Bathing a baby is defined as cleaning the baby’s skin to promote hygiene and comfort in the home setting. Infants may be washed in a separate bathtub, an adult bath, or, if they are large enough, the kitchen sink; what counts is that their necks and bodies are constantly supported with your hands while giving baby bath.
You may hold them or purchase a special baby bath that supports them, but never take your gaze away from them for a second! Water should be warm, not hot, and a bubble bath isn’t necessary; if you use items, make sure they’re gentle on the baby’s skin.
The newborn’s cleanliness is critical for preventing different illnesses. For the first month, babies do not sweat or react to goose skin. Because the newborn’s physiological temperature regulating systems are undeveloped, precautions against overheating and chilling are critical.
When you introduce your baby to the water for the first time, allow your infant to kick or your youngsters to splash and play in the tub. Baby bath time is a wonderful time to interact and bond with your kid. If you like, give your baby a massage or just cuddle up while wrapping your children in a large, warm towel. Understandably, not everyone wants to wash their children every day.
However, cleanliness is essential, so instead, concentrate on brushing teeth, detangling curly hair, and washing face and body parts with a flannel; it’s the routine that matters.
There are lots of benefits of bathing your baby, and these include the following:
- It will make the baby’s body cleaner and more comfortable.
- It will clean the scalp and hair of the baby.
- And it will help make them sleep soundly.
Here are some awesome baby bath tips that you should do with your baby:
Consider using plain, unscented soaps and baby oils. Soaps with fewer components are less likely to include chemicals that may irritate your child’s skin. Look for goods that are labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free.”
Make your own bubble bath by mixing phthalate-free baby shampoo, glycerin, and water. Many health food shops sell natural soaps made entirely of natural materials, and some even come without packaging.
Newborn Bath
If you maintain the diaper region clean throughout temperature changes, your baby won’t need to be bathed more than three times per week during the first year.
Prepare the water for the baby’s bath accordingly
The recommended water temperature for bathing infants is 37 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to our body temperature. You may use a water thermometer or your hand to measure it.
Keep your baby warm
Place your baby in the water as soon as you’ve undressed her, so she doesn’t become cold. Use one hand to hold her head while the other guides her in, feet first.
Encourage her and gradually lower the remainder of her body till she’s in the tub. For safety reasons, the majority of her body and face should be far above the water level, so you’ll need to pour warm water over her body regularly to keep her warm.
Make the baby bath time fun
Allow your baby additional time to splash and play in the water if she loves her bath. The more fun your kid has in the bath, the less frightened she will be of water. Bathing should be a pleasant and calming experience, so don’t hurry until she expresses dissatisfaction.
Use toys that may make the infant quiet and joyful to provide comfort to the baby during washing. As a result, the infant does not need to be frightened.
Choose the best time and routine
During the first year, it is suggested that your baby will take a bath only 2 to 3 times a week. Taking a daily bath can make the skin of the baby dry. If ever you want to take your baby a bath daily, you need to apply their baby lotion. You can prefer to do the baby bath time in the morning.
The best time to do it is when it is not cold enough. If ever your baby can now sit or he can’t fit into the bathtub, you can make the bathing in the evening so that he can be refreshed and sleep comfortably.
Because movement may induce vomit, the baby should be washed within an hour after being fed. Most infants fall asleep shortly after eating, and bathing the infants before the second feeding is ideal if the baby is not weary or hungry. Know the locations of your house to make the bathing procedure.
Make sure that your area is not cold enough. You can use a plastic tub or the sink to do the bathing procedure. Do not ever put the baby in a place that is prone to falling.
It is much safer than using soft materials in the tub areas with hard surfaces so that he won’t be in pain when they are uneasy. You can use towels as covers also.
Massage is a must
Baby massage is relaxing, pleasant, and a wonderful way to bond with your child. You may do it after a bath, while the baby is dressed, or in his crib. Show the baby your hands before starting the massage so he can ‘agree’ to it.
To begin, warm your hands and massage the soles of the baby’s feet with a few drops of oil—stroke from the heel to the toes with firm, soft, moderate strokes. Continue up the baby’s legs with long, smooth strokes—massage from the ankle to the thigh and all the way up to the hip. You may massage both legs at the same time or simply one at a time.
Focus on the face first
Dip one corner of a washcloth or cotton ball in warm water and gently wipe one eye from the inner corner outward, followed by the second eye using a different corner.
Wet the washcloth entirely and wash your child’s face, paying particular attention to the areas around his lips, under his chin, and inside and behind his ears.
The finishing touches
When your baby’s bath is done, quickly put a towel around her head and body to keep her warm while she is still wet. Bathing a baby of any age is wet labor, so wear an apron or drape a towel over your shoulder to keep yourself dry.
After bathing, gently pat the baby dry and use a little quantity of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion to help prevent dry skin or eczema.
Conclusion
Bathing your infant may be a snap if you know the fundamentals. Just make sure your baby is comfortable and secure when bathing. Remember to savor all of the beautiful moments that come with baby bath time.
Happy Parenting!