Baby
By Lisa Hayden /December 16, 2022
Baby bath time is a lot of fun. You must be careful though, to keep them safe while trying to get them clean. When you’re a new parent, the first bath that you give your baby can be a little tricky; but don’t worry; you’ll become a pro in no time! It would be interesting to note that baby bath time is not only about keeping your baby clean. Science, these days, reveals that multisensory experiences are very critical to helping shape your baby’s growing brain. Bath time can prove to be an excellent time that provides opportunities for touch, sight, smell and sound for you to nurture baby’s development. A mother’s gentle and loving touch during the baby's bath and some cuddle time afterward supports the baby’s healthy and happy development. In fact, research also shows that the mother’s (or father’s) touch promotes social-emotional development and even enhances the baby’s motor skills.
How often should you bathe a baby?
If you said "everyday" to the above question, unfortunately you’re wrong! You don't have to bathe your newbornevery day. In fact, doing this can just make your baby's skin dry! If you're good at cleaning your baby'sface, neck and diaper area, then that would already do. However, you have to try your best to choose a time when you're not in a hurry so you won't be interrupted when cleaning your baby. Most parents bathe their babies in the morning because it is the timewhen the babies are in good mood.If you are considering bathing your baby afterfeeding, you have to wait a little bit.
How to bathe a newborn?
Scrub-a-dub-dub for the babiesin the tub! For bathing a newborn, use a baby bath sponge with a warm, damp washcloth in the first week and a few days more. Wash their face and hands frequently and thoroughly clean the genital area after each diaper change.
You could gradually move to a tub bath after the stump of umbilical corddries up and falls off, and the area heals. One of the easiest ways is to use the kitchen sink or even a small baby bath tub that’s filled with warm water.
Babies find the warm water soothing and if this is the case with your baby too, let them linger for a few minutes in the water. Some cry through the whole bath — this is when you'll want to get them in and out. Five minutes is good enough to get the baby clean before the water starts to cool down.
When you are bathing your newborn, you could find it a little scary in the first few times and handling a wet and wiggling soapy little creature takes some practice and confidence. Just stay calm and maintain a good grip.
What's the right temperature for baby's bath?
The water should be comfortably warm and not hot before you put your baby in. Never put your baby in the bath when the water is still running. The water temperature can change quickly. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. Some thermometers can also be a fun bath toy such as a mat. An ideal temperature would be 98-100 F (or 37-38 C), which is around the body temperature. An easy way to check is to use the elbow rather than your hand to gauge temperature. The water should feel neither hot nor cold.
When can your baby have a bubble bath?
Bubbles definitelymake excellent bath time a very fun one for your baby, but you have to avoid it until your baby turns 3. By that time, your baby can tell you if he feels something bad especially when the eyes got irritated. If you’re wondering why this is so, it’s because of the bubbles -- those soaps that are not mildcould some infections especially if not thoroughly rinsed off. Plus, the bubbles will also prolong yourbaby's bath time because of too much enjoyment and this could lead to drying out of baby’s sensitive skin. The average bath time for the baby should be no longer than 10 minutes.
However, if you still want your baby to experience a bubble bath, make sure to use a very mild soap which is specially formulated for infants, as this may not cause any irritation on baby's skin. Don't let your baby soak and stay too much on the tub. Rinse them thoroughly from head to toewith clean water.
Please remember that part of keeping your baby’s bath time fun is making sure your baby is safe. NEVER EVER leave a baby alone in the bath. Not even for a tiny second. So make sure you have all the things you will need for the bath beforehand and let the phone ring over to voicemail.
What are some other benefits of bath time for babies?
So you thought bath time was just to have a clean baby? Apart from the learning factors that we just pointed out, some other benefits include:
- Got a fussy baby? Relax; nothing’s more comforting and calming than a bath for a baby. Give infant massage a try after your baby's bath. Most infants would love it but if you notice that your baby fusses, don’t worry — just try cuddling instead
- Puts them to sleep! If you make bath time a routine before your baby’s bedtime, the warm water works like magic which can put your baby in the great mood to sleep
- It boosts the baby-parent bond. The time spent together, feeling your gentle touch and hearing your voice lets your little one know how much they’re loved
With all the how- to’s we’ve discussed, what if you went wrong with cleaning? It would be best to know how you could go wrong to avoid it! Even thoughyou have taken a class for caring a newborn at a hospital,cleaning and caring for the baby's delicate skin isfar waydifferent when it’s your very ownbaby who's in the bath! Below are a few common mistakes that you might be taking:
- You’re bathing your baby so soon.
- You’re bathing your baby often.
- You’re using so many products.
- You’re not keeping the temperature optimum.
Baby Bath Time Products
Bath Seat for Baby
When your little one is old enough to sit up on their own (that’s usually between 6 and 8 months), they’re too big for a baby bathtub. One option would be to graduate them to a bath seat or baby bath ring. They help keep slippery babies in an upright position, which comes in so handy when your baby is just learning to balance on their bottom and can topple easily. But these aren’t necessary and most parents will manage without them.
Bath Toys for Babies
A little splish and a little splash! Babies, they love playing in the water, well at least most do. You’ll laugh a lot and get relaxed with your little one. Bath can definitely turn anybaby'sfussy mood to a happy mood! Throw in a few good bath toys into the water and make your baby enjoy. But how would you choose the best bath toys for your baby's age and stage? An infant as young as 3 months oldwill love some bonding moments with you as they watch bubbles pop, the water pours. A toddler, on the other hand, will be more interestedoncontrol and coordination.
Best bath toys for toddlers
- One of the best toys for toddlers would probably be the one that makes learning fun - letters and numbers that can stick to the bathroom walls! This makes it easy to practice ABC's and number recognition while having fun in the tub
- Another fun toy is the Alex Toys Spin and Wash RubaDub Bath Toy - spin the wheel and that body part is washed. It can also give a sense of control to the toddler, thus eliminating bath fights
- Yay for indoor basketball! Munchkin Bath Dunkers Toy Set is great for hand-eye coordination
- Perfect for the little doodlers and wall writers- ALEX Toys Rub a Dub Draw in the Tub
Baby Soap
When it comes to cleaning and bathing your baby, there's a wide rangeof options to choose, be it baby shampoos, soaps, or even body washes. If it’sa soapless cleanser, or anorganic wash,or a 2-in-1 product you're looking for, there's something out there for every baby. You’ll need soaps that are not harsh and don’t strip your baby's skin of moisture, and will keep baby's skin soft and supple (like Weleda Calendula Soap). You could also try out Aveeno Babywash and Shampoo that’s made up of natural oats extract; it’s soap-free and won't irritate baby's eyes. If your baby has a case of eczema, it’s Mustela Stelatopia Milky Bath Oil to the rescue! It is fragrance and paraben-free product and is specifically formulated to reduce skin flare-ups.
Conclusion
The time you spend with your little one is precious. Baby bath time is a wonderful time to bond with your precious baby. It is so much more than getting cleaned. It’s a wonderful chance to play, learn, grow and bond with your baby.
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FAQs
How To Make Your Baby Bath Time A Happy One | ParentsNeed? ›
Remember this is completely normal and is often just a phase. It could be to do with their newfound independence and feeling out of control. They just might not love the water, not all babies are water babies. The temperature might not be to their liking – is it too hot or cold?
How can I make my baby's bath time enjoyable? ›- Bathe only when fed and well-rested. ...
- Try a bath pillow. ...
- Transition gradually to the baby tub. ...
- Forget the tub for now. ...
- Distract your baby with songs and conversation. ...
- Mind the air and water temperature. ...
- Try a shower. ...
- Stick to a routine.
- Keep the room warm so your baby does not get cold. ...
- Keep water around 100° Fahrenheit (F) or 37.8° Celsius (C). ...
- Set water heaters at 120°F (48.9°C) to prevent burns.
- Keep one hand on your baby at all times.
Remember this is completely normal and is often just a phase. It could be to do with their newfound independence and feeling out of control. They just might not love the water, not all babies are water babies. The temperature might not be to their liking – is it too hot or cold?
What is the most important thing to remember when bathing a baby? ›Use soap sparingly.
Soaps can dry out your baby's skin. If a cleanser is needed for heavily soiled areas, use only mild, neutral-pH soaps without additives. Rinse soap from the skin right away. Wash baby's hair two or three times a week using a mild shampoo or body wash.
Try a Smaller Bath
Instead of the tub, you might go back to using a smaller plastic container of warm water (with bubbles), and encourage them to put a few toys and their feet in it. Give them praise and show excitement for any steps they do take, even if they only dip their toes in!
About 5-10 minutes is long enough for a baby bath. This is especially important if your baby has dry or sensitive skin.
What order should you bathe the baby? ›- Step 1: Wash your baby's face. ...
- Step 2: Clean their ears. ...
- Step 3: Wash their scalp and hair. ...
- Step 4: Wash their body. ...
- Step 5: Dry off and apply lotion.
Choose a time when you're not rushed or likely to be interrupted. Some parents opt for morning baths, when their babies are alert. Others prefer to make baby baths part of a calming bedtime ritual. If you bathe your baby after a feeding, consider waiting for your baby's tummy to settle a bit first.
At what age do you start bathing a baby everyday? ›6 to 12 months
Once baby becomes mobile and starts eating solids, you may decide you need to begin bathing them more frequently. While they still only really need one to two soapy baths per week, you can either give them a sponge bath or put them in the tub to soak and rinse off more frequently as messes arise.
How do I help my baby who hates baths? ›
- Check the temperature.
- Get all hands on deck.
- Try toys, toys, toys.
- Ease into the big tub.
- Don't make waves.
- Save the shampoo for last.
- Delay draining the tub.
- Try, try again.
What time is too late to baby a bath? It is advised not to bathe your baby right after having their food or when hungry (5). Bath them some time before their sleeping time so they can relax and have a peaceful sleep.
Do babies feel better after a bath? ›Few activities can be as soothing as taking a bath—and that's especially true for little ones. After coming out of a warm bath, a baby's body temperature starts to cool, which can help your infant fall asleep more easily.
What happens if babies aren't bathed? ›Even if you don't see dirt on a child, taking baths at regular intervals is important for reasons aside from feeling fresh. “While exposure to germs strengthens our immune systems over time, germs can accumulate on skin and put kids at risk for infection,” said Natalie Huynh, DO, an OSF HealthCare resident physician.
How long can a newborn go without a bath? ›The World Health Organization recommends that parents wait 24 hours to give their baby its first bath. After that, pediatricians recommend no more than three times a week for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Should you bathe a baby before or after feeding? ›You should probably plan for baby's first bath within a week after birth. Just avoid bathing your newborn right after a feeding (it's best to let her food settle a bit first) or when she's overtired.
Is it okay to let my baby cry while I shower? ›(It's fine to let your newborn cry for a few minutes while you rinse off, as long as they're safe. But it can be stressful for you.)
What are 4 bathing difficulties? ›Lack of privacy (especially in institutional settings). Room temperature too cold. Water too deep. Water too hot or cold.
What makes baths so relaxing? ›“Your skin releases endorphins in response to the soothing warm water the same way that endorphins are released when you feel the sun on your skin,” says Dr. Bobby Buka, a dermatologist based in New York.
Do you use soap for baby's first bath? ›Using soaps and shampoos
Only use plain water for newborn babies. You can start using unperfumed baby bath from about 4 to 6 weeks, but be careful to only use a little so you don't damage your baby's skin. Babies with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair, lathered and rinsed off.
Can you put lotion on a newborn? ›
Skin care for your newborn
Many parents like to use lotions. But unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby's healthcare provider.
Gripe Water is a gentle herbal supplement that offers relief to babies who suffer from gas, colic, hiccups, or general fussiness. Gripe water helps to settle the stomach by relieving gas buildup. Gripe water contains fennel, and ginger, which are historically known to ease nausea and discomfort caused by stomach gas.
What causes baby acne? ›Newborns still have many maternal hormones circulating in their system in the first few weeks following birth. These hormones can cause pimples to develop on the face (chin, cheeks, forehead and eyelids, for example). It's not uncommon to see baby acne on the chest, neck or back, too.
Is bathing baby once a week enough? ›Too much bathing can decrease babies' natural bacteria count and make them more susceptible to infections and rash, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP advises, however, that it's best to bathe babies at least three times a week.
How do you wash a newborn's face? ›Wash baby's face gently with a wet washcloth. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth (no soap) to clean your baby's eyes and face. Wipe from the inside of each eye to the outside. Make sure you get any dried secretions out of the nose and eyes.
How do you clean a newborn's nose? ›Squeeze one to two drops of saline nose drops in each nostril to help loosen any dried mucus and then use a rubber suction bulb. To use it, first squeeze the bulb. Next, gently stick the tip of the bulb into a nostril. Finally, slowly release the bulb and it will pull out clogged mucus.
How often should a 4 month old be bathed? ›3 Months – 6 Months
But if you feel like your baby enjoys it, you can bathe him or her more. If you want to bathe your baby more than thrice a week, don't use soap during all their baths. You can either set fixed days for soap, or you can only use it when it is actually necessary.
Bath time learning activities: why they're good for children
The warm water feels good on their skin. And at bath time, you're always close by and giving children plenty of attention. This means bath time is a good time to play, encourage learning and build relationships with babies and toddlers.
Bath time might be part of your nightly ritual, but doctors actually don't recommend daily baths for babies. Excess exposure to water can zap their skin of moisture and worsen conditions like eczema. Then again, not bathing your baby often enough can also aggravate eczema, plus lead to other infections.
What to do if baby cries after bath? ›If your baby is always fussy at the end of bath time, it could be due to the temperature difference between the water and air as they get out. Try heating up a towel in the dryer so your baby is more cozy getting out of the water. Then snuggle and play to make this a special time for your baby.
Can a baby go a day without bathing? ›
If your baby or preteen looks pretty clean, isn't stinky, isn't covered in bug spray, and hasn't been in a pool or other body of water, it's fine to skip the bath or shower. Really, bathing two or three times a week is fine. In fact, for many kids, even just once or twice a week is fine.
Why do hospitals not bathe newborns? ›Common bacterial infections for newborns include Group B Strep and E. Coli which can lead to pneumonia and meningitis. By delaying the first bath, you are allowing the vernix to continue working as a safety net for your little one's immune system.
What is a lotus baby? ›What is a lotus birth? A lotus birth is the decision to leave your baby's umbilical cord attached after they are born. The umbilical cord remains attached to the placenta until it dries and falls off by itself.
How often should you wash your baby's hair? ›The American Academy of Paediatrics suggests you should wash your baby's hair two or three times a week using a mild shampoo while regular 'topping and tailing' may be used to help keep your baby's face and body clean.
How often should you lotion a newborn? ›Use lotion on areas that look dry. It helps heal the skin and keep it moist. If you think that your baby's skin is drier than usual, you should apply lotion two to four times a day.
Do you rinse baby after milk bath? ›When you're done, no need to rinse baby. Simply take them out of the bath and gently pat them dry. Apply fragrance-free lotion to baby's skin to lock in the hydrating benefits of the milk bath.
How do you shower with a newborn? ›Use lukewarm water — not so hot you steam up the bathroom quickly — and avoid having the spray hit your baby's face. If you prefer your showers on the hotter side, be sure to limit the time your baby is in the shower with you to just a few minutes or so. If you have a partner at home, get them to help.
How long after feeding should I burp baby? ›There are no rules on when you should burp your baby, some babies need burping during their feed, some after. Look for clues – if your baby seems uncomfortable while feeding, have a little burping break. If they seem fine while feeding, wait until they've finished. Your baby will let you know!
Why does my baby cry in the bath now? ›Changes in water temperature, soap or shampoo on the eyes, hunger, tiredness, and uncomfortable bathtubs can make a baby cry and hesitate to bathe. Skin lesions such as eczema can also cause discomfort in water. Bathing too long and not drying can also make them feel cold.
What age do you start giving babies baths everyday? ›6 to 12 months
Once baby becomes mobile and starts eating solids, you may decide you need to begin bathing them more frequently. While they still only really need one to two soapy baths per week, you can either give them a sponge bath or put them in the tub to soak and rinse off more frequently as messes arise.
What to do if your child hates baths? ›
- Break out the bubbles.
- Turn the tub into an art zone.
- Bathe with favorite toys.
- Make every night showtime.
- Play beauty salon.
- Cover the drain or get out before draining.
- Use a washcloth or cup for rinsing out hair.
- Bring back the infant tub.
Really, bathing two or three times a week is fine. In fact, for many kids, even just once or twice a week is fine. You can always do a quick wipe with a wet washcloth to the face, groin area, and any dirty spots. Stinky teenagers might need more bathing or showering, depending on activity level and deodorant use.
Do babies enjoy baths? ›Bath time moments with your baby can be some of the sweetest memories you'll have as a parent. A lot of babies love the feel of the warm water, practicing their kicking and splashing, and having some special bonding time with you. But a water-loving baby doesn't always happen from the get-go.