How to Bathe a Newborn: Safety Tips & Essential Routine

• Introduction
• Newborn First Bath
• How Often to Bathe a Baby?
• Some Important Baby Bath Procedure Tips
• Bath Supplies for Baby Bath
• Benefits of Bathing
• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• FAQs:
• MESSAGE FROM SUPERBOTTOMS

During the first few months of life, babies primarily inhabit a world of mulmul Jhablas, swaddles, cosy blankets, cribs, and the warm embrace of their caregivers. Because of this, they generally remain clean and may not require a daily extensive bathing routine. However, maintaining their hygiene is essential, initially through gentle sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump naturally detaches, and later transitioning to soothing baths accompanied by tender massages.

For parents navigating the intricacies of bathing a newborn, it's common to feel overwhelmed by questions and concerns about making the process both safe and stress-free for their little one. Here's a SuperBottoms guide covering everything you need to know about how to bathe a newborn baby!

Newborn First Bath

The first newborn baby bath can be tricky. WHO recommends not giving babies a bath for at least the first 24 hours after their birth. This will help them get used to the outside temperature and regulate their body temperature in the new surroundings.

Even after 24 hours, it is not advised to give a newborn their first bath with soap or anything other than water. It is best to have a proper massage and bath only once the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. A newborn's first bath helps prevent infections.

How Often to Bathe a Baby?

A newborn baby bath can be relaxing, but excessive bathing can lead to dry, stretchy skin. Bathing kids 2–3 times a week is enough to keep their bodies clean. But if your baby enjoys bath time, you can bathe them daily. A 5–11110-minute bath is enough for younger kids, as they have sensitive, delicate skin, and elaborate baths can wash away their natural oils, irritating it.

Some Important Baby Bath Procedure Tips:

1. Keep everything you might need during the baby bath procedure within arm's reach so that you do not have to get up or leave your baby unattended even for a second.

2. Check the temperature of the water before bathing the baby. The baby bath procedure temperature should be around 37–37 degrees Celsius. The best way to check this is to touch the water with your elbow. It is the perfect temperature if the water feels neither hot nor cold.

3. Take any jewellery or watch you might be wearing in your hands so that there are no chances of anything hurting the baby during the baby bath procedure.

4. Before you start bathing your baby, prepare the cloth diaper, towel, clothes, socks, etc.

5. Support your baby's head while bathing until they learn to support and hold their neck.

6. Please avoid using any soaps, shampoos, or cleansers with fragrances and strong chemicals.

7. Washing the genitals of babies does not need any soaps or cleansers. Instead, gently wash them with water and wipe them carefully with a soft muslin cloth.

Bath Supplies for Baby Bath:

You do not need many things to bathe a newborn. But a few essentials will make this experience easier and more comfortable.

Here's a table summarising the essentials for being aware of how to bathe a newborn:

These essentials will make bathing easier and more enjoyable for you and your baby, fostering a strong bond through this nurturing activity. This will ease your steps towards bathing a newborn.

Benefits of Bathing:

A baby bath routine offers many physical and emotional benefits for both the baby and the caregiver.

1. Learn about your baby: Every baby is different. They respond to other things and want to be held and touched differently. You can learn a lot about your little one through your touch and interactions while bathing them.

2. Soothes fussy babies: Even as adults, we feel calm and relaxed after a nice bath, right? If your little bundle of joy is also going through the colic phase and is uncomfortable or fussy, a nice, relaxing bath and a few cuddles will help them feel better.

3. Helps them sleep better: Many parents swear that massaging and bathing their babies before bedtime helps them feel relaxed and sleep faster and better.

4. Better parent-baby bond: Above all, a baby bath routine helps the caregivers – parents, grandparents, caretakers, etc. – form a bond with the child. Looking into the baby's eyes, gentle touch, and, at times, even talking to the baby can all help the caregiver bond more closely with the baby.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. It is essential to keep the baby clean, first with a sponge wash and then with a calming newborn baby bath and massage.

2. A baby bath routine provides physical and emotional advantages to the infant and the caregiver.

3. Many parents say massaging and bathing their babies before bedtime helps them feel relaxed and sleep faster and better.

FAQs:

Q1: When should I start bathing my newborn?

Ans. You can start bathing your newborn once their umbilical cord stump falls off, usually within the first few weeks after birth. Until then, sponge baths are recommended to keep the area clean and dry.

Q2: How often should I bathe my newborn?

Ans. For most newborns, bathing 2-3 times a week is sufficient. However, you can bathe them more frequently if they enjoy it or if they get filthy.

Q3: Should I use soap and shampoo every time I bathe my newborn?

Ans. No, you don't need to use soap and shampoo every time. In fact, using them too frequently can dry out your baby's delicate skin. Stick to plain water for most baths and use soap and shampoo only as needed, typically a couple of times a week.

Message from SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! SuperBottoms brings you doctor-recommended cloth diapers — the best rash-free diapering solution for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. Unlike disposable diapers loaded with chemicals, our newborn cloth diapers, when used and washed properly, can help eliminate the risk of diaper rashes. SuperBottoms offers a wide range of safe, skin-friendly essentials for the whole family — including Reusable Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pants, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, Padded Underwear for potty training, SuperSoft Underwear for everyday comfort, Joggers for playful days, and Period Underwear for women. Not just for everyday use, SuperBottoms products also make the best gifting choice for babies — thoughtful, eco-friendly, practical, and loved by parents. Now available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit

Reference Links

1. healthline.com/health/parenting/how-to-bathe-newborn
2. mayoclinic.org/infant-toddler-healthhealthy-baby