While a baby bath can be a relaxing part of everyday childcare, for first-time parents it can be intimidating to think about how to get a slippery little baby in the tub safely.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be hard. Getting things ready beforehand, having comfortable warm water, supporting your baby and avoiding leaving him or her alone are some of the best baby bathing tips.
Baths are not necessary every day and the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that about three baths a week would be enough for the first year of a baby’s life.
Here are some baby bathing tips for new parents to have a safe and relaxing bath with their child.
1) Get all the Baby Bath Essentials Ready Beforehand
One of the most important baby bath safety tips is to get everything you will need ready before the baby bath begins.
Within reach, keep the following baby bathing essentials:
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Baby bathtub or bow
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Clean towel
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Diaper
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Wet wipes or fresh clothes
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Cotton wool
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Baby cleanser (if necessary)
According to the NHS baby bathing guide, you should prepare everything in advance so as not to leave your baby alone in the bath. The most critical baby bath safety tip is not to ever leave your baby even for a second. If you need to leave the room, bring your baby with you.
2) Make sure the Water is Comfortably Warm, Not Hot
One of the most important baby bathing tips when learning how to bathe a baby safely is to check the temperature of the water. The water should be comfortably warm, not hot. According to the NHS, the best way to check the temperature is to test it with your wrist or elbow and make sure there are no hot spots by swirling the water around.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has similar advice on how to check the temperature of the water before putting a baby in the tub. According to AAP, the water should be checked with the parent’s wrist or elbow before putting the baby in. Parents should avoid putting the baby under running water as the temperature can fluctuate.
Hyperlink:
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/washing-and-bathing-your-baby/
3) Make sure to Support Your Baby
When learning how to give a baby a bath safely it is important to know how to support a baby properly.
When putting the baby in the tub, support their head and shoulders. NHS suggests you hold the baby’s upper arm while supporting their head and shoulders and lowering them gently into the water. Make sure that your baby’s head is always above the water level.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that a parent keeps a hand on the baby at all times while they are in or out of the bath. The AAP states that water can be dangerous for an infant even in small amounts.
4) Keep it Gentle and Simple
A baby bath does not need to involve a variety of complicated cleansing rituals.
Begin by cleansing the baby’s face and work through the rest of their body, making sure to clean any creases or folds where moisture can settle like the neck, behind the ears, under the arms, skin folds, and around the diaper area.
When washing the hair, support the baby’s head and use gentle motions to clean it without rubbing.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, soaps can dry a baby’s sensitive skin so mild cleansers should be used when necessary.
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5) How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?
One of the most common questions asked by new parents when learning how to bathe a baby is how often they should do it.
Newborns do not need to be bathed every day.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the average number of baths per week ranges from two to three for most babies during their first year. The NHS suggests that babies do not need to be bathed every day and that they can be cleaned on their face, neck, hands, and bottom in the meantime. Thus, a gentle baby bathing routine can be set depending on the needs of each baby.
6) Be Careful Before the Belly Button Closes
One of the essential newborn baby bathing tips concerns the belly button. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sponge baths should be done for a newborn until the umbilical cord stump falls off and the area is healed. This process typically takes around one or two weeks on average. During sponge baths, keep the baby warm and make sure to only uncover the area being cleaned. Avoid pulling the umbilical cord stump and reach out to your healthcare provider if something seems wrong.
7) Dry Your Baby Baby After Bathing
After a baby bath, make sure to gently pat your baby dry with a clean towel, paying special attention to creased areas. Make sure to dress and/or diaper your baby to help them keep warm. NHS also suggests particular attention to dryness of creased parts of the skin and dressing the baby after they are completely dry. If a gentle massage is part of your baby’s bath routine or you are looking for products to aid in a massage, Vasu Swarna Malish Ayurvedic Tailam Baby Massage Oil is meant for baby massage use.
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Baby Bath Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
When thinking about how to bathe a baby safely, keep the following tips in mind:
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Never leave your baby alone in or around water.
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Get everything ready before the bath.
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Make sure the temperature of the water is comfortably warm.
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Check the water temperature with your wrist or elbow.
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Make sure you have one hand supporting your baby.
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Make sure your baby’s head is above water.
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Use baby-specific products if necessary.
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Avoid scrubbing or rubbing your baby’s skin.
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Gently pat your baby dry after your baby bath.
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Make sure to empty the bathtub after you are done.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby bath seats are not recommended as they can tip and cause a baby to fall into the water.
Conclusion
Asking how to bathe a baby safely can be difficult at first but with some practice, it can become second nature. Getting everything ready ahead of time, checking the temperature of the water, providing support for your baby, and avoiding leaving him or her alone are some of the most important baby bathing tips. A good baby bathing routine does not need to be complicated and should have enough cleansing without being harmful to the baby. Keeping things simple and comfortable for the baby is one of the best ways to establish a baby bathing routine. For more baby care products for everyday use, take a look at the Vasu Baby Care collection.
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FAQs About Baby Bathing
1) How often should I bathe my baby?
Bathing your baby every day is not necessary and two or three times a week would be enough for most babies.
2) What temperature should the water be?
The water temperature should be comfortably warm. Check it with your wrist or elbow before putting your baby in the water.
3) Can I bathe my newborn before the umbilical cord falls off?
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that sponge baths should be used for newborns until the umbilical cord stump falls off and the area heals.
4) Can I leave my baby in the tub for a few seconds?
Never leave your baby even for a second in the tub. Always keep your baby within your sight and make sure to have a hand on your baby at all times.
5) Should I use soap every time I bathe my baby?
Using soap is not necessary if you use a mild cleanser when needed. Avoid using soap as it can dry your baby’s sensitive skin.
6) What should I do if my baby does not like taking baths?
Keep the bath short and make sure your baby is warm, comfortable, and not hungry or tired. According to the NHS, it is best to get your baby’s routine right and avoid giving a bath when the baby is tired and/or cranky.
