I have heard many suggesting there is no need to bathe a newborn, sponging is sufficient, they don’t get dirty etc. etc. All such suggestions should be immediately discarded as, first, babies do get dirty a lot. Second, bathing is not just about cleaning the body, it also aids digestion and calms the baby. It also enhances mom and baby bond. As per ancient times, there are few other rituals which we should perform while bathing the baby. So, bathing for a newborn is even more important than it is for us.
Bathing should be a relaxing and happy time for the newborn. She should thoroughly enjoy this time. So, here are few tips and tricks to make bathing more calming for the baby:
1. Bath tub: Invest in a good bath tub with removable sloped sitting on which newborn can lie down comfortably. Once the baby learns to sit then the sloped sitting can be removed.
2. Water temperature: Use warm water which is not too hot for the baby’s soft skin. Normally, it should be slightly warmer than baby’s body temperature. You can also use a thermometer, if unsure about the right temperature of the water.
3. Soap: Always use very mild and herbal body wash, that too in moderation. You don’t need to use soaps on daily basis for the baby.
4. Gather everything which is required for bathing and after bathing and place everything wherever these things are required, just in reach, so that you don’t have to leave your baby to grab anything.
5. Before starting to pour water on baby, make sure she is comfortable and at ease. Keep talking to your little one, hold her hands or play with her for few more minutes till she becomes calm and comfortable.
6. Once you start pouring water on baby, keep pouring while rubbing as well so that baby doesn’t feel cold.
7. Make sure water doesn’t get into baby’s eyes and ears. Try to wash baby’s face just with your wet hands.
8. For washing eyes, use wet cotton pads inside out.
9. Don’t forget to clean baby’s genitals on daily basis with plain warm water, as this is the place where babies are most likely to get infections due to accumulated poop, diaper creams, sweat etc.
10. Gently press baby’s head like a ball to give a round shape, forehead to keep it flat, upper lip and chest. This will help forming their proper shape.
11. Two table spoons of coconut oil can be added to the water in tub for retaining skin moisture.
So, these were few tips for your little one’s bath time. My tiny truly enjoys the bath time, do let me know how your baby reacts while bathing?
Bye bye!
Happy bathing!
Typical Woman 