Baby Bath Care Tips For Your Little One
April 17, 2023Baby Bath time is an essential part of your baby's hygiene routine, and it can be a fun bonding experience for you and your little one. Babies have delicate skin prone to irritations, infections, and rashes. Regularly bathing them helps remove dirt, sweat, and other impurities that can build up on their skin. Bathing can also have a calming effect on the baby, especially if they are fussy or agitated. The warm water can help to relax their muscles and ease any discomfort they may be experiencing.
One must know that newborns do not need to be bathed every day. Frequent bathing can dry out their delicate skin and increase the risk of irritation. For new parents, it is difficult to bathe their newborns. In this blog, we will discuss the do’s and don’ts of baby bathing and tell you which baby care products are best for your little one.
Things You Must Know Before Bathing Your Newborn
Bathing a newborn can be a delicate and nerve-wracking experience for new parents. During bathing, your baby can enjoy and have a warm and soothing experience, or they may shout throughout the bath, making it stressful. One must know these things to make your baby's bath time less stressful and safe.
- Before you start the bath, gather all the necessary supplies, such as a baby bathtub, mild soap, washcloths, towels, and a clean diaper.
- Baby bodies get slippery during baths, and holding them becomes a bit difficult. Hence, hold them carefully and use a non-slip mat or towel on the bottom of the tub to help prevent your baby from slipping.
- Give your baby a sponge bath until the stump falls off. If your baby still has an umbilical cord stump, avoid getting it wet.
- Baby’s skin is very delicate. Due to this, one must not use too hot water for bathing them. Always test the temperature before giving your newborn a bath.
- Harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates are harmful to your baby. Hence, buy safe baby care products with natural ingredients that do not irritate your baby's skin or hair.
What are the Must Dos of Baby Bath Time?
1. Do Test the Water Temperature
The first and most crucial do of baby bath time is to test the water temperature before putting your baby in the tub. The water should be lukewarm, around 100°F (38°C). It should feel warm but not hot. You can test the water by putting your elbow or the inside of your wrist in the water.
2. Do Use a Mild and Gentle Soap
Babies have delicate and sensitive skin, and it is crucial to use a mild and gentle soap that will not irritate them. Look for baby soaps specifically formulated for babies and free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes. The product should be pH-balanced and hypoallergenic, and dermatologist tested.
3. Do Support Your Baby's Head
Babies can't support their heads, so supporting their head and neck is essential while bathing them. If a baby's head is not properly supported, it can flop forward or to the side, which can be dangerous and even lead to drowning. Supporting their head also helps to keep their face out of the water, which can help prevent them from inhaling water. Use one hand to support their head and neck and the other hand to wash their body.
4. Do Keep Your Baby Warm
Babies can get cold quickly, so keeping them warm during baby bath time is essential. Warm water also helps to loosen dirt and grime on the baby's skin, making it easier to clean them. You can also keep your baby warm by keeping the room warm, using warm water, and drying them off quickly after the bath.
5. Do Use a Soft Washcloth
Use a soft washcloth to wash your baby's body and a separate washcloth to wash their face. Babies have delicate skin, and it is crucial to use a soft washcloth that won't irritate them. Additionally, using a soft cloth during a baby's bath can help you clean hard-to-reach areas, such as folds of skin, without causing discomfort or pain for the baby.
6. Do Rinse Thoroughly
It is essential to rinse your baby thoroughly after washing them to remove any soap residue. Make sure to rinse all the folds and creases, especially in the diaper area, to prevent diaper rash. One can also use a nappy rash cream after bath.
The Don'ts of Baby Bath Time
Don't Leave Your Baby Unattended
Never leave your baby in the bath unattended, even for a second. Babies can slip or slide in the tub, which can cause them to go underwater and inhale water. Babies can easily drown in just a few inches of water, so it is essential to stay with them at all times.
Don't Use Hot Water
Hot water should not be used for a baby's bath because it can cause burns and scalds on a baby's delicate skin. A baby's skin is more sensitive and fragile than an adult's and can burn at lower temperatures. An ideal water temperature for a baby's bath should be lukewarm, around 90-100°F (32-38°C). You can test the water temperature using a bath thermometer or by testing the water with your elbow or wrist.
Don't Use Too Much or Chemical-based Soap
Using too much soap can dry out your baby's skin and cause irritation. Use a small amount of soap and lather it on your hands before applying it to your baby's body. Chemicals can harm your little one's skin by causing rashes. Therefore, one must use baby care products that have the goodness of natural essential oils and is made with a mild and gentle formula.
Don't Scrub Too Hard
Babies have delicate skin, and it is essential to be gentle when washing them. Don't scrub too hard or rub their skin too vigorously. It can irritate their skin and cause rashes. Harsh scrubbing can also cause pain to your baby's delicate skin. Instead of scrubbing, gently wash your baby's skin using a soft washcloth or sponge.
Don't Forget to Dry Your Baby Thoroughly
After bath time, use a soft towel and gently pat their skin dry. Moisture on a baby's skin can also make it easier for bacteria and fungi to grow, which can cause infections. Pay special attention to the folds of their skin, such as their neck, armpits, and diaper area, as these areas can trap moisture and bacteria.
Closing Words
In conclusion, bath time is an important part of your baby's hygiene routine, and it can be a fun bonding experience for you and your little one. One of the most crucial things during bath time is to use mild, safe, and hypoallergenic baby care products to give complete care to your baby. Shoprythm has the best baby shampoo and soap to protect your baby’s delicate skin during their bath time.
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