Bath time can either be a good experience that you look forward to everyday or one that you dread and wish you could just skip over. It can be incredibly stressful for new parents, especially the first few times however it will soon be second nature and an enjoyable part of your baby’s routine. Below are a few frequently asked questions and bathing tips for you and your newborn baby.
Why is it not medically recommended to bath you baby within the first 24 hours of birth?
By delaying the first bath it allows for more initial skin-to-skin contact between baby and mother. If, medically safe for both baby and mother to do so it is encouraged to have initial skin to skin contact, over your baby having their first bath. By delaying their bath, it preserves their smell which assists and encourages babies to latch during breastfeeding (if you choose this method) due to the similarity in smell between breast and the amniotic fluid. Skin-to-skin contact between a mother and baby after birth is also so important because it calms and relaxes both mother and baby. It regulates the baby’s heart rate and breathing and helps them to better adapt to life outside the womb.
When should I start bathing my newborn baby?
Although there is no set timeframe to bath your newborn baby by delaying the first bath you are supporting and allowing the vernix to continue working and providing a ‘safety net’ for your little one’s immune system.
What is vernix?
Your baby is born with a coating of vernix caseosa on their skin. This creamy, waxy build-up consists mostly of water, lipids, and proteins and promotes better temperature regulation and softer skin after birth.
Does delaying a baby’s first bath delay/reduce the chance of infection?
Yes, delaying a baby’s first bath reduces the chance of infection. Common bacterial infections for newborns include Group B Strep and E. Coli which can lead to pneumonia and meningitis. By delaying the first bath, you are allowing the vernix to continue working as a ‘safety net’ for your newborn baby’s immune system.
How does giving my newborn baby a bath affect their body temperature and blood sugar?
Babies who have a bath shortly after being born may be more likely to become cold and develop hypothermia due to a drop in body temperature even if the bath water is the recommended 36 degrees C. Being exposed to cool air prior and post bath adds to their drop in body temperature. This minor stress of an early bath can also make some babies more likely to have a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
How does being cold drop blood sugar levels?
Cold temperatures can stress your body. In response, your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol to provide an energy boost. These hormones reduce insulin production.
How often should I bath my newborn?
After the first couple of weeks, it is recommended to bath your baby 2-3 times a week. Bathing your baby more frequently may dry their skin out and cause rashes and irritations to their skin. Wiping their face, underarms and genitals areas daily and bathing 2-3 times a week is suitable and a common bathing timeframe.
Tips for your newborn’s first bath.
- Have everything within arm’s reach and if possible, for the first couple of baths have someone else there to help if needed.
- Ensure baby is not hungry and unsettled prior to trying to give them a bath.
- Ensure room is warm and there is no a draft.
- Use a bath thermometer to ensure the water temperature is correct (recommended 36 degrees C for newborn (37-38 degrees C for babies)) If you do not have access to a bath thermometer test the bath water with your wrist or elbow to ensure it is warm but not hot.
- Run cold water through the tap before turning the taps off to ensure no hot droplets of water land on baby accidently or if the tap accidently gets knocked on the initial water in the tap will not burn your baby.
- Ensure lights are not shining directly into/on babies face. Dim slightly if necessary but ensure you can still see clearly for safety reasons.
- Cradle babies head and shoulders with one arm and support their body with your other arm to slowly lower them into the water.
- Lay babies head on your wrist and hold onto their far arm (near their underarm) with your hand. Use you other hand to gentle sponge clean them.
- Have 2 wet wash clothes one for gentle sponging clean your newborn and one to lay over their chest, belly and legs to help them feel secure. Gently pour warm bath warm over the washcloth to maintain warmth during the newborn stage.
- Remove bath plug/skin plug to drain just prior to removing baby from the bath. Never leave bath water sitting unattended. If possible, have someone else there to help tidy up
- Have towel laid out beside bath so you can easily place baby down and snuggle them nicely as soon as they have been removed from the bath. (Towelling Stories have an incredible hands-free baby bath towel which is a fantastic towel designed to be used for those newborn days and brings your baby in for a warm snuggle as soon as they are out of the bath water without wetting you). This is a much safer and easier product to use than a regular towel with your newborn.
- Brush your baby's head with a soft bristle brush can help improve their circulation and promote healthy hair growth and a gentle massage with baby lotion is a relaxing way to prepare for bedtime.
- You do not need to bath your baby every-day as this dries their skin out. Every 2-3 days is suitable given they haven’t had a big accident.
- Never leave baby unattended in or around bath water regardless of age and ability.
There is no set timeframe when you should give your baby their first bath. Babies get cold quickly, and that's riskier for them, than being a bit ‘dirty’.
If you are nervous or uncomfortable about bathing your newborn for the first time, ask your health professional, mid-wife or a family/friend for assistance and guidance. Please note your baby will generally cry in the bath initial as they feel exposed, and this is an unfamiliar sensation for them. Ensuring the above tips are implemented will reduce/minimize this.
Take your time and enjoy these precious bonding moments.
Love,
Kez xx