For new parents, the question of how to bathe a newborn baby is of great interest and bathing a newborn baby is exciting. So, how are newborns bathed and why is baby bathing important?
How to bathe a newborn baby?
When bathing a newborn baby, of course, it is necessary to be more careful than when bathing adults or children. Because as a baby whose skin has not yet met surfaces such as water, soap and wet fabrics, he is worried and afraid by feeling every texture. Every detail of this foreign world is a bit surprising for him. On the other hand, his skin was so well protected in the womb from wind, hot or cold water, substances in the water and many other things that it is now very sensitive. She needs some time to recover from this sensitivity. Itis necessary to approach baby bathing by thinking in this axis, that is, knowing that he will be afraid of things that will touch his skin and on the other hand, knowing that his skin is very sensitive… Let’s talk a little bit abouthow to bathe newborns..
Things to Consider When Bathing a Newborn Baby
- Prepare the bath first, not the baby, so it doesn’t get cold.
- It is very practical to use baby bath tubs for bathing babies for the first 6 months . Since these tubs are reserved exclusively for his/her use, it prevents him/her from getting germs from showers and bathtubs where adults bathe. It is also easier to control the baby in the bathtub. Slipping and falling on the ceramic surfaces on the bathroom floor is a major concern. This is why we recommend buying a baby bathtub.
- Baby bathtubs are used with bath nets for newborns. This net allows you to bathe the baby by laying the baby on it. This way you don’t have to put the baby in the bathtub. This protects the baby from a possible choking hazard and ensures that the dirty water flows down so that it does not come into contact with the baby.
- Make sure the room is warm and there are no open doors or windows.
- Measure the temperature of the bath water for the newborn baby by putting your elbow in the water. The skin on the elbow is thin and sensitive, if it burns, the water is hot. Of course, you can also use thermometers that measure the temperature of the bath water. This way you can be much more sure that the baby won’t get cold or burned.
- After preparing the bath water, put the baby’s towel nearby. It is preferable to use a cotton cloth as a newborn towel.
- It is not recommended to use any shampoo or soap in the baby’s first bath. But newborn shampoo and newborn soap can be used for later. These products should be specially developed for the sensitive skin of the newborn baby.
- Prepare everything the baby will wear after bathing in a nearby place. Place them so that you can put them on easily and quickly.
- If the bath, newborn shampoo and towels are ready, you can undress the baby and take the bath.
- Put the baby naked on the net and hold it with one hand. Wash with the other hand. It is easier if you have a helper with you, but you can also bathe a newborn baby by yourself.
- Newborn baby shampoos do not burn the eyes, but try not to bring them to the baby’s face and use a very small amount (the size of a large lentil).
- After bathing, dry the baby and massage baby oil into the skin. Applying baby oil with a baby massage will help the baby burp, relax, get ready for sleep and moisturize the skin.
When to Bathe Newborn Babies?
Newborn babies are usually bathed by health care providers after birth. You can continue to bathe them at home. In fact, if the right conditions are provided and the baby can be bathed without catching a cold, bathing every day is recommended for relaxation and development.
Requirements for a Newborn Baby Bath
Nowadays, the list of newborn baby bath necessities goes on and on. By purchasing these products, you can bathe your baby in a comfortable and enjoyable way. Each product is born out of the need to make baby bathing easier. But don’t worry too much if you can’t buy these products. An environment where the baby won’t get cold, a bathing arrangement that doesn’t allow the baby to slip out of your hands and clean materials are enough. We can list what is needed for the newborn baby’s bath as follows:
- Baby bathtub
- A water bowl with a handle
- Baby bathtub net (better to have a spare)
- Baby bath towel
- Newborn baby drying cloth
- Newborn baby shampoo
- Newborn baby soap
- Baby comb
- Baby fiber
- Thermometer for bath water
- Baby lotion for after bathing
Baby massage after bathing and bathing relaxes the baby. It helps him to burp and feel relaxed. Breastfeeding after dressing the baby and playing with him/her after burping and putting him/her to sleep will be very good for him/her.