Bathing Your Baby Safely
Bathing your baby can be the most pleasant moment of the day, filled with serenity and fun, chat, and mutual play. Occasionally, at least in the beginning, some babies express discomfort when entering the water and cry. Some parents are concerned, for instance, they might grip their baby insecurely or slip. If you share the same concerns, it may help to know that this is natural and normal. It is recommended seeking support and assistance from those close to you. With time, the bathing routine will become easier and more straightforward.
While daily bathing is not essential, three or four times a week is sufficient. On the remaining days, simply wash the baby’s face, neck, and the lower part of the body. However, if bath time is enjoyable for both you and your baby, feel free to bathe the baby daily.
So, how can we make bathing a safe and enjoyable experience? Simply maintain several important stages and guidelines that, with time, will evolve into a daily routine.
Important guidelines for bathing babies
Before placing the baby in the bath, gradually undress the baby to minimize any stress the sensation of exposure may cause. Hold the baby with both arms and gently lower into the water, allowing the baby to get used to the touch and warmth of the water. Even when using a designated baby bath seat, continue to hold the baby until the baby can sit independently, typically around the age of 9 months to one year.
Preventing burns
Adjusting the boiler thermostat to control the water temperature and installing a water temperature limiter can help prevent burns if you do not pay attention to the water temperature.
Water level
It is essential to use both hands to hold the baby firmly and keep the head and chest above the water level. This will also help prevent water from entering the ears.
Water in the tub
Until the age of one month, there is no need to add anything to the water. Starting at the age of one month, you can introduce soap or baby oil in the required quantity, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bath time offers a wonderful opportunity to nurture communication with your baby. It is time to talk, sing, describe which body part you are washing, smile, and gently touch your baby.
It is important to keep in mind
It is important to keep in mind
From the moment your baby enters the water, maintain visual contact, and keep one hand on the body at all times. It is advised to switch off your mobile phone beforehand. If you need to leave the bathroom for any reason, always bring your baby with you.
How to bathe babies
You can use a small dish to pour water gently over the head. Make sure to avoid the face and ears. Next, use a wet hand to gently move from top to bottom, covering the head and face, the body parts, and especially the skin folds, including the neck, armpits, thighs, knees, fingers, and toes. Next, cleanse the baby’s back, carefully turn the baby over so that their face is positioned downward, above the water. Wash the neck, the back, and buttocks, and then return them to a face-up position.
The baby’s umbilical cord: babies can be washed even if the umbilical cord has not yet fallen off.
Read more about umbilical cord care
If the baby is uncircumcised: while bathing the baby, wash the outside and do not try to pull or roll the foreskin that is attached to the tip of the penis. The age at which the foreskin is detached varies between babies. The detachment is a process that takes a few months (it takes several weeks rarely). It is important to wait for the foreskin to withdraw. Until it is completely detached, do not pull it backwards, as forcing the foreskin to withdraw prematurely may cause severe pain, bleeding and skin tears.
Bath support: if using such a bath support, you should still hold the baby and keep your hands and eyes on the baby at all times.
After bathing: drying and dressing
With your free arm, place a soft and large towel on your chest and press it against you. Take the baby out of the water with both arms and gently place the baby on your chest, with the back resting against yours. Now, wrap the baby with the towel from right to left and cover their head as well.
Once securely wrapped in the towel, lay the baby on a changing table and gently dry the entire body, especially the skin folds. Drying should be done without rubbing: just place the towel and absorb the water. Once the baby's skin is completely dry, proceed to diaper and dress the baby.
Please note
- Never use cotton swabs (Q-tips) in the ear canal: using Q-tips in the ear canal may harm your baby, so avoid it.
- Be careful when using baby cream and baby oil: differing opinions exist among experts and in professional literature regarding the necessity of applying creams after a bath. Usually, there is no need for this, and some express concern that baby cream or oil (distinct from bath oil) may clog skin pores. Before making a decision, consult a healthcare professional who is familiar with your baby. It is preferable not to use baby cream or oil.
If you choose to use these products, make sure they are for babies and not for adults. - Talc: it is not recommended to use talc because it may be dangerous if inhaled.
Cutting nails
Until the baby is one month old, it is not recommended to cut the nails, as they are very thin and attached to the finger skin. After the age of one month, you can gently cut the nails with scissors suitable for babies. Make sure to cut them straight and avoid cutting them too close to the skin. It is preferable to cut nails after bathing, as warm water soften the nails and make it easier to cut them. You can cut the nails when the baby is calm and loose, for instance while the baby is asleep or breastfed.