The baby's first baths are moments full of emotion and nerves, so it is normal for many doubts to arise. For that reason, We bring you a series of tips that will be of great help to you.
When should the baby be bathed for the first time?
Many newborns are given their first bath after birth. The midwife or father bathes him in the traditional way, although it doesn't always have to be that way.
Some midwives advise against bathing the baby after birth.. This is because the sebum has properties that protect the skin of newborns. However, it is not present on the skin of all babies at birth.
On the other hand, if the baby is bathed after birth, a few essential minutes for the mother-child bond in the first moments together are "robbed".
The first bath at home should take place once the belly button has fallen out. and is completely cured. This minimizes the risk that germs can enter the navel wound and cause infections.
Many mothers dread bath time during the first weeks after birth. Doubts about how to get the correct temperature or how to hold the baby, so that he can enjoy the bath without slipping, disappear with the bath routine.
Tip: It is much more relaxed if both parents are present helping each other during the bath.
How often should babies be bathed?
As a daily relaxation ritual or as a weekly bath, you are the one who decides how often you bathe your baby. Pediatricians usually recommend giving one to two baths weekly during the first weeks of life.. If you live in an area where the water is very hard, your baby's skin may dry out if you bathe him or her too often.
So that it is clean, It is usually enough to regularly wash the face, hands and bottom with a warm, damp washcloth.. Normally it is not necessary to add bath products.
As a general rule to apply, we recommend that you bathe the baby when he is dirty. During the first months it is dirty only when the baby has regurgitated too much milk or the diaper has not been able to retain it all. As soon as he starts crawling, you will need to bathe him well more frequently.
Where do I bathe the baby?
In a bathtub or a bathtub cube? This is a question that many mothers and fathers ask themselves. As with many other baby things, it is best to try which option works best for you. However, a surface that is designed for this purpose is recommended, being the baby bathtubs the best option.
Tip: Regardless of where you bathe him, the safety aspect remains essential. A baby or small child should never be left in water unattended because accidents happen in a matter of seconds.
Baby bath, step by step
As a general rule, it is necessary to follow the following steps when bathing a baby:
Step 1: Preparations
Prepare everything you need for the bathroom so that it is at hand: water at 37 degrees, mittens, soft towels and diapers. If your baby already has hair, you will also need a brush. It is important to always check the water temperature with a thermometer.
Note: Because young babies perceive pain late, they react much later than older children to hot water, so they can more easily suffer a painful and dangerous scald.
Tip: If you are going to use a baby bathtub, you have to fill it 3/4 with water, although the size of your baby is also decisive.
Step 2: Heat the changing area
Temperature changes are very unpleasant for babies. Thus, if the changing area is previously heated sudden temperature changes are minimized and the risk of catching a cold. A hooded towel also helps keep you from getting cold.
Step 3: Undress the baby
See if the baby is comfortable enough to enter the bathtub adventure. Babies who have already had positive experiences in hot water can be bathed when they are not in such a good mood. often the bathroom works, as in the case of adults, to calm down and relax.
Tip: Babies who have gas or abdominal discomfort are also soothed by a hot bath.
Step 4: Put the baby in the water slowly
Tell him what you are doing or sing him a song, this helps to calm babies who are more fearful. Always keep it firmly held in the palm of your hand.
Step 5: Clean the baby with a washcloth
Clean the baby gently with the help of a washcloth. Don't forget to also clean the folds in the skin and those points that are more difficult to access. Among them are: the toes, behind the ears or wrinkles on the neck. Leave your hair for last so it doesn't cool down on your head.
Step 6: Choose which shampoo or soap to use
If you want to bathe the baby with a little oil to remove cradle cap from the head, keep in mind that when you take the baby out of the bathtub, his skin will be especially slippery.
Tip: A splash of breast milk in water is effective against dry skin.
Step 7: Dry the baby
After bathing, dry the baby as best you can before dressing him. To avoid skin irritation or infections in the folds, it is very important to dry all those parts well without rubbing.
Tip: The baby's bath should last between 5 and 10 minutes so that the baby does not get too cold. It is best to always have a watch in sight.
Now that you know all the steps to bathe your baby, Do you dare to do it? Leave us a comment with your first experiences!
