Did you know that a newborn does not need frequent baths? After learning this fact, the first question which comes to mind is how often to bathe a baby?
To make a long story short, three times per week is considered enough for a little baby. This is considered best if you make sure the diaper area of a baby is clean after every diaper change.
Giving daily baths to a newborn is not safe for babies and may lead to dry skin. This is because newborns rarely sweat or get dirt from surroundings that can be cleaned with three baths per week.
Let’s dive into the most asked questions related to bathing a baby. So keep reading and get to know the answer to all your concerns.
Table of Contents
When Your Baby Will Be Ready for His First Tub Bath?
First and foremost, a question you may have as a parent is when your baby will be ready for his first tub bath. Firstly, you should look for a baby’s umbilical cord stumps to fall off; then, it’s better to make a transition from sponge bath to actual bath in a sink of bathtub designed for little one.
You should give a gentle and quick bath to the baby, especially when you are bathing your baby for the first time in a bath.
If you see your baby does not like this new activity, then you can go back to a sponge bath and let your baby enjoy her bath time with her willingness involved.
Can You Bathe Your Baby While the Umbilical Cord Stump Is Still Attached?
The next thing to know is, can you bathe your baby while the umbilical cord stump is still attached. Keep in mind that you must avoid giving a bath to your little one in the bathtub; only a sponge bath is considered safe for during your baby’s first week.
A sponge bath is as simple as wrapping your baby in a towel and wiping with a washcloth and soapy water. Prefer doing it on a comfortable surface like changing table. Make sure to keep your baby wrapped in a towel and bath one part at a time.
Mainly, the umbilical cord stump falls off in a few weeks (generally in one or two weeks) after the birth of a baby.
If you find it staying longer than the expected duration, then there might be another issue at play. You should consult with the health provider of the baby.
The umbilical cord stump falls on its own, and that’s why it is safe to give your baby a sponge bath instead of a regular bath. If it’s still intact or if a baby’s circumcised penis is not healed, then only use your hands or washcloth for cleanups during a sponge bath.
Is A Sponge Bath Good Enough?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a sponge bath is good enough for a baby in the first week until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Make sure you give your baby a sponge bath knowing the essentials, which are
- A warm place with a flat surface. Your kitchen counter, bathroom, changing table, or even a first bed can also serve the desired purpose. Don’t forget to pad these hard surfaces with a blanket or towel. You can place a blanket or towel on the floor and use it to give a sponge bath to your little one.
- Soft towel, blanket, or pad. You must keep your baby on soft material while giving a sponge bath.
- One free hand. While bathing, keep one hand on the baby to hold her firmly and clean up the dirt.
- The average temperature of the water. Ensure the availability of a sink or shallow plastic basin to hold water. Run warm water into the sink and check the temperature of the water to make sure it’s not too hot.
- Other essentials. Make sure you have a washcloth, towel, mild baby shampoo, moisturizing soap, clean diaper, clothes, and baby wipes while giving a sponge bath to the baby.
When Is the Best Time of Day to bath Your Baby?
If you are wondering when is the best time of day to bathe your baby, then I must say it’s entirely your decision. You can choose anytime in which you are free and which is less likely to be interrupted by other activities.
A calm baby for a bath is also necessary, so look for the mood of your little one.
Most parents prefer to give baths to their babies during the daytime because, at this time, a baby is more active and alert. You may provide a bath to your baby during nighttime as a part of her bedtime routine.
To give a bath after feeding your baby, you must wait a little while to ensure your baby’s tummy is settled.
When is my baby ready for a regular bath?
Now comes the next popular question, when my baby is ready for a regular bath. A simple answer to this query is that once you find out that your baby’s umbilical area is healed, you may consider going for a regular bath.
After this, you can try placing your baby directly in the water instead of a sponge bath. Make sure you give the first bath very gently and quickly.
If you see your baby protesting, you may go back to a sponge bath for one or two weeks and try it again. Babies don’t get adapt to anything too soon, so they make it clear when they are ready.
Conclusion
Bathing may seem a little irritating to your baby first, but she will start enjoying it; eventually, it will become more like playtime instead of bath time.
When your baby has grown older, let her play with water and splash around it to have some fun in the water. Bathing your baby relaxes her, and you can also use it to settle your baby before sleep.
Make sure you don’t exceed the recommended duration of bathing per week, especially for a newborn. This may dry the sensitive skin of your baby. You better give her bathing three times per week.
Parenthood is not easy, but you can make it enjoyable for yourself by just following the basic tactics to soothe your baby.