Baby’s first bath is a big milestone for you and your little one, but it can encourage many worries and challenges. Allow yourself to unlock the beauty of the bathroom by following our expert guide…
Is it time to give your baby a bath? Don’t worry if you feel a little nervous. While your little one’s first bath will indeed be a moment you’ll treasure for years to come, it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of trepidation at first. Will the little one scream with joy, or just scream mercilessly? How should you support your baby? And what if you don’t have the right water temperature? This milestone welding ritual comes with many questions about how to do it well. So, to help put anxious minds at ease, we discussed some of the most common concerns with midwife and mom-to-be of two, Katie Benyohai, of Better Birth Prenatal Classes. Read on for the tips you need to know about bathing your baby.
When should I bathe my baby?
You want baby to be clean, but you don’t want to over-wash sensitive skin, so when should you take that all-important first bath? “Your newborn baby’s skin is incredibly delicate, so it’s important that the top layer of skin isn’t disturbed by excessive washing in the first few weeks,” says Katie. “It’s best to wait until the cord falls off before giving your baby his first bath. And when you bathe baby, make sure you only use warm water for his first bath. Doing so protects the top layer of skin and reduces the chance of skin conditions, including eczema, later in life.” You don’t need to bathe baby every day, but you can choose to ‘top and tail’ your little one between baths, washing their face, neck, hands and bottom with a damp cotton ball.
Do I need a baby bath seat?
There seems to be an endless number of accessories you can get for your baby’s bath, but which ones are worth the expense? “A bath seat can be useful, especially with newborn babies who tend to slide a lot when wet,” advises Katie, who adds that you don’t really need many gadgets at all. “All you need is a clean bathroom, sink or wash bowl, warm water, a warm towel and a fresh diaper and clothes nearby. Your baby will enjoy watching your face and your reactions, so interact with them throughout!”
How hot should the bathroom be?
Is the water too hot, too cold or just right? This is the question that plagues every parent. “A safe bath temperature is around 37°C and you can get newborn bath thermometers which have a really useful visual guide,” explains Katie. No temperature gauge on hand? Check the temperature with your wrist or elbow and stir it well to make sure there are no hot spots.
Make sure to keep your baby warm after the bath too. “Their body temperature can drop very quickly,” adds Katie. “Make sure the room is comfortably warm, bathe the baby for five to 10 minutes, and have a warm towel ready to transfer after the bath.”
Why does my baby cry when taking a bath?
The bath is ready and the camera is on standby, so it can be heartbreaking if your little one starts screaming, but it’s actually completely normal. “Try interacting with your baby, playing soothing music or singing. It’s also best to bathe your baby after a feed so they’re awake and not hungry. Finally, if you’ve tried all of these and your baby still doesn’t enjoy the bath, you can try bathing together and allowing them to enjoy skin-to-skin contact in the bath.
How to bathe your baby: a step-by-step guide
Follow midwife Katie’s top tips to help your baby have a calm and enjoyable first bath…
1) Place everything you need next to the bathtub so you can reach it easily and make sure the room is comfortably warm.
2) Fill the baby’s bathtub, clean bowl or kitchen sink with about five to four inches of warm water. Remember, the water should be warm, not hot. Test the temperature and make sure you stir the water so there are no hot spots.
3) Undress and gently lower your little one into the water, holding them under their knees and supporting their shoulders and neck. Make sure you support your baby’s head and shoulders with one hand at all times.
4) Start by cleaning your baby’s face with a soft sponge. To clean their eyes, use cold, boiled water (already ready and waiting in a bowl nearby). Dip a ball of wool in the water, go from the inside of the eye to the outside. Discard this ball and repeat with a new one for the other eye.
5) Wash your baby’s hair by pressing a sponge gently over his head – laying your baby down will ensure that the water runs backwards and not over their face. Use a towel to gently dry your baby’s hair before continuing.
6) Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently wash your baby’s body. Pay attention to the folds of your baby’s neck, armpits and groin where dirt can get trapped.
7) Gently pour the water around your baby without splashing. Sing to them, make eye contact and relax as much as possible.
8) After five to ten minutes, take your baby out of the bath and wrap him in a warm, soft towel (our Little Roary bamboo snood is a super adorable option) to keep him warm and calm. Dry them by gently patting their skin, rather than rubbing it.
9) Now is a good time to give your baby a gentle massage using a natural oil and encourage some nappy-free time.
10) Put a clean diaper on your baby and enjoy some skin-to-skin contact. Dress them up whenever you’re both ready and make sure the scene is set for a comfortable bedtime routine.
