Bathing a baby is essential for their cleanliness, but it can be a bit of a concern for mothers, especially if it’s the baby's first bath. It might seem like a challenging task at first, but no need to panic! By following a systematic approach, you can easily bathe your baby and enhance that soft, fresh scent even more.
First and foremost, you need to prepare all the necessary materials. Everything you will need should be within reach. Especially if it's your baby's first bath, realizing you’ve forgotten something while you're dealing with water can be stressful.
Here’s a list of things you might need: a high-quality cotton baby bathrobe or towel, a baby diaper, baby oil, diaper rash cream, cotton baby clothes to maintain body temperature after the bath, a soft comb, baby shampoo, and soap.
If you’re bathing your baby on your own, you should definitely use a baby bath net that can be mounted in the tub. This will give you extra support and allow you to move faster. Positioning the baby tub at waist height will increase your mobility and reduce the need to bend over too much.
The water temperature for your baby’s bath is very important. The water should neither be too hot nor too cold. For the ideal bath water temperature, you can use traditional methods. You can check the temperature with your elbow, making sure it’s warm enough that you don’t burn yourself but not so cold that your baby will feel uncomfortable.
The best time to bathe your baby is when their stomach isn’t under too much pressure. If you bathe your baby right after feeding, your bath time may end with your baby vomiting. Conversely, if you bathe a baby while they’re hungry, they will be uncomfortable. So, it’s best to choose a time when they’re neither too full nor too hungry.
When bathing your baby, make sure you provide full support for their body when you hold them face down, and ensure that they don’t slip forward. Never take your eyes off your baby and never leave them unattended. When pouring water over your baby’s head, do so slowly to prevent water from getting in their nose or mouth. Sudden movements can startle your baby and make them feel uncomfortable during the bath.
If it’s your baby’s first bath, you can choose a time after the first 24 hours following birth. Since your baby’s skin is very sensitive, it’s important not to bathe them too often. You can establish a regular bathing routine by bathing them every few days.