Just like encountering many new things in our daily lives, the first few experiences of bathing your delicate baby may be really difficult, stressful and fearsome. But with a little practice, you'll get used to handling a slippery baby. Never look onto it as a chore but rather an opportunity to bond with your child. Bath time can really be one of the most enjoyable moments of the day for you and your baby. There's nothing quite as special as holding your baby's tiny little body in the bath, and most babies come to love splashing in the tub.
How often do I need to bath my baby?
Every pediatrician has his own thoughts on this matter.
For the first and second weeks of life, newborns don't need an actual bath. Just as I said, pediatricians mostly recommend sponge bath. Although more experts have been saying that bathing your baby in a tub of water right from the start is perfectly acceptable, the key is to watch the umbilical cord and circumcision for any signs of swelling, redness or discharge. As long as you're cleaning you baby's bottom with each diaper change and washing his face and hands several times a day, bathing him two to three times a week is enough. Use gentle soap only every few days and use plain water in between so that you don't dry out your baby's delicate skin.
For babies four months above, of course, he'll need a bath after a particularly messy day. Some also enjoy a nightly bath as part of the bedtime ritual. Just be sure to keep the room warm.
Kinds of Bath
Sponge Bath
The bath commonly recommended by health professionals until the baby's umbilical cord has fallen off and until circumcision has healed. This is a great way to start out and perfect for newborns. It can lessen your anxiety of holding a slippery baby and can be a perfect practice transition to giving full bath to your baby. This is also good for babies who don't get dirty often.
Full Bath or Baby Tub Bath
This is usually recommended for babies two months and up as long as the cord has fallen off. It may be the easiest when you bath together. But if you're not, some tubs have an angled back so that you baby can lie comfortably in the tub with his head high above the water level. You might also consider buying a baby tub that has a drainage plug for easy emptying.
Best Time to Take a Bath
Pediatricians usually recommend 9 AM - 12 NN. These are the times that your baby is alert and is a preferable time for bonding. Always give baby a bath an hour after feeding to prevent reflux.
Safe Tips While Bathing a Baby
Never ever leave your baby alone! This can be a cause of drowning!
Fact: Babies have diving reflex. This is an automatic response that prevents them from breathing in water. The chances of any harm coming to your baby when it goes under the water for a few seconds are nearly zero. This reflex fades after the baby's first year but it is NOT an excuse to be anything but vigilant with your baby in the tub.
Gather all the supplies you need before everything else. Have them within arm's reach, especially the towel.
Babies lose body heat quickly. So make sure the room is warm.
If you use a sink, take care that your baby doesn't bump against the taps or burn herself on the hot tap.
Tip: If you don't have a water thermometer, you can use your elbows to feel if the water is safe to pour on.
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