Infants do not have to bathe as often as older children. Their skin dries out too quickly and a newborn with the umbilical cord stump still attached needs nothing more than a sponging. When bathing such a small baby, you need to be very careful to avoid accidents.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Doing a Sponge
Step 1. Do sponging during the first three weeks of life
The umbilical cord stump remains attached to the baby's belly for up to three weeks. Associations of pediatricians recommend waiting for this to completely detach before immersing the baby in water. In the meantime, you can wash it with simple sponging.
- In the first few weeks it is not necessary to wash it every day. Too many baths can damage her delicate skin. The face, neck and genital area are the only parts that really need cleaning. Make sure he always has a dry bib and a clean diaper. Don't bathe your baby more than a couple of times a week.
- If the umbilical cord still hasn't fallen out after three weeks, see your pediatrician. It could be a sign of a more serious problem, or medical intervention is needed to remove it.
Step 2. Gather everything you need
You will need to have all the material on hand in order to do the sponging for the baby. Make sure everything is ready before you start.
- Find a warm room where there is a flat surface. Use the kitchen counter or a shelf in the bathroom. If the room is warm enough, you can also spread a blanket on the floor.
- You will need a soft cloth or changing mat to lay your baby on during the procedure.
- You will need a sink or a shallow plastic tub to hold the water.
- Get a towel, cotton wool, baby soap, wet wipes, and a clean diaper.
Step 3. Bathe your baby
Once all the material has been prepared, you can start washing the baby.
- Always keep a hand on his body. When they are very young, babies do not have a great deal of control over their movements, so you must always keep one hand resting on their body, to prevent them from getting hurt by wriggling.
- First, undress him and wrap him in a towel. Lie on his back on the blanket or on a cloth.
- Start with the face. Wet a cloth and wring it out. Do not use soap for this part of the body to prevent it from getting into the eyes. Gently rub your face; to remove residue and encrustations from the eyelids, use a wet cotton swab. Move from the inner corner of your eyes to the outer corner.
- Simple water is fine for washing the rest of the baby's body. However, if it's dirty or smells, you can use a baby-specific moisturizing soap. Remember to wash the skin folds in the armpits, behind the ears and the spaces between the fingers and toes.
- Expose only the part you need to wash; make sure your little one is always warm.
Part 2 of 3: Wash the Infant in the Tub or Sink
Step 1. Choose between sink or tub
When the umbilical cord has detached, you can wash the baby in water. Choose a container that is safe for bathing.
- You can buy self-supporting plastic trays, built for this purpose, which are available online and in children's stores. There are also inflatable "mini pools" that can be inserted into the normal bathtub or sink.
- As long as you line the bathtub or sink with a non-slip mat, you can use both of these solutions.
- Fill the container with only 5-8 cm of hot water. Always keep one hand on the baby for the duration of the bath.
Step 2. Try to figure out how to grab the baby while it is in the tub
You need to make sure your child is safe at all times, so you need to find a way to support them so they don't move too much, but are comfortable at the same time.
- Maintain a secure grip on the baby, but don't make it uncomfortable.
- Support his head and torso with your arm and use your other hand to wash him. You can do this by passing your forearm behind his back. When you need to wash his back and butt, turn the baby over so that his belly is resting on your arm.
- You can also buy a bath seat at children's stores or online. Even if you decide to use this tool, you must always keep a hand on the newborn.
Step 3. Wash the baby
A newborn baby's bath should not take longer than 10 to 15 minutes.
- Before putting him in the water, undress him leaving him only the diaper. Wash your face and eyes, as described in the previous section, using a damp, soap-free cloth and eyelid cotton.
- When you're done, take off the diaper too. If there is stool, clean your butt and genitals before putting your baby in the water. Dip the baby's feet first and then the rest of the body.
- You can wash it gently with your hand, a sponge or a wet towel. You can also use a baby soap if you wish. If your little one has dry skin, choose a cleanser with moisturizing properties.
- You can gently pour water over his body to keep him warm while bathing.
- It is not necessary to wash his hair. However, if you have the impression that they are dirty or your child has cradle cap - a very common condition among newborns and scabs on the scalp - it is worth giving them a quick shampoo. Rinse your hair with a wet cloth or under the tap, but very carefully. Always place your hand "cupped" on his forehead to prevent soap from getting into his eyes.
- When you're done, take the baby out of the water and quickly wrap it in a towel. Pat it dry and dress it in clean clothes.
Part 3 of 3: Learn the Security Measures
Step 1. Check the water temperature
This is a fundamental detail for the well-being of the newborn. Make sure the water is hot enough for your child to be comfortable and safe.
- It is best to pour cold water into the tub first and then add the hot water. Mix it carefully to avoid cold and other hot areas.
- It is worth buying a specific thermometer to make sure that the temperature is always at safe levels. The water for a baby's bath should be around 36.5 ° C, which is the average body temperature. If you don't have a thermometer, use your elbow instead of your hand to check how hot the water is.
- If the baby has access to the taps while bathing, prevent him from touching them. At that age he is strong enough to turn the knob and run the risk of getting burned.
Step 2. Find the right lotions and soaps
While it is not always necessary to use a cleanser in a baby's bath, if you decide to do so, choose one that is safe for their delicate skin.
- Never use scented soaps or bubble baths. Both can irritate the skin.
- Plain water is generally fine. However, if you think you need soap, choose a neutral, moisturizer designed specifically for newborn skin so it doesn't dehydrate it.
- Typically, such young children do not need lotions after bathing. If you dry his skin folds well, you shouldn't need anything else to avoid breakouts. If you think you need a cream, however, buy a hypoallergenic product, in case your child has allergies that you are not aware of.
Step 3. Never leave your baby unattended in the tub
Even if you leave the room for a few seconds, it would be very dangerous behavior.
- Prepare all the materials you need before putting the baby in the water, so you won't be tempted to walk away to get what you need.
- If you have to leave the room, first get the baby out of the tub. A newborn can drown even in just 3 cm of water. If you leave it alone, even for a moment, the results could be disastrous.
- If you are washing it on a raised surface, such as a table or counter, the baby could fall and get hurt.
Advice
- Expect some whining during the first baths. This is a new experience for the baby and he may cry or struggle.
- Call your pediatrician if you notice any strange rashes or other abnormalities on your baby's skin after taking a bath.
