The right way to bathe a newborn baby

For new parents, bathing a newborn baby can be a stressful experience. A baby's body that is still soft must be very slippery when exposed to water and soap.

In fact, for newborns, it is enough to wash with a washcloth or sponge until the umbilical cord is relaxed or about three weeks after birth. Your baby doesn't need to wash too often if you always clean it every time you change diapers.

Too much bathing in the first weeks of your baby's life will dry out the skin, especially if you use soap.

On the other hand, the experience of bathing a newborn baby can be a time when you have a close relationship with the baby. Don't forget to invite your baby to talk or sing a song to be calm when you bathe it.

Preparations for bathing the baby

For your baby's first shower, you can use a washcloth. Choose a warm place with a flat surface such as a changing table. Then cover the surface of the table with a thick towel and make sure the room temperature is at least 23 degrees Celsius because the baby is easily cold.

Baby gear to be prepared:

• Clean washcloths
• Clean baby towels
• layer
• Clean clothes
• Hot water (no hot water)

Important: never leave a baby alone in the bathtub!

Take a shower with a washcloth

Bathing with a washcloth is the most appropriate way for the first weeks until the baby's umbilical cord is removed using bubble bath.
Steps to bathe the baby:

• First, take off the baby's clothes and hold the baby's head with one hand. Leave the coating used because we will clean it in the last part. Wrap the baby in a towel, except for the area of ​​the body to be cleaned.
• Using a baby towel, clean one part of the body one at a time. Start with the back of the ear, then proceed to the neck, elbows, knees, between the fingers and toes. Pay attention to the folds under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck.
• Part of the hair must be cleaned at the end so that the baby does not get cold. If your baby doesn't have a lot of hair, you can easily spray water from your hair without using shampoo. To prevent the baby's eyes from getting wet, gently lower the baby's head.
• Now it's time to take off the diaper and clean the baby's stomach, lower area and genitals with a cloth.
• Wash gently from front to back. If there is a slight vaginal discharge in the genital area, you don't need to worry and don't try to clean everything. For uncircumcised boys, gently clean the genitals. If you are circumcised, you don't need to wash your penis head until you recover.
• Dry the baby's body by tapping gently with a towel and do not rub it because it can cause irritation.

Bath time is over and the new mother of the baby is ready to wear diapers and clean clothes!
Bathing in a bathtub

For babies who are only a few weeks old or dizzy, swimming is different from bathing a newborn baby. After the umbilical cord has come out and the navel is completely healed, it is time to take a bath using the tub.

All babies don't like to change, so if your baby is difficult, you can wash it with a towel like before for a week or more. Then try showering again using the bathtub. Bathing the baby is an adaptation process for infants and parents.

Things to prepare:

• Buy a thick plastic baby tub that fits the baby. Choose a bathtub that has a place to lean the baby so that his head does not sink into the water. It is also important to choose a non-slip bath so the bathtub doesn't move when you bathe the baby.
• Don't try to use a shower chair. This shower seat is for babies who are older and can sit alone.

Steps to bathe the baby:

• Do the first shower in the bathtub quickly. Fill the tub with 5-7 cm warm water (without hot water). Use one hand to support the baby's head, then gently lower it.
• Wet the baby's face and hair with a baby towel. When washing, protect your baby's eyes with your hands. Use a little soap and water to wash the baby's body parts.
• Use special soap for babies. If your baby's hair starts to grow, try soft baby shampoo.
• To keep the baby warm while bathing, close your hands to take a handful of water, then pour it into the baby's chest.
• Dry the baby's body by tapping gently with a clean towel. Then, apply baby lotion throughout the body to maintain moisture.
• Now it's time to bring a new layer. Apply an anti-erythema ointment to protect the baby from irritation.

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