Should You Fill The Tub With
Whether youre using your bathtub, a baby bathtub, or a sink, keep the water level at a minimum to ensure your little ones safety. A common recommendation is about two inches of water. Some research indicates that having enough water to cover your babys shoulders helps keep them warm and calm. You might also consider periodically pouring water over your babys body to keep them warm during bath time.
No matter how much water you use, its important to keep a secure yet comfortable hold on your baby throughout their splish-splash time. And never leave your baby alone in the tub not even for a split second. Babies can quickly drown in as little as one inch of water.
Read Also: How To Know If Newborn Has Autism
When To Bathe A Newborn For The First Time
According to the World Health Organization , caregivers should wait 24 hours after birth before bathing a baby. If this is not possible due to cultural or other reasons, they should wait at least 6 hours.
According to a 2019 study, in the past, hospitals best practice was to bathe a newborn around 2 hours after birth, but there is evidence that delaying a babys first wash can be beneficial. The study, involving around 1,000 newborns, found that delaying the first bath until 12 hours after birth improved the chances of successful breastfeeding.
In a smaller 2019 study , delaying the first bath until 48 hours after birth helped preserve the babys temperature, improved skin moisture, and might aid skin development.
Babies are often born with a white, creamy substance on their skin called vernix caseosa, which begins forming in the third trimester of pregnancy. This naturally occurring substance protects a baby in the womb and aids with delivery.
Vernix has
The American Academy of Dermatology Association advises caregivers to give a newborn baby sponge baths only until their umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed, which can take 515 days.
After that time, caregivers can give a baby a traditional bath. Learn about these methods below.
Sponge baths are a good way to clean babies without submerging them in water. It can often be quicker, and some people may find it easier.
People will need to gather the equipment they need beforehand. This will usually include:
Check The Water Temperature
Babies have incredibly sensitive skin. They can be too cold or too hot in an instant. Keep their water temperature between 98.6â to 99.5â to protect them from getting a chill or from burning, and test it on the inside of your wrist first.
An easy way to check their bathwaterâand the most effectiveâis with a bath thermometer. If you do not have a bath thermometer, you can always use your elbow or wrist to check and ensure it is not too hot or too cold. The water should feel warm to these areas and not hot.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Know If Your Newborn Is Lactose Intolerant
Giving Your Newborn A Bath: Steps
These steps make bathing your newborn easy:
Children can drown in a few seconds in very shallow water. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even if youre using a bath seat or cradle. Never leave older children or siblings to supervise. If youre disturbed by the phone or another task, take your baby out of the bath.
Babys First Bath: When Should It Happen
If you give birth in a hospital, nurses will probably bathe your baby within a few hours of delivery. However, the World Health Organization recommends waiting 24 hours for your newborn’s first bath. WHO claims this delay regulates blood sugar and body temperature, promotes bonding, improves breastfeeding success, and keeps Baby’s skin from drying out.
Your baby won’t be ready for the infant tub until the umbilical cord stump falls off . This usually takes about two weeks or longer. In the meantime, you’ll be giving your newborn a sponge bath.
Read Also: What Is Jaundice In Newborns
What Steps Should I Take To Keep My Baby Safe In The Bath
- Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a minute. Babies and children can drown in just a few centimetres of water and should never be left unsupervised in and around water.
- Fill the bath with comfortably warm water. Check the temperature with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby gently into the bath.
- Keep your babys head and face clear of the water.
- Empty the bath water out as soon as youve finished. This is a good habit to get into before your baby becomes mobile. Babies can drown in only a few centimetres of water. Consider doing a resuscitation course.
- Make bath time a happy event and try not to rush it. Watch for your babys responses and talk gently to them.
When Should I Give My Newborn A Bath First Bath Dos And Donts
As an adult, you are used to bathing often to maintain proper hygiene. When you bring your baby home, you may wonder: When should I give my newborn a bath? The recommended amount of bathing for babies is much less than you may realize. Newborns have delicate skin and healing umbilical cords that require special attention and the attention doesnt come from bathing!
Also Check: What Is A Good Going Home Outfit For Newborn
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 babyââ¬â¢s 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!
Show Sources
Delaying Babys First Bath: 8 Reasons Why Doctors Recommend Waiting Before Giving A Newborn A Bath
My newborn daughter was screaming during her first bath as I watched helplessly from my bed. She was only about an hour old. I was trying to breastfeed her when the nurse took her from my arms, telling me that the baby had to be bathed before I was transferred to a different room. We dont do it this way anymore it is now standard protocol at many hospitals to wait 8-24 hours to give a newborn his or her first bath, and up to 48 hours if the baby was delivered by cesarian section. Delayed newborn bathing is consistent with World Health Organization recommendations and based on medical research. As a hospital-based pediatrician, I know that delayed bathing is the safest medical choice for babies. As a mom, it just seems right.
Read Also: How To Get Medical For My Newborn
Babys First Bath: How To Bathe A Newborn
Babies need sponge baths until their umbilical cords fall off. Heres how to give a newborn a bath, with tips on keeping the routine safe.
Babys first bath can fill a new parent with trepidation. Youre still not entirely comfortable handling this tiny person, and it feels strange covering her body in water. But soon enough youll master the sponge-bathing processand youll get a squeaky clean infant on the way! Heres everything you need to know about bathing your newborn.
Read Also: How Can A Newborn Sleep At Night
How Hot Should A Baby Bath Be
The World Health Organization recommends keeping the water temperature for a baby bath between 36 degrees and 37.50C, which is about 97F to 100F.
This is because babies lose heat faster than adults so they need a warm environment to thrive in. However, if you are using an electric blanket or heater then the water should be kept at least three inches above room temperature .
If its too hot it could cause burns on their skin! So make sure that when bathing your baby always use thermometers to check how warm their surroundings are before putting them into any kind of liquid whether bathwater or swimming pool etc.
Also, remember never leave small children unattended while bathing them because if anything went wrong such as drowning etc then it might not be possible for someone else to come save them without being there themselves! Read, our how to unfold a Britax B agile stroller if you have issues doing so.
Recommended Reading: How To Alleviate Gas In Newborns
When To Begin Bathing Your Newborn
Many new moms arent sure when to begin bathing their newborns. The World Health Organization recommends waiting at least 24 hours after your babys birth to give them their first bath. There are several reasons for this.
First and foremost, your baby has just left the comfort of your tummy and will get cold easily. Youll want to give your loved one some time to adjust to life outside the womb.
Experts believe that 24 to 48 hours is plenty of time to allow your infant to regulate their body temperature. The risk of hypothermia drops considerably after the 24-hour mark.
Second, your newborn will likely have a coat of vernix on their skin when you bring them home from the hospital. Vernix shouldnt be washed off intentionally, as it provides several important benefits to your baby.
For instance, vernix has antibacterial properties and keeps your baby healthy. It also protects their delicate skin as they become accustomed to dry air. Its best to let the vernix fall off your little ones body naturally, which will happen in the first week or two of life.
To sum up, its safe to begin bathing your newborn 24 hours after birth. Or if you prefer, you can wait 48 hours. Whatever you choose, just be sure to start with sponge baths.
The American Association of Pediatrics recommends waiting for your newborns umbilical cord stump to fall off before submerging them in water. This normally happens sometime between one and three weeks after birth.
Dont Miss: When Can You Bathe Your Newborn