How To Give A Gentle Bath To A New Born Baby

Adding bath time to baby’s routine is something you can begin shortly after your baby is born.
Some pediatricians recommend delaying a baby’s first bath until they are a few days old. That’s because after birth your baby is covered in vernix, which is a waxy substance on the skin that protects baby from germs in the environment.
When it comes to newborn babies, every single achievement counts as one big milestone. As well as bathing a newborn can be an overwhelming experience. The whole process of handling the slippery little one can seem very tricky and nerve-wracking. If you are also struggling with the do’s and don’ts of bathing your baby, read on.
How to give baby a sponge bath
For the first week or so after birth, you’ll want to give baby a quick, gentle sponge bath. Here’s how.
• Step 1: Gather supplies. Use our handy baby bath supplies checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need. At a minimum, you’ll want a dry towel, clean diaper, washcloths and baby soap at the ready. “Have all your supplies within arm’s reach so you don’t have to step away,” Smith advises. Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a second.
• Step 2: Pick a place. Decide where you’ll be giving baby that newborn bath. While not strictly necessary, baby bathtubs are convenient. They can be placed in the sink or tub, and some have a hammock-style sling that supports baby’s head. Choose a spot that’s fairly warm and where it’s comfortable for you to kneel or stand while keeping a hand on baby at all times.
• Step 3: Wash small sections at a time. After removing her clothes and diaper and placing her in the baby bathtub (or simply on a soft, dry towel), you’ll want to cover baby with another towel, lifting only a small area at a time and patting dry as you go. Using a washcloth dipped in warm water, gently wipe baby all over, paying special attention to her diaper area and any creases and rolls.

How to bath newborn babies?
After your infant’s umbilical cord falls off, you can bathe them in a baby bathtub. Follow these steps to safely bathe your baby:
1. Fill the tub with a small amount of water. Usually, 2 to 3 inches of water is enough. Some tubs can be placed in the sink or regular bathtub, depending on the model you have.
2. After undressing your baby, place them in the water right away so they don’t get cold.
3. Use one hand to support your baby’s head and the other to place them feet first into the tub. Their head and neck should be well above water at all times for safety.
4. You can gently splash or pour warm water over your baby to keep them warm in the tub.
5. Use a washcloth to clean their face and hair, and shampoo their scalp one to two times per week.
6. Wash the rest of their body from the top down, using warm water or a wet washcloth.
7. Gently lift your baby out and pat them dry with a towel. Be sure to also dry the creases in their skin.
Parents, do not ever leave the baby unattended even for a few seconds during the bath. They can easily drown in very shallow water as well.

The takeaway
Do keep in mind that it is normal for newborns to dislike getting wet and it may take some practice to make them feel comfortable. Remember that they are just reacting to an unfamiliar sensation and may learn to love bathing by the time they turn around 3 months.

By :Tripti Varun

Content: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parenting/first-year/how-should-you-bathe-a-newborn-a-handy-guide/articleshow/70262221.cms