Things You Should Know About Baby Bath Time
While most babies quickly get used to bath time and start enjoying it, don't be surprised if yours squirms or cries initially. Your baby may take time to get used to all that water. To help you get started, here is all the information and some handy tips that you may need to make baby bath time safe and pleasant for you both.
How to Bathe Your Baby Right After Birth?
Most babies are born with a special coating called vernix caseosa, a waxy substance that helps regulate temperature while keeping their skin moisturised. So, newborns don't get dirty quickly.
Until your baby's umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens around one to two weeks after birth, you can use a sponge or soft washcloth and warm water to clean your little one. Gently wipe and clean between any folds of skin, under the neck, and behind the ears. Once the navel (and circumcised area, if applicable) has healed, you can start bathing your infant twice or thrice a week.
How Frequently Should You Bathe Your Baby?
As mentioned above, your newborn won't get very dirty. So as long as you clean your baby's bottom thoroughly during each diaper change, she won't need bathing more than two or three times a week. If your baby has any hair, you need not apply shampoo to her hair at every bath. Only do it whenever it seems necessary.
Once your little one starts crawling, exploring, and eating solids, she is bound to get dirty very quickly. So, in between full baths that you will give her every couple of days, keep her face, neck, hands, and bottom clean with a warm, wet washcloth.
What Kind of Baby Bathtub Should You Use?
While your infant still has her umbilical cord attached, you can give her quick sponge baths by placing her securely on a soft padded surface. This will avoid submerging the cord stump, which needs to stay dry. Once your baby's cord has fallen off, she'll be ready for a true bath. You can use a bathinette, sink, or plastic tub lined with a towel and fill it with about two inches of water.
It is best to use a contoured baby bathtub or one with an internal sling for baby bath support to prevent slipping and sliding. When your child starts rolling and crawling (at around six months), your regular bathtub should be fine to use with an extremely low water level. However, make sure to always supervise your infant (or toddler) during bath time.
How to Introduce Bath Time to Your Baby?
Whether you sing lullabies or read plastic bath books aloud, baby bath time allows incredible bonding opportunities between you and your baby. Also, not to forget that skin-to-skin contact is crucial for your baby's sensory development.
While some babies can't get enough of "splish-splashing", others can't stand it. Just like any new experience, it can be a shock to the system. Slowly ease your child into it by:
Using a soothing voice
Choosing a time when your baby is relaxed, not when she is tired or immediately after she has eaten
Getting in the bath with her
Using a cup to wash away shampoo and soap gently
Ensuring the water and room temperature is right (more on that below).
After the baby's bath , gently pat her skin dry and place her in enough towels (or a hooded towel for head-to-toe warmth). Immediately follow up with an organic baby lotion to lock in moisture.
What Temperature Is Best for a Baby Bath?
It is always best to bathe with warm water that is around 100°F or 37.78°C for babies and adults alike. To check the temperature of your baby's bathwater, you can use a bath thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer, you can determine the temperature using your elbow or wrist. Make sure you swirl the water around to spread any hot spots before placing your baby in it.
Is Bubble Bath Safe for Babies?
While bubbles help clean and add a little fun to bath time, newborns and infants really don't need these products. If you use a bubble bath, ensure that it's safe for extra-sensitive skin and is made using natural ingredients. So, you don't have to worry about the bubbles getting into your baby's mouth or eyes.
What Baby Bath Products Should You Avoid?
Many baby bath products contain harsh chemicals that can cause redness, burning, itching, and even hives. Several ingredients used in baby bath products can cause discomfort to your little one's ultra-sensitive skin. Some chemicals to look for when buying baby bath products are:
Artificial fragrances:
They simulate natural fragrances and could contain different chemicals like phthalates, which are absorbed through the skin.
Parabens:
Parabens are preservatives commonly used to extend the shelf life of baby products. These parabens can lead to growth issues in infants during their first few years of life, specifically a higher body mass index in female children.
Formaldehyde:
It is classified as a carcinogen and a common allergen that is used as a preservative.
Some Quick Baby Bath Tips
Let's summarise some of the key points along with some additional baby bath tips:
Always bathe your baby in a warm, draft-free room.
Have a dry towel handy to wrap her up immediately after her bath.
Placing a warm, wet washcloth over your baby's stomach during her bath may help prevent her from getting cold.
Use a soft washcloth or sponge to clean her.
Rinse each part of your baby in turn, gently sponging off any visible flakes of skin.
Be sure to check behind her ears, between her fingers and toes, under her arms, and in the folds of her neck and thighs, where debris often collects.
The bath only has to be long enough to wipe off any debris and peeling skin that's collected.
Keep one hand on your baby at all times – she could slip into the water in a heartbeat.
Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a moment. If you have to leave the room, take her with you.
After your baby's bath, gently pat her dry.
Moisturise her skin to help maintain its natural strength and softness.
Bathing your baby won't feel like a task anymore! By ensuring all the safety measures and following handy tricks, you can easily turn a fussy bath routine into a fun and exciting one