Birth preps are not only about packing the hospital bag anymore. Moms nowadays are trying to look for every single information that could be beneficial to their babies. One of the most important aspects that is important to your baby’s health is his/ her first bath.
Keep reading this article to know everything about giving your newborn his/ her first bath!
When To Give My Baby His/ Her First Bath?
The most common practice is to bath the baby right after delivery. But, newer research suggests delaying the first bath which may be very beneficial to the baby. A 2019 study that included 1000 babies found that waiting at least 12 hours after birth to give the baby a bath can promote breastfeeding. Another study has also shown that bathing the baby after 48 hours of birth may help keep the baby’s body temperature steady and can help skin development.
What Do I Need For My Baby’s First Bath?
In order to bath your baby for the first time, here’s a list of the items you will need:
- A thick towel
- A special baby soap
- A soft sponge
- Small pieces of cotton to dry the naveel and the ear from the outside
- Cleansing wipes
- Clean clothes
- Baby body oil for massage
How to Bath My Baby For The First Time Step By Step?
As a first-time mom, giving your newborn his/ her first bath may be a scary and exciting moment. So, try making it an enjoyable time by following these steps:
1- Make sure the room’s temperature is warm and close the doors and windows so that the baby doesn’t lose his/ her body temperature. It would be better to bath him/ her in the morning.
2- Put the above-mentioned items you will need in reach
3- Fill the sink with 10 to 12 cm of warm water. Make sure the water is warm and not hot because the baby’s skin is very sensitive and it can’t take hot water.
4- Always put one hand under the baby’s back to control his/ her movement after taking his clothes off
5- Start by wiping a towel and squeezing it to wipe the baby’s face gently. Then use a cotton disk to clean the eyelids to clean them of sediments and crusts while moving from the inside to the outside. Don’t use soap in this stage.
6- Use water to clean the other parts of the baby’s body.
7- Wrap the baby’s entire body in a towel and dry him/ her with gentle movements by patting.
8- Massage the baby’s body with a few drops of baby oil
9- Make sure to dry the navel of the newborn well, and clean it with cotton
10- Dress your baby up and wrap him/ her in a warm blanket
The first bath of a newborn may seem scary, but by practice both you and your baby will get used to it and it will become a moment of joy.
