Getting ReadyFor Bathtime

Bathing your new baby may be about much more than just cleanliness. Giving your baby a bath can be a lovely way to strengthen your bond with each other. Some babies enjoy being in warm water right from the start, while others need a little time to get used to these new sensations on their skin. Whatever’s right for you and your baby, we have plenty of tips for keeping them clean and contented.

WHEN CAN MY NEWBORN HAVE THEIR FIRST BATH?

If they’re full-term and healthy, you can give your newborn their first bath as early as two hours after the birth. Keep the first bath short, no more than five minutes to 10 minutes.

You don’t need to wait for your baby’s umbilical cord stump to dry up and fall off, or for it to heal. A bath won’t make an infection in the stump more likely, and it won’t slow down the healing process. Make sure you allow it to dry off properly afterwards, though.

It can be a bit scary the first few times you bath your newborn. Try to stay calm and keep a firm hold of your baby when moving them in and out of the bath. You may like to have someone with you the first few times to support you and fetch anything you’ve forgotten. Until you get into a routine, you’ll probably find this happens often!

Handling a wriggling, wet and slippery baby takes practice and confidence, but rest assured you and your baby will get used to bathtime and enjoy it. Most babies are soothed by warm water and a bath may help a fussy baby to relax and calm down.

You don’t need to wait for your baby’s umbilical cord stump to dry up and fall off, or for it to heal. A bath won’t make an infection in the stump more likely, and it won’t slow down the healing process. Make sure you allow it to dry off properly afterwards, though.

A bath twice a week or three times a week is enough to keep your newborn clean. Between baths, wash your baby’s face regularly, clean their genitals and bottom after each nappy change, and wipe any grime off their skin. If you enjoy giving them a bath every day, that’s fine, too.

If you live in a hard water area, bear in mind that too much tap water during the first month or so may dry out and damage your baby’s skin. You could add a little mild, liquid baby cleanser or bath emollient to the water to protect your baby’s skin. Though be aware that the emollient will make your baby slippery to handle.

When your baby is a newborn, you’ll probably find it easier to bath them during the day. After a couple of months you could start to make a bath part of their bedtime routine.

Where Should I Bath My Newborn

In the first few weeks, it may be easier to bath your baby in the kitchen sink or in a small, plastic baby bath.

You could use your big bath, but it can be awkward as you’ll need to kneel or lean over the side. When you’ve just had a baby, you need to be careful you don’t hurt your back.

If you do use your big bath, a bath support for your baby may help. Remember that while bath supports are helpful, never leave your baby alone in one, not even for a second. Babies can drown silently in as little as 5cm (2in) of water.

HOW DO I GIVE MY NEWBORN A BATH?

Choose a time of day when you’re not expecting any interruptions and have time to devote to your baby. It’s best if your baby is alert, contented, and between feeds, so they’re not tired, hungry or full.

Get Everything Ready In Advance

You need to keep your newborn warm at bathtime as babies can lose heat from their bodies quickly. Make sure the room and water are warm, and close any doors and windows to avoid draughts.

Wash your hands, and then gather all the bath supplies that you’re going to need. These may include a top-and-tail bowl, cotton pads, a sponge or flannel, a mild baby cleanser, at least one clean towel, and at least one set of clean clothes and nappies. Newborns can wee and poo unexpectedly, so it’s best to be prepared.

Put cold water in the bath first, and then add the hot water, so the bath water is comfortably warm and less likely to scald your baby. If you’re going to use a sink or a bowl for hairwashing, have the water ready in these, too.

Fill the bath with about 8cm to 10cm (3in to 4in) of water.

If you have a bath thermometer, use it to check that the water is about 37 degrees C to 38 degrees C. If you don’t have a thermometer, gauge the water temperature with your elbow rather than your hand. The water should feel neither hot nor cold.

Undress your baby down to their nappy, and then wrap them in a towel. Keep their head uncovered so you can wash their face and hair before you put them in the bath. This way, you can give them a quick dip in the bath if they aren’t enjoying it or a bit longer if they love it.

Wash your baby’s eyes, ears, face, and neck with cotton pads and warm water, as you would for topping and tailing.

Hold your baby so that their head is over the bath water and, using your hand or a flannel, massage their scalp with water.

If you don’t want shampoo getting in their bath water, use a sink or a bowl for this bit. Rinse their hair carefully and dry it. Washing their hair just once a week or twice a week is enough to keep them clean.

If your baby has cradle cap, you may want to wash their hair more frequently with a mild baby cradle cap shampoo.

Gradually slip your baby into the bath feetfirst, using one hand to support their neck and head. The water should be covering their shoulders so they don’t get cold. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a few seconds.

Wash your baby with water, or use a gentle liquid baby cleanser to protect their skin.

If your baby’s skin is dry or tender, you could add a little baby bath emollient to the water. Bear in mind that the emollient will make them slippery to handle.

If you prefer to bath your baby in just water, it’s still best to use a mild liquid baby cleanser or sensitive, unperfumed baby wipes to wash their nappy area. Using water alone makes it harder to wash the fatty poo off your baby’s bottom.

Use your hand, a flannel or a sponge to clean your baby from top to bottom, front and back. Avoid scrubbing your baby’s skin. Leave any creamy vernix in their creases, as it helps their skin barrier to develop.

Rinse your baby thoroughly, and then lift them out of the bath and straight on to a dry hooded towel. Lift them with one hand supporting their neck and head, and your other hand under their bottom, with your thumb and forefinger around one thigh.

Dry Your Baby Off And Keep Them Warm

Wrap your baby in the towel, pat them dry straight away, and then put their nappy on.

If your baby’s skin tends to be dry, you could smooth on a mild, unperfumed moisturising lotion, or cream.

Now dress your baby in clean clothes. Newborns lose heat rapidly so, depending on how cold it is, you may want to wrap them in a dry, warm blanket, too.