Baby is born and while you’ve likely been preparing for this moment, no preparation could have prepared you for the journey ahead. Juggling priorities while also tackling a new chapter in life is an arduous task. But there are some things that can give you peace of mind in your parenting experience, one of them being bathing your baby.
Baby bath time can be as relaxing as it is challenging and depending on your child and their needs, there are many different ways you can help them get clean and dry without any trouble
Unlike a newborn baby who have a few hours of rest in between feedings, your baby should be cleaned and cared for at least once every 4-6 hours. So how often should you bathe your baby? The answer isn’t simple.
5 tips on how often to bath your baby:
1) How Old Is Your Baby?
The first thing you need to know is that babies don’t have the same needs as older babies. Smaller newborns benefit from more frequent baths but only if they are warm and when their temperatures are kept stable. When lowering baby into the water you should support their body gently with one hand on top of their chest so that it is easy for them to breathe. Try massaging their chest gently as well.
The next thing you need to take into consideration is how to get your baby accustomed to water. This part is important because it will help you get your little one clean very quickly so you can finish the bath session faster and avoid headaches like leaving them alone in the tub for too long. Having a hooded towel ready is a must to keep bub comfy and warm after a bath.
2) Do They Smell?
It is normal for babies to smell. The smell of the amniotic fluid that the baby was bathed in is usually still present even after birth. And while this usually fades within a few days, your baby can also smell because they’ve had a bowel movement. With newborns, bowel movements are very frequent and this should not be taken as a cause for concern; however, it can be if your newborn is sick, or has fallen ill. If you suspect that there is something wrong with your baby, you should consult a doctor immediately.
3) Can it be Fun?
Absolutely, bath time can be a wonderful bonding experience between baby and parents. Having some bath toys or waterproof bath books handy will definitely help to distract and some fun to bath time. Toys will help baby get comfortable with the idea of taking a bath.
4) Cleanliness Is Key for Healthy Skin and Hair
Newborns are more prone to infections and illnesses because their immune systems have not yet developed fully. The bacterium that causes jaundice, pseudomonas bacteria, can cause redness on your baby’s eyes and a change of skin color. Babies also need to be dried off after a bath or diaper change. It is good to use natural or organic skincare on newborn babies such as Moogoo baby bath wash.
Newborns also have skin folds and folds of skin around their mouths, noses and ears can easily get infected and leave unsightly sores on the face. These areas should be cleaned regularly to avoid such scabs from forming.
5) Bedtime Routine
It might take some time to establish a routine with a newborn but eventually bath time can play an important role in bed time preparation. It will help develop relaxation stage and promote bonding between you and your baby. Parents can incorporate a massage session after baby’s bath using a massage oil or goats milk lotion.
As your baby grows, you may find that the frequency of bathing is not as important as the hygiene of their hair and skin. Some babies will develop a rash if they are washed too much. If they do have sores or other irritation on their skin, then you should check with your pediatrician to see if there are any other causes for such issues. The MooGoo nappy rash lotion can be useful and the Moogoo Udder Cream is an ideal moisturiser for maintaining skin health.
Hopefully these tips will help you get through your baby's bath time without worrying and stress.
