Guide to Bathe your Newborn

Newborn babies only really need a bath two or three times a week. Starting at first with a sponge bath, until their umbilical cord stump heals which would take about one to four weeks after birth. Later you can go for a baby tub bath, and eventually a tub bath when you feel your baby can sit up on his own and have outgrown the baby tub. 

Believe us, you will not be able to resist yourself from watching your little one splashing in the bath, soapy suds dotting his chubby folds and dimples. 

The first few times you give your baby a bath can be a bit tricky, but here's a how-to guide to bathe your baby.

Few benefits of bathtime for babies

• Bathtime will help in boosting the parent-baby bond because it’s the time you spend together with your baby taking care of them. Gaze into those shiny little eyes, kiss that baby belly, count those tiny fingers, sing silly songs as these gestures will help your baby know that they are loved. 

• Hot water bath is proven highly beneficial in soothing fussy babies. There’s nothing more calming and comforting than a soak in a tub. The relaxation will be manifold effective if you give your baby a good massage afterwards. While most little ones love it, if your baby turns his head or feels uncomfortable just cuddle instead. 

• It also Induces sleep. The cosy setting of a warm room, warm water bath and the warm feeling of being secure and loved work magic and will definitely put your baby in the mood to rest.

Bath Supplies you’ll need

It is safer to gather all the supplies beforehand because you should never take your hands off your baby while you're bathing them. Here's a checklist of newborn sponge bath: 

• Baby body wash (often can be used as shampoo)
• Washcloths
• A towel
• A bowl of warm water 
• Several cotton balls
• Baby Lotion
• A diaper
• An outfit change

Baby bath tips

Before the actual bathtime- Grab all the supplies before you bring your baby to the bathtub and never leave the baby unattended, not even for a second. Try to have all your supplies within arm’s reach so you don’t have to step away.

During bathtime- 

• Fill up the tub with a few inches of water but make sure it’s not too deep for your baby. Also focus on supporting your  baby’s head at all times, start by gently lowering your little one into the water. Make sure the water is not too hot for the baby. 

• Try using tear-free baby shampoo. Lather your baby’s scalp with water and a tiny bit of shampoo. Gently massage it with your finger tips. 

• Gently rinse off the shampoo while holding your little one in football-style, with the back of his head cradled in one hand, his body draped along your arm, and his head over the basin then gently pour some water over your baby's head. 

• Pat your baby's skin with a soft dry towel. Be sure to thoroughly dry his bottom and any other areas where there are folds of skin. 

After bathtime is over:

• Go easy on the baby lotion and avoid powder. Babies have ultra-sensitive skin and don’t really need much of lotions, oils or creams, though a little baby-safe lotion is okay. Try massaging the lotion into his skin, after first warming it between your palms.

• Take a pair of fresh clothes and diaper and swaddle him in a blanket, and now you're ready to snuggle with your clean, sweet-smelling baby.