Newborn Bath: What Will Baby’s First Bath Be Like?

Almost every new mom has concerns about bathing a newborn. “Yeah, I’m not sure when or how to bathe my tiny baby either.” If you think so, read our article about newborn bath! Let’s just say that the baby bath that is causing you panic will soon turn into the opportunity you’ve been looking forward to to calm your baby.

Let’s see when and how the baby’s first bath is done?

1. When is a newborn baby bathed?

If the baby’s body was not contaminated with blood during birth, it would be best to wash it at least 24 hours after birth. Because when the baby is born, it comes out of an environment where there are no disease-causing microorganisms, so there is no protective bacterial flora (Ph) on its skin. The formation of this flora takes 24 hours.

Washing your baby immediately after birth delays the formation of this flora, which may increase the risk of infections. It is not preferred for the baby to stay with the blood contaminated during birth as it produces microbes. In such a case, it is washed under running water without using soap and shampoo. We can give this answer for the question of how to wash a baby whose belly has not fallen out.

The umbilical cord must fall off in order for the baby to take a tub bath. The fall of the umbilical cord occurs within 1 week to 15 days. After today, the baby’s first bath can be made.

How Should Umbilical Cord Care Be Done? We recommend that you also take a look at our article.

2. How many times a week should newborn babies be bathed?

Unless your baby is completely soiled, you don’t have to bathe him. We can say that the local cleanings you do during diaper changes and after feedings may be sufficient. However, in the first 1-2 months of the baby’s sweat glands do not work. For this reason, frequent bathing of the baby is beneficial for skin health.

On the other hand, being very enthusiastic about newborn baby bathing and being harsh can remove the natural moisture cover of the skin and increase the possibility of your baby having eczema. For this reason, you should wash your baby 1-2 times a week; We recommend wiping your hands, face, neck, butt and fine folds in the armpits every day.

If you can’t wash it, you can wipe your baby’s body with a wet cloth. In the meantime, if you are not sure about the cleanliness of the water, boil the water and then wait for the water to reach the desired temperature! Do not forget to continue this situation until all vaccinations of your baby are finished!

3. How many degrees should the newborn bath water temperature be?

Newborn bath water temperature should be 36.5-37 degrees. You can dip the inside of your wrist or elbow into the water to measure the temperature of the water. You can set it up using a bath thermometer just to be sure.

4. How to bathe a newborn?

• Place the tub in a place where there is no breeze and wide enough to move around comfortably. Start by taking the supplies you need for the bathroom with you.
• After adding water to the tub and adjusting the temperature of the water, you should remove your baby’s clothes. This way, you will prevent your baby from getting cold during the time you spend preparing the water.
• Hold your baby under the arm, supporting them under the neck. Start washing your feet and legs first, and then your body by soaking them in water. In the meantime, talking to him in a soft tone and taking a bath while looking into his eyes will make your baby feel better, keep in mind.
• With your other free hand, you can clean your baby’s eyes with a sterile cotton ball moistened with hot water. While doing this, use separate cotton for both eyes. You can then continue to clean your face, ears and neck.
• No need to be afraid of splashing water while cleaning your baby’s eyes! It will blink to protect the baby’s eyes from water. If you try to protect your baby from even the slightest splash of water and become nervous, you may cause him to develop a fear of bathing.

You also don’t have to worry about water getting into your ear. The water that enters the baby’s ear will not stay inside and will come out easily, since the mound in the ear has not yet formed in the newborn.

• Let’s say that it is not necessary to use soap for every region. However, it is better to wash the hands and the clothed area with soap. In the meantime, you can use a fiber suitable for your baby’s skin.
• After cleaning the front parts, it’s time for her back and butt. Turn your back and continue to bathe your baby. Don’t forget to wash between your baby’s fingers and the folds in the diaper area! If the baby is a girl, you should gently move between the genital lips, and if it is a boy, you should lift the testicles and clean the bottom thoroughly.
• Here is the most enjoyable moment! After washing, wrap your baby in a towel, dry and dress with small touches to avoid irritation. Be sure to dry your little one well, as fungus can easily form in damp areas! You can also moisturize your baby’s dry skin with a natural oil.

That way you can actually ask, “How to bathe a baby alone?” We also explained the topic.

5. What time should babies be bathed?

You may prefer to wash your baby in the evening to regulate their night’s sleep. Because bathing baby will relax, calm down and fall asleep easily. Also, if your baby has gas pains, it will be relieved after the bath.

6. What is needed for a newborn bath?

newborn bath tub

One of the first materials that comes to mind is the bathtub. A small tub you will buy can both make it easier for you to wash and make your baby’s back more comfortable compared to a large tub.

Baby shampoo suitable for newborn skin

It is important that you choose the most suitable one for your little one among the baby shampoo options available on the market. So, what are the features that a baby shampoo should have in order to be suitable for newborn skin?

• It shouldn’t sting.
• The pH value should be between 5-6,5.
• It should not contain preservatives and allergen chemicals that may cause a reaction on the baby’s skin.
• It should not contain alcohol, perfume, colorant, SLS and paraben. It should consist of natural ingredients.

newborn bath towel

Choosing this towel with a hoodie can make your job easier.

newborn bath fiber

While washing your baby, you can use your free hand without the help of any fiber, or you can choose to use a fiber suitable for your baby’s skin.

sterile cotton balls

You can use these balls to clean your baby’s eyes.

Clean cloth and clothes

We recommend that you keep the clothes and diapers with you so that your baby does not get cold after the bath and you can put on the diaper immediately.