Some of the most important steps for how to bathe a newborn include maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature, using an appropriately-sized tub, choosing bath products made especially for babies, and avoiding bathing the baby too soon after eating.
It is up to the parents how often to give their baby a bath, however it is not necessary to bathe the baby every day. A bath every other day is more than enough, as excess use of water and bath products can create skin problems for the baby, such as skin irritation and allergies.
Before running the tub, make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature of 72 to 77ºF (22 to 25ºC). Gather all of the products you will need for the bath and make sure to already have a towel, diaper, and clothes ready. Check to make sure the bath water is between 97 and 99ºF (36 and 37ºC). A baby's body temperature can drop quickly during a bath, so make sure to keep the bath under 10 minutes.
Only sponge baths should be given until the baby's umbilical cord stump falls off to avoid getting the umbilical stump wet.
Steps for bathing a newborn
The following are step by step instructions on how to bathe a newborn:
1. Clean the baby's face
With the baby still dressed, use a clean, damp cloth to clean the baby's face, behind the ears, and between the neck folds. Make sure to use warm water to dampen the cloth. Never use cotton swabs (Q-tips) to clean the baby's ears, as there is a chance you could perforate the eardrum.
To clean the baby's nostrils, you can use a piece of gauze dampened with normal saline. The eyes should also be cleaned using a damp cloth. Make sure to wipe down and away to avoid build up of eye crusts and other debris in the eyes.
Also recommended: Newborn Eye Discharge: Causes & How to Clean Eyes tuasaude.com/en/newborn-eye-discharge2. Wash the hair
This step can be done with the baby in the water or wrapped in a warm towel before placing them in the water. If not in the tub, hold the baby in your nondominant arm, with their back along your forearm and your hand supporting behind their head.
The baby's hair should be washed with clean water first. Baby shampoo can be used if desired, massaging it gently into the baby's scalp and tilting back the head to rinse, avoiding getting soap in the baby's eyes or ears. Dry the baby's hair with a clean towel.
Be gentle when washing over your baby's soft spots (fontanels), however you will not hurt your baby by touching their soft spot. The posterior fontanel should close by about 3 months of age, while the anterior fontanel (at the top of the head) usually closes by around 18 months.
3. Clean the diaper area
If you have not done so already, undress or unwrap the baby. Clean the diaper area using a warm, damp washcloth before placing the baby in the water. This will avoid getting the water dirty. Alternatively, place your baby in the tub and save the diaper area for last.
4. Wash the body
With the baby in the water, wash and rinse the baby's body well, making sure to clean between the folds of the thighs, neck, and wrists. Remember to wash the hands and feet, as babies love to put these in their mouths.
If not washed previously, the diaper area should be left until the end. With baby girls, make sure to always clean front to back to avoid contaminating the vagina with feces. With baby boys, make sure to keep the area around the testicles and underneath the penis clean. It is normal for the foreskin not to retract completely in uncircumcised newborns. Be gentle with the foreskin and do not force it back. Avoid using soap in this area as it can irritate the skin.
5. Dry the body
After washing and rinsing the baby, remove them from the water and wrap them in a dry towel. Use the towel to dry every body part, not forgetting the hands, feet, and skin folds, as moisture can build up in the folds and lead to skin breakdown.
6. Dry the diaper area
After drying the rest of the body, dry the diaper area and check for diaper rash, which is common in babies. With the baby clean and dry, put on a fresh diaper to protect the towel from getting dirty.
7. Moisturize and dress the baby
It is common for a baby's skin to be dry, especially in the first few weeks of life. It is important to hydrate the skin by applying a moisturizing cream, lotion, oil, or ointment made especially for babies. The best time to apply a moisturizer is right after a bath.
To apply the moisturizer, start with the chest and arms, followed by the legs and lower body. You can dress the baby on top or cover them with a blanket to keep them warm while you move on to the legs. It is important to make note of any changes in skin color or texture that could signify an allergy.
Also recommended: Baby Rashes: 6 Causes (& When to See a Doctor) tuasaude.com/en/baby-rashesPreparing the bath
Make sure to gather all supplies and have the bath ready before undressing the baby. This will help prevent loss of body heat as well as the temptation to leave the baby alone in the bath water to run and get something. Never leave a baby unattended in a bath, even for a second.
Steps for preparing the bath:
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Keep the room at a temperature of 72 to 77ºF (22 to 25ºC) and avoid drafts;
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Gather all supplies for the bath, remembering that bath products can be used but are not necessary. If you choose to use bath products, make sure to use gentle soaps and shampoos made especially for babies, with a neutral pH and no fragrance. Before 6 months of age, the same baby soap used to wash the body can also be used to wash the hair. Special baby shampoo is not needed;
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Lay out a towel, diaper, and clothes in order of use, to minimize the time the baby is exposed to the air;
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Keep the baby in the water for no more than 10 minutes, making sure to keep the bath water between 97 and 99ºF (36 to 37ºC). If you do not have a thermometer for the bath, check the water with your elbow to make sure it is at a comfortable temperature.
A plastic baby tub appropriate for the baby's size should ideally be used to bathe a newborn, and can be placed in a location that is comfortable and convenient for the parents or caregivers.
How to give a sponge bath
A sponge bath is preferable during the first couple weeks of a baby's life, or until the umbilical cord stump falls off. This is because it is important to keep the umbilical stump clean and dry and avoid submerging it in water.
A sponge bath should also be given in a warm room with all of the supplies gathered before starting, including clothes, towels, a diaper, baby soap (if using), and a basin with warm water (do not add the soap yet). Place the baby on a flat surface, wrapped in a towel. Use a damp washcloth to clean the face, behind the ears, chin, neck folds, and eyes. Avoid using soap in these areas, as it can irritate the skin.
It is important to keep the baby warm during the sponge bath by covering up the parts that are not being cleaned with a towel. Start by washing the upper body and work your way downward. Remember to wash the hands and feet and to take care when cleaning the skin around the umbilical stump. If you get the umbilical stump wet, just pat it dry gently with a towel.
After cleaning the rest of the body, you can add some baby soap to the water and use a washcloth to clean the genital area. The last step is to dry and dress the baby, making sure to put on a fresh diaper.
Also recommended: Umbilical Cord Care: How to Clean the Stump (& When It Falls Off) tuasaude.com/en/umbilical-cord-careBucket bath
A bucket bath, in addition to being hygenic, can keep the baby calmer and more relaxed during a bath. This is mainly due to its round shape, which is very similar to the feeling of being in the mother's belly.
A bucket bath can be done as soon as the umbilical stump falls off and for as long as the parents desire and the baby is comfortable. The bath should last no longer than 10 to 15 minutes in order to avoid discomfort.
To give a bucket bath, first fill the bucket halfway up with water at a temperature of 97 to 99ºF (36 to 37ºC). Next, sit the baby in the bucket, with the legs and arms folded, with the water up to the level of the shoulders. You can place a cloth diaper or towel around the baby to make them feel more secure. Make sure to support the baby's head as they cannot yet hold their heads up on their own.
Bath safety
Babies should always be supervised during bath time and should never be left alone in the tub, as it can take only 30 seconds for a baby to drown, even in shallow water. For older babies, it is recommended not to fill the tub above the level of their waist when seated.
There are many parents who like to take a bath or shower with their babies, however there are risks involved with bathing with your baby, including falling or dropping your baby in the shower. Bath products used for adults can also irritate a baby's skin or eyes. If you do decide to bathe with your baby, make sure to be very careful. Use an anti-slip mat in the tub as well as a baby sling to keep the baby close to your body. Also be sure to only use bath products suitable for babies.