When To Shower A Newborn Baby

No Need For A Postpartum Visit

If you dont like attention and dont want multiple events, then its another reason to hold a baby shower after the infant arrives. Loved ones will expect to see the baby post-birth, so its common for folks to hold a postpartum visit or a sip-and-see so family and friends can meet the new addition.

Some people like having multiple events to celebrate, and if thats you, then go for it! But if the thought of holding a baby shower and a postpartum visit stresses you out, then combine it all into one big event.

Who To Invite To A Baby Shower

The guest list for every baby shower is different. Usually, the expectant parents close family members and friends are invited. But the planners should keep in mind that mom could prefer to keep some people off the guest list. Its always a good idea to ask the mother about the guest list before sending out any invitations.

For a long time, baby showers were an all-female affair. However, co-ed baby showers have gained popularity in recent decades. Before, pregnancy and birth were taboo topics that were only meant to be discussed amongst women. But it has become increasingly acceptable – and expected – for dads to be more involved. If youre planning a baby shower, ask the parents if theyd like an all-female or co-ed baby shower before putting together the guest list.

When To Give Babys First Bath

It used to be the norm at hospitals to whisk newborns away right after birth for a bath. Not anymore. Recommendations have shifted in favor of waiting at least a few hours, if not longer, for babys first bath .

Research indicates that there may be significant physical and emotional benefits to delaying that initial newborn bath. Since young babies are especially sensitive to cold, it can decrease cold stress, says Katherine Williamson, MD, a pediatrician at Childrens Hospital of Orange County in Orange, California. Cold-induced stress can cause the body to work to keep itself warm, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop, she explains, citing studies that show delaying babys first bath decreases rates of hypothermia and hypoglycemia. Plus, babies are born with a waxy, cheese-like coating on their skin, called the vernix, which you dont want to wash off, Williamson says, since it helps retain heat and can serve as an additional barrier to infections. In addition, a 2013 study found that delaying babys first bath in the hospital until at least 12 hours after birth led to an increased breastfeeding success rate, since mom can nurse more quickly and have more time for skin-to-skin bonding, Williamson adds.

Don’t Miss: How To Be A Good Parent To A Newborn

How To Sponge Bathe A Newborn

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.

Decide On Some Game Prizes

Prizes for the baby shower games might include gift vouchers, a charity donation, an ebook, or send them a personalised cupcake or cookie from their local bakery.

You May Like: How Many Ounces Should A Newborn Have

Funny Baby Shower Wishes

• Parenting: when hard labor and sleepless nights are paid in smiles.
• Life just got real! Buckle up, its sure to be a bumpy ride.
• I see scattered toys, tons of diapers, and sleepless nights in your future. Let the fun begin!
• The greatest gifts really do come in small packages. Congrats on your little one!
• Cheers to the new appreciation for the words me time you will soon have!
• Hope you enjoy your baby shower! Its the last party youll be going to in a long time.
• Excited to see youre having a baby, and even more that Im not. Ill drink to that!
• A baby makes love stronger, days shorter, savings smaller, and a home happier.
• Having a baby means youll finally feel excited about having your in-laws over.
• So you decided to have a baby? Great, cant wait to meet your new master.

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.”

Also Check: How To Lay Newborn Down To Sleep

How To Shower A Newborn Baby At Home

Ages & Stages

Page Content

Bathing your baby is an experience many parents treasure. It’s a great time to bond, distraction-free, as your tiny new family member enjoys the sensation of warm water on their skin. Yet this common parenting ritual often comes with questions, and sometimes anxiety, about when and how to do it well.

Here are some frequently asked questions from parents about topics related to baby bath timing, frequency, safety, and more.

How To Give Your Newborn A Tub Bath

Once your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off and after a boy’s circumcision has healed, you can give your baby a tub bath. This can be a pleasurable experience for you and your baby. However, some babies may not like to be bathed, especially the first few times. Talk softly or sing and try some bath toys if your baby protests.

Don’t Miss: When Should You Do Newborn Photos

Can You Wear Jeans To A Baby Shower As A Guest

Jeans are okay. Skinny jeans are cute, especially white jeans, which are acceptable to wear to a baby shower, unlike a bridal shower. Of course you can always wear a casual dress to a casual shower, but well show you some tops to wear here, because cute tops are always harder to find than dresses.

Do Fathers Attend Baby Showers

Do Fathers Attend Baby Showers? Fathers absolutely attend baby showers. Some women may go into their baby shower with the expectation that it will be their day, so they may decide not to include the father. This subject should be broached carefully, as this only works well if the father doesnt want to come.

Recommended Reading: Who Will Collect The Sample For Newborn Screening

Should I Shower With My Newborn Baby

If you prefer your showers on the hotter side, be sure to limit the time your baby is in the shower with you to just a few minutes or so. If you have a partner at home, get them to help. This can be especially useful with a newborn. Have your partner stand by to hand you baby or take them from you when youre done.

Printable Baby Shower Games

Cut down on the baby shower prep by downloading and , but read on for more inspiration.

14. Baby Shower Bingo

• Bingo cards

• Small stickers or pens

How to play:

Before the party, , and give one to each guest. Hand each guest a card, which should be unique for everyone with a different combination of gifts. Then, as the mom-to-be opens her gifts, guests can mark off any items received with a sticker or cross it out with a pen. The first guest to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins!

15. The Price Is Right

What you’ll need:

• Pictures of baby items cut from a catalogue or printed out â they can even be from the mom-to-be’s registry wish list

• Small gifts for the winners

• Pen and paper for the guests

How to play:

Lay out the pictures of the baby-related items, and give your guests a pen and paper. You can pick up each item and give a description and have your guests write down a price as a guess. The guest to get the closest price without going over gets a gift. You can download and print our âThe Price Is Rightâ game here!

16. Who Said What?

• Printed copies of our downloadable he said/she said game

• Pens

How to play:

17. Wishes for Baby

• Pens

How to play:

• Pens and paper for each guest, or

• 1 printed calendar of the expected birth month to pass around

How to play:

19. Guess the Famous Mom

What you’ll need:

• Name tags with the names of famous mothers printed on each

How to play:

20. Do You Know What It Is?

What you’ll need:

• 10 baby items

• Pen and paper for each guest

How to play:

Recommended Reading: What You Ll Need For A Newborn

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:

Wash Your Baby’s Face

Wash your baby’s face before you take off any of their clothing because some babies freak out when they’re naked and cold. Dampen a cotton ball or a washcloth, and wipe their eyelids from the inside corner out. Use one cotton ball for each eye. With another damp cotton ball, clean around their nose. You don’t need to use soap on their face. Always keep one hand on Baby when dipping the washcloth in the sink, and don’t soak it completely in order to minimize drips.

• RELATED: Baby Eczema Causes and Treatment: A Parent’s Guide

Recommended Reading: What Causes Meningitis In Newborns

When Can I Shower With Baby

So, when can you start showering a newborn baby? When your babys umbilical cord stump is drying out, it should not be submerged in water. It can take one to three weeks for the stump to naturally fall off.

When the stump is still attached, the area needs to be kept dry. Sponge baths are best for a baby until it falls off. After their umbilical cord falls off, they can take a shower with you.

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.

Don’t Miss: When Do You Wash A Newborn

Do You Open Presents At A Baby Shower

A: Recent trends in baby shower events have changed. As much as guests would love for the mom-to-be to open their gifts, proper etiquette is respecting her wishes and not asking her to open the presents during the shower. Once one gift is opened, a chain reaction will start and everyone will want theirs opened too.