From the second you deliver your baby, he or she becomes your responsibility. One that will make your heart melt more and more, every day. Among the numerous needs is his bath. This article will explain to you all that you need to know about baby bath guidelines. It will also overview many baby bath tips. Starting the bathing experience in a calm and soothing way, will keep it this way for both. Bathing will then turn into a special bonding time that will bring lots of happiness and joy.
Baby Bath Essentials
You have to be ready before giving the baby his bath. You will need many products such as a baby bath sponge, and a clean blanket and towel. Make sure you prepare a clean diaper, and come clean clothes too. In case you have a circumcised boy, add some Vaseline and gauze. You will also need a flat surface in the same room, whether it is a kitchen counter, a bathroom counter, a changing table, or even a bed. The surface needs to be covered with a thick towel.
If you can afford it, you may want to invest in an infant bathtub and a foam pad tab for safety. You will need a gentle baby soap, a tear free shampoo, many cut and washcloths, a soft hair brush, and a rinsing cup.
The room that you are using to give your baby his bath has to be at a temperature of seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit or more. Babies get chilly very easily.
Never, under any circumstances, leave your baby in a tub unattended. Whatever you need to do, stay with your baby at all times. Do not assume that you have taken enough precautions and that he will be safe.
Baby First Bath: Delay it for a better breastfeeding startup routine!
A study done by the Cleveland Clinic, in January 2019, rejected a practice that has long been adopted by hospitals and new parents. Since the old age, babies used to have their first bath within the first few hours post-delivery. This study showed that when you delay the first bath for 12 hours or more, you are offering your baby a better chance to be exclusively breastfed.
The baby will feel soothed by his mom’s breast smell, since it is the same as the amniotic fluid. As a result, it will be easier for the baby to latch. Also, as soon as the baby is delivered, it is recommended to place the baby right on his mom’s skin. All this environment made the baby calm and feeling safe. From the warmth of the mom’s skin to the olfactory similarities between the outside world (the mom’s smell) and inside the womb, the baby now feels comfortable. Also, the soothing sound of the mom’s heartbeat right after delivery, will help the baby be more at ease when breastfeeding.
The study also explained that, babies that were bathed right after delivery, were cold. This made them tired and unable to properly latch and suck their mom’s milk.
Baby’s Bath: Tips and Ideas.
Bathing your baby and picking the right bath products for him are of high importance. Please do not attempt to soak your LO in water mixed with coarse salt. It will irritate his skin.
When picking the shampoo, look for a no-tears product. If your baby has blond hair, it is recommended to have a chamomile rich version of the shampoo.
Bathing can be dipping in a baby tub or sponging on a towel. It depends on how comfortable you are with handling your LO. If you are picking the tub, make sure your arm is stretched around his shoulder and holding firmly his upper arm (from the opposite side) in a ring. The other hand will be used to apply the soap. There are so many foam or plastic seats to help.
After his bath, dry off the water very well and apply a dash of baby oil, massaging it on the entire body. Massages are very important for babies as they help a good flow of blood and a relaxed set of muscles. A study done in England showed that babies who have been receiving regular body massages were more relaxed, cried less, had lower stress hormones. They were also more likely to have a better sleep pattern (due to the release of melatonin hormone).
Baby’s Bath: Full Bath or Cotton Cleaning?
You do not have to give your baby a shower on a daily basis. If you are changing the diapers on time and keeping your baby’s face, neck and hands clean; then, three baths per week can be enough. When you clean the face and neck, this is called “topping and tailing”. Before you decide what type of cleaning you are going for, make sure the room is warm and you have everything you need handy.
Step by Step Guide to Your Baby’s Cotton Cleaning
Step 1: Take off your baby’s clothes by laying them down on their back. Make sure you keep the nappies on and wrap your baby with a towel to make sure he or she does not feel cold.
Step 2: Clean their face by using a cotton dipped with warm water. Do not get it too wet. Wipe the face, around the eyes, and the lips. Make sure you use a new cotton for each eye to prevent cross contamination between the eyes.
Step 3: Clean around your baby’s ears and the neck using a dipped cotton wool. Then, dry gently the face with a clean towel.
Step 4: Take off the diapers. Use a new cotton dipped with warm water to clean the bottom and genital area. Make sure you dry them carefully. Put on a clean diaper. And dress them up.
While you are cotton cleaning your baby, keep talking to him or her gently. Let them get used to your voice.
Step by Step Guide to Your Baby’s Bath.
While some babies can be fussy when taking a shower, many do enjoy wobbling in warm water. It reminds them of the amniotic fluid they were living in for nine months! Make sure you are getting a hold of it. Singing to your baby, will help him or her feel happy and comfortable.
It is recommended to establish a bath routine for your baby. If he really enjoys his bath; then, noting prevents you from bathing him or her daily. Never bathe him after a feed; or, when he or she are too sleepy and tired.
Step 1: Prepare the warm water and check it with your elbow. Make sure the water is uniformly warm.
Step 2: Wash the baby’s face with clean cotton dipped in warm water, as described in the previous section.
Step 3: Hold the baby very well and wash the hair by bringing your baby closer above the water bowl/baby tub. All you need is a dash of shampoo. Dry the baby’s hair gently.
Step 4: Never add the soap to the water. Keep the water plain. Hold your baby by holding his opposite arm in a ring between your fingers. Your arm will support the head, neck and shoulders. Keep the head above the water and lower your baby’s body in the water. Wash him with baby’s soap and rinse thoroughly.
Step 5: Dry your baby. You may want to do a small baby oil massage for a good relaxation prior to sleeping. Dress up your baby.
