Basics of Baby's First Bath - Step-by-Step Guide

Basics of Baby's First Bath - Step-by-Step Guide

Giving your baby the first bath can make almost every first-time parent a bit jumpy. However, you must start including bath time in your baby's routine after a few days of their birth, as directed by most pediatricians. The main reason for this is that your newborn's skin is covered in vernix, a waxy material that protects babies from environmental germs after delivery. If you give birth in a hospital, the blood and amniotic fluid will be cleaned off by the staff or nurses after your baby is born. But, if you want, you can probably instruct them to leave any extra vernix. You can give your baby a sponge wash as soon as you get them home. You can wash their body, head, and diaper area. You can also begin washing your baby by immersing their body in a small shallow bathtub. Let's look at a step-by-step guide to the basics of a baby's first bath. How to sponge bathe a baby? For the initial weeks of life, you should bathe your infant using a sponge bath until the umbilical cord comes off. This will ensure that your baby is washed without getting drenched. You need to ensure that you have all the necessary items close to you before giving the sponge wash. To keep your baby cozy, you should also warm the space. After you collect all the materials, do the following actions:
  1. Remove your baby's diaper and clothes, then cover them in a towel in a warm room around 23.8 C (75 F) for the bath.
  2. Lay your baby flat, ideally on the floor, a changing table, your bed, or a counter close to a sink. Keep one hand on your baby, or use a safety strap at all times to prevent them from falling to the ground.
  3. Unroll the towel section at a time to expose the part of the body you're cleaning.
  4. Dip the clean cloth into the warm water first, then start wiping your baby. To prevent getting soap in your baby's mouth or eyes during this phase, just use warm water without any soap. Clean the eyes, neck folds, chin, around the outer ears, and the top of the head.
  5. Add a few drops of soap to the warm water to clean the other dirty body parts, including the genitals and beneath the arms. If your baby has a circumcision, refrain from washing the genital area to keep the wound dry unless specifically instructed to do so by the doctor.
How to bathe your baby in a bathtub? You can wash your baby in a small bathtub once the umbilical cord has been cut. To wash your baby safely, follow these instructions:
  1. Add a tiny quantity of water to the bathtub. Normally, 2-3 inches (height) of water is sufficient. Depending on the type of tub you own, baby-specific tubs can be installed in sink or regular bathtubs.
  2. As soon as your baby is undressed, put them in the water so they won't get chilled.
  3. First, place your baby's feet into the bathtub while supporting their head up with one hand. For safety, keep their neck and head way above water at all times.
  4. Slowly pour or splash warm water on your baby in order to keep them warm.
  5. Wash your baby's hair and face with a washcloth, and wash their scalp once to twice a week.
  6. Eventually, wash their entire body with a damp washcloth or with warm water.
  7. Take your baby out of the tub with care, then use a towel and pat them dry. You need to ensure that you also dry the creases on their skin.
Never, ever leave a baby alone in a bathtub, not even for a moment. Even in a little body of water, they are capable of drowning. Final Words If your baby cries or dislikes taking a bath, you need to ensure that the bathroom/room is warm enough, the water is not too cold or hot, and that they are half covered in a towel (while giving a sponge bath) to make them comfortable. Babies generally enjoy bath time with bath toys. However, you need to be careful with bubble baths since they have a chance of drying your baby's skin.
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