How to Bathe Your New Baby
From Sponge Baths to Deep Immersion
Don’t rush the first bath. I know it can be tempting to wash away their birth residue, but it is protective and healthy to let them stew in it just a bit longer after birth – like a whole day or more if you can.
There are different ways you can wash your little one when bath time becomes more routine so read on for some options.
1st Bath
In a hospital, the postpartum baby nurses usually do the first bath. Sometimes, it can be done in your room or you can tag along to learn from the pros and maybe get your own hands a bit dirty, er, clean.
Once they have that first big wash to rid them of that sticky birth goo, it won’t be necessary for such an intense scrubbing session again for a while. There are many ways to spot clean & sponge bathe your baby for a bit.
Spot Cleaning
Every single day, multiple times, they will get little mini washing sessions. Every diaper change, their bum & genitals get a good cleanse so at least 10x a day.
After feeds, they tend to also need a bit of extra cleaning to sop up the dribbling milk or spit up off of their mouths, faces & necks.
With both ends getting cleaned regularly, that’s a top to tail wash every day (and night).
Sponge Bathing
If you feel they need a more through wash, a sponge bath is a great option, especially in the first week of life when the umbilical cord stump is still drying.
Make sure the room is warm and your baby stays wrapped in a towel to keep heat in. You can unwrap the section you are cleaning and then cover it back up before you move on – think towel swaddle. This might also keep them just a little bit calmer.
You will not be immersing them in water. Instead, you will have a bowl or sink of warm water and a soft cloth to clean them off, one section at a time. Gentle infant soap is an option but so is just plain water.
They are always on a safe, flat surface that they cannot fall off of, preferably at a good working height for you so you don’t have to bend or strain too much.
- Start with the cleanest area and move to the dirtiest.
- Face and scalp
- Torso, back, under arms
- Make sure to gently uncurl their fingers to wash the palm- those hands can get grubby.
- Skip the diaper area for now.
- Legs, feet, any fat folds
- Save the butt for last.
Infant Tub
A safe infant tub, especially with a padded insert, is an awesome way to get them clean.
This is a more immersive experience for them, and many babies love it. Some don’t, and that’s ok too. You can use some of the other options on this list.
Safety is super important. You never leave a baby alone in even a tiny amount of water. Set up your bath space first with all of the supplies you will need – that might include baby soap (or still just water), a soft hair brush if you use one, sometimes it is more of a scalp massager, a soft cloth, 1-2 towels, 1 for them and one to put on your shoulder for the transition.
The bath water should be about 100 degrees and most have a thermometer or you can buy a separate one to check. You can also feel with your elbow or forearm because our hands tend to be desensitized.
Find a big, safe working surface that won’t strain your back or utilize a big kitchen sink if you have one.
Follow the same clean to dirty guidelines listed above when working around their little body.
You could even still utilize the swaddle if it makes your baby more comfortable.
Younger babies don’t need a bath every single day, that might be too drying on their sensitive skin. A few times a week is usually sufficient, until they become mobile and are rolling or scooting around on the floor all day or start eating more solid foods and have yams plastered in all the crevices.
Adult Tub
This might not be as common as the other options listed above, but it can be a great option for some families.
If you have a highly sensitive baby that reacts strongly with the other bath options, you don’t get a chance to bathe as often as you would like (welcome to parenthood) or you just want a little relaxing time with your baby, take a bath together.
Obviously, you have to keep the temperature baby friendly and you hold your little one on your chest the whole time. Some babies love to breastfeed and float in the warmth with their favorite person.
Safety measures might include non-slip surfaces in and around the bath. Keep a little baby container next to the bath so you can safely get in and out without holding them. You get in first, then you pick them up. When you’re done, place them back in their bouncer (preferably with a towel ready to swaddle them) and then you get out and dry yourself. Voila!