Bathing Tips for Newborn Babies
It is not necessary to give a water bath to your newborn baby on the first day. You should just remove any blood and meconium from his head and face with clean cotton or a soft absorbent cloth soaked in clean warm water. Pat him dry with a soft towel. Do not try to rub and take off the white greasy material (vernix) as you might damage his delicate skin.
The baby can have his bath on the second or third day. It can be further postponed if the baby is not well. You should, however, sponge clean his face, neck, hands and the diaper area daily with moist cotton wool using clean lukewarm water. Pat dry all areas carefully. Gently wipe around each eye, from the nose side outwards. Use a separate piece of cotton for each eye. Clean around the navel each day till the cord falls off.
You should choose to give bath to your baby during the day at a time which is convenient to you and when your baby is not hungry or sleepy. Make sure that the room temperature is comfortable and that there is no draught from outside or from the air conditioner.
A plastic baby bathtub is very convenient to use. Water should be clean. In winter, it should be comfortably warm. You should check the water temperature before beginning to bathe your baby. Do not add hot water to the tub while your baby is in it, as he may get scalded. Wash your own hands well with soap and water before you begin to bathe your baby. First wash the baby’s face and head. To wash his head, gently lower it over the tub and wash it with baby shampoo (or mild soap) and water and pat it dry quickly. Next, apply soap all over the body while he is on your lap. Now immerse the lower part of his body into the water in the tub while keeping his head and shoulders clearly out of it.
Wash him well, taking particular care of the skin creases. After bathing, dry him gently and thoroughly with a soft towel with special attention to his armpits, groin and buttocks. You should avoid soaping and wetting of the navel area during the first 7-10 days till the umbilical cord falls off. Some mothers may find it easier to bathe their baby while holding him in their lap or across the legs and pouring water over him with a tumbler. It is not necessary to apply soap to baby’s skin daily as it may make his skin too dry. The soap used must be quite mild. Gentle massaging of the baby with a baby oil helps the skin to retain its normal texture and your baby will enjoy it too. Liberal use of talcum powder should be avoided as it tends to collect in the skin creases and may cause skin irritation and rash. Care should also be taken to prevent talcum powder entering the baby’s eyes and nose and avoid sprinkling over the navel area till the umbilical cord dries and falls off.
By Dr.R.Sunej
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