New Mom Vibes

Giving your newborn a bath can be such an enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Although bathing your baby maybe be the least of your worries during this phase of sleep deprivation and diaper changes, it’s important that you bathe your baby every once in a while. Before you take out your camera to get to capture those special moments of your baby’s first bath, here’s how you can safely bathe your newborn baby.

When should you first bathe newborn

Most nurses give a baby a sponge bath around the 24-hour mark in the hospital.  The World Health Organization recommends delaying the first bath which has many benefits including regulating your baby’s body temperature as well as increasing the success of exclusive breastfeeding.

As far as baby’s first bath at home, there is no right answer to this and is completely up to the parent.  Some parents get extremely excited, especially for the baby’s first bath, and like to give the baby a bath the within the first few days. Other parents like to wait at least a week (or after the first explosive poop diaper).

How often should I bathe a newborn

Newborn’s don’t really get dirty so there is no need to give your baby a bath on a daily basis. Two to three times a week should be enough.  If you bathe your baby too often, you may dry their skin out, especially as a newborn.  You can use baby wipes or burp cloths to keep areas clean that need attention in between baths which includes the face, neck, and diaper area. 

Even on the days when you don’t give your newborn a bath, make sure you apply lotion on a daily basis to prevent dry skin or eczema.

Best time of day to bathe baby

Determining what time of the day you want to bathe your baby is up to you.  Many parents like to bathe their baby in the evening to incorporate it into their bedtime routine. Other parents like to bathe their baby before they feed them.  Although it doesn’t matter what time of day you do it, try to do it at the same time of the day each time so your baby can start to anticipate bath time as they get older. 

It’s also best to bathe your baby when you’re relaxed and have some uninterrupted time.  Giving your baby a bath is another time that you can bond with your baby.

Newborn bath temperature

Bath temperature should be around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything too hot might burn the baby.  High temperatures can also dry your baby’s skin out whilst a lower temperature can cause chilling.

It is very important to check the temperature before you put your newborn into the bath. There are a few ways that you can check the temperature of the bath water.  You can purchase a bath toy that is also a thermometer to check the temperature of the water.  You can also put your elbow in the water (not your hand) to determine if the water is the right temperature.

Baby items needed for a bath

How to bathe newborn with umbilical cord

If the stump of your baby’s umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off yet, it is best to give your baby a sponge bath to avoid it from getting wet so the stump can dry up and fall off appropriately. Sponge baths are also great for baby boys who have been circumcised in order to help their circumcision heal.  Remember that newborn babies don’t really get dirty so try to avoid the belly button area all together when bathing your baby. Once the umbilical cord stump falls off, you can start bathing your baby in an infant tub.

How to give a newborn baby a sponge bath?

1. Fill a bowl up with lukewarm water and dip a sponge into the bowl and squeeze the excess water out.
2. Add a few drops of your mild baby wash onto the sponge and lightly lather it up.
3. Laying your baby on her back, start from the face and work your way down.
4. Clean your baby’s eyelids using a cotton ball and wash the rest of her body with the damp sponge.
5. Make sure you get the hard to find places including your baby’s neck, ears, under her arms, and between her fingers and toes.
6. If your baby’s hair needs to be washed, use the sponge and mild soap as the last step in washing your baby so their head won’t be cold for long.
7. Once you’re done bathing your baby, quickly wrap them in a towel so they don’t get cold.
8. When the baby is dry, moisturize her skin with lotion and put her in a diaper and clothes.

How to give a newborn a bath in an infant tub

Once your newborn’s umbilical cord falls off, you can bathe your baby in an infant tub:

1. Fill the infant tub up with a few inches of warm water.
2. Once you’ve tested the temperature of the water, put your baby into the tub feet first.
3. Dampen a wash cloth and add a few drops of baby wash.
4. Similar to a sponge bath, use a wash cloth and start washing your baby from the face down.
5. Pour the warm water over your baby’s belly throughout the bath so your baby won’t get too cold.
6. Once you’ve washed your baby rinse him with a few cups of water and carefully lift him out of the tub.
7. Wrap your baby in a towel to dry him off and proceed to moisturizing with lotion and putting on a fresh diaper and clothes.

Other tips          

• Make sure all of your supplies are within arm’s reach so you don’t have to walk away from your baby. Never leave your baby alone.
• Use a tear-free soap so your baby’s eyes don’t burn if soap gets in his eyes.  Most baby washes are tear-free.
• For the first few baths, have your partner help you. Once you get used to giving your baby a bath, you’ll be comfortable and confident to do it on your own.
• Make sure the room you are bathing your baby in is at a reasonable temperature.  If it’s too cold, your baby might catch a chill.
• Expect a few tears from your baby.  Many babies don’t enjoy baths at first but eventually begin to like them.

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