Top Tips for Bathing a Newborn
It’s not necessary to bath a newborn every day, instead two or three times a week is probably enough as long as you top and tail every day. As your baby grows you may want to increase bath time not only for washing but also to help relax and soothe before bedtime.
Note - Until the umbilical cord falls off, newborns should be given only sponge baths.
The Bath
Whether you decide to use a bath or basin the following should help you make the job a little easier. For small babies, use a towel in the bottom of the bath or basin so he or she doesn’t slip.
The checklist
- A bath thermometer
- A soft washcloth or sponge
- Cotton balls
- A large, hooded apron bath towel
- Baby soap or bath wash, if needed
- Baby shampoo, if needed
- A baby brush or comb
Although soap is listed above, often you do not need to use soap on your infant, as most of the debris that accumulates is cleaned with water alone. Soap can remove your baby’s natural moisturizers and dry her skin.
You’ll only need about 2 inches of warm water to give your baby an effective bath. Always place a warm washcloth over your babies belly to keep him or her from getting chilled. Always keep one hand on her while she’s in the bath. This is obvious when for newborn babies, and you’ll have to cradle the head and back as you wash. But it also applies to older babies who can sit up by themselves. As you wash her, pay particular attention to:
- The genital and nappy areas – always face from front to back
- The hands and feet – between fingers and toes
- The face and neck – using a cotton ball very gently swab eye area using a outward motion
Bathtime Safety
Never ever leave your baby alone, not for a split second.
A good temperature for a baby’s bath is 90 degrees F or lower, always checks the water with the back of your wrist or elbow.
Top Tips brought to you from
Suzanne Browne: Co Founder of Clevamama. Like every single parent my world and career changed dramatically when I gave birth to my first child. Yes, coming from an IT background couldn’t be further from where I find myself today however it’s here I am at my happiest and like parenthood I wouldn’t change it for the world.
