The Ultimate Guide to Providing a Comfortable Bathtime for Your Newborn
Giving your newborn a bath can be a daunting task. You’re worried about making sure the water is the right temperature, holding your baby safely, and getting them clean without making them cry. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll give you everything you need to know to give your newborn a comfortable bath. We’ll tell you what supplies you need, how to prepare for the bath, and how to bathe your baby safely and gently.
What You'll Need
First, let’s talk about what you’ll need for a comfortable bath for your newborn. Newborns don’t need to be bathed every day, but it’s a good idea to bath them at least once a week. The more you can keep your newborn’s skin and hair clean, the healthier they will be. A newborn bathtub - Newborns need their bath in an infant tub because they can’t sit up on their own and they need your help to keep safe. Bathtub seat - If you use an infant bathtub, you’ll also want an infant bathtub seat so that your baby can sit comfortably in the water and you can keep them safe. Breastfeeding moms may want to use a breastfeeding shield when bathing their newborn. Towels - You’ll want at least one towel for each person helping to bathe your newborn. Baby wash and shampoo - You may also want to use a mild, fragrance-free baby wash and shampoo.
Preparing for the Bath
Now, let’s talk about how to prepare for the bath. In most cases, you can start bathing your newborn as soon as they arrive home from the hospital. If you’re out of the hospital and have yet to give your baby their first bath, don’t worry. The sooner you start, the better. If you choose to bathe your baby in a sink, bathtub, or small baby tub, remember to make sure the water temperature is warm, not hot. You can test it on your wrist to make sure it’s not too warm. If you plan to bathe your baby in the kitchen sink, make sure you plug the drain so that the water doesn’t go down the drain. If you plan to use a large tub, be sure to fill it with warm water and plug the drain. You may also want to add a few drops of essential oils to help your baby relax. We recommend lavender, sweet orange, ylang ylang, or sandalwood.
Bathing Your Baby
Next we’ll talk about how to give your newborn a comfortable bath. First, if you’re bathing your newborn in a kitchen sink or bathtub, it’s a good idea to lay a soft towel on the bottom. That way your baby will be nice and comfortable while they’re getting clean. Choose a baby wash and shampoo that is fragrance-free and mild. Once your baby’s hair and body are wet, use your hand to massage the shampoo into their scalp and hair, being careful not to get it too close to their eyes. Now grab a clean, soft washcloth and use it to clean your baby’s face, ears, and neck. Use warm water and massage the cloth gently to remove any dirt, grime, and diaper cream or lotion from your newborn’s skin and hair. Wash your baby’s arms and legs next, again being careful not to get the water too close to their eyes. Gently massage the cloth in a downward motion to clean their skin. Don’t scrub too hard, you don’t want to irritate your baby’s soft skin. Finish cleaning your baby’s body by washing their bottom, legs, and feet. Again, don’t get the water too close to your baby’s eyes.
Drying Off and Cuddling
Now that your baby is clean, it’s time to help them dry off and get dressed. Your newborn’s skin is very sensitive, so you don’t want to use a rough towel. Our best advice is to use a soft, absorbent cloth and pat your baby dry gently. Once your baby’s dry, it’s time to get them dressed in a fresh diaper and a loose, comfortable outfit. Avoid clothing with tags and ties as much as you can. If you have time, you can also cuddle with your baby and read them a story. Once you’ve finished bathing your newborn, you can use their clean, fresh smell as a great bonding experience and a chance to spend some quality time with them.
Conclusion
Now that your newborn is ready, it’s time to cuddle and snuggle. But remember, you can clean your baby as often as you want. In fact, the more often you can clean them and keep their skin, hair, and nails clean, the healthier they’ll be. Keep these tips in mind as you give your newborn a comfortable bath and enjoy each and every moment with your little one.