Overview
If your a new parent and you are wondering the basics of baby bathing, how it works and how safe it is. You have come to the right place! Read More and find out!
Aside from following a strict and healthy diet, many moms are trying out ways to increase their milk supply and doing just about anything that involves taking care of the baby and usually cleaning your baby is one of those responsibilities.
It is true that babies love bathing in the water, many newborns find water fun because it reminds them of the time where they are in their mother’s womb. Although your baby might splash in the water bath you prepared, bathing your baby still needs safety precautions to make sure your baby is safe and free from danger. Nevertheless, it is a great way to keep your baby fresh and clean.
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If you’re afraid of your baby drowning in the water bath don’t worry, babies are a lot tough than what they seem to be. In fact, many newborns can breathe underwater due to their ability to breathe in the womb! Amazing isn’t it?
What is the preferred newborn bath temperature?
The newborn water bath temperature should be in a lukewarm state or a comfortably warm state. It should not be hot because it might strip away the natural oils of the baby’s skin and it might be too harsh for the sensitive baby of the skin. Also if the water is too cold your baby might be too uncomfortable bathing around the ice and it might cause respiratory and pulmonary complications due to the cold.
To ensure this you must be able to mix a hot and cold water in equal proportion, after that you can test its temperature by using a thermometer and make sure it is around the temperature of 36-38 degrees Celsius or 96.8-100.4 degrees Fahrenheit which is the standard temperature of a lukewarm water and the temperature of a normal and healthy body
How deep should the water in the bath of the baby?
Always take note of this one, for newborns or infants that are six months of age after birth the water bath should only be about 9cm to 10cm or 4in to 5in of water, beyond that should be avoided at all costs. It is also important to consider the hip-high position of the baby.
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If you’re the one administering the bath you should avoid filling the bathtub with more than hip-high this is especially recommended in babies that are above 6 months old and little toddlers. You should also avoid putting your baby in the bathtub if the water is still running on the bath due to the fact that it rapidly triggers a change in the water temperature which can cause discomfort to the baby.
You can also assist in the baby bath by making sure your baby is in the right position of the tub. To do this you must hold your baby firmly under his or her bottom using your hand and as you do that you should place your different arm under the back of her nack or back of her shoulders. This will make a relax and comfortable position to the baby
You can also try softly massaging his or her soft arms and other parts of your baby’s body. You can also use a bath seat that enables you to wash your baby more
What are the safety precautions of my baby taking bath?
You should never leave your baby unattended while he or she is in a bath. It is always necessary for a parent to strictly hold and take care of the baby, accidents can happen anytime and anywhere and this scenario is no exception many babies that are left unattended can drown even in less than 2 inches of water and it could just take a number of seconds for them to lose breath and die.
It is also important to take note that newborns or infants can be quiet as night and they can’t struggle or make noise, especially in the water. Always remember to keep an eye on your baby as there have been many incidents of babies being hospitalized due to drowning in the baby bathtub which is very prominent in countries like the U.S.A and the UK.
How often should I schedule a baby bath?
Bathtimes are preferred to be done every 2-3 days or daily if your baby is really dirty and has played outside of your house, but at the end of the day, the choice is yours. There is no rule in parenting that can make you do this standard responsibility, as long as your baby is safe and clean, you’re doing a great job.
Bathtimes can be a relaxing activity for your baby, but you should not do it every day. If you really are concerned about the hygiene of your baby, you could use other cleaning methods such as cleaning your baby with a soft washcloth.
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If your baby is older than 6 months or is a full-grown toddler, taking a bath should be a bedtime and morning routine because during these times they are more prone to getting bacterial and viral infections due to their rigorous and playful activities outside that involves playing in the dirt and playing with strangers that might have possible infections. It is also necessary that during your baby’s bathtime he or she should only use a mild and gentle cleanser that is specifically designed for baby’s soft and sensitive skin. The cleanser should also be hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic and should not contain any harmful chemicals
Should I wash my baby’s hair daily?
You can generally wash your baby’s hair for at least 2-4 days a week to ensure your baby’s hair is clean and free from lice and other dirt. It is generally not advisable for you to wash your baby’s hair daily because it might dry out your baby’s scalp which produces beneficial oils that softens the baby’s hair.
If your baby is experiencing cradle crap which is unusual scaly patches on your baby’s skin or your baby might have other scalp conditions such as lice infection. You may want to wash your baby’s hair daily until the condition subsides. Also, make sure you are using a gentle shampoo that does not contain any kind of hair softening chemicals or harsh chemicals that might lead to scalp sensitivity.
Read also:
- Keeping Track of Your Baby’s Weight at the Fifth Month
- The Best Baby Hair Care Products and Tips Moms Should know About
- How You Can Be The Best Parent By Knowing Your Baby’s Facial Expressions
