How To Bathe a Newborn: 10 Simple Steps?

Congratulations on the recent birth of your first child! The initial months of your baby's life are truly remarkable. However, you may have questions about the proper way to bathe your newborn.

Fear not! The process is straightforward, and with a little practice, you'll become proficient at bathing your baby in no time. Continue reading to discover 10 simple steps for bathing a newborn.

 Initially, bathing your newborn may seem like a significant task. However, as the weeks progress, giving your baby a bath will become as routine as changing their diaper.

As mentioned earlier, and it's worth emphasizing, until your baby's umbilical cord stump naturally falls off, stick to sponge baths. The following steps provide instructions for bathing your newborn once the umbilical cord has detached.

Here's a simple guide on how to bathe a newborn in 10 steps:

1) Ensure All Your Supplies Are Within Reach
First and foremost, ensure that all the supplies mentioned above are readily available. Select a stable surface to organize these items; some parents opt for a bathroom countertop, the bathtub itself, a changing table, or a kitchen countertop. Whichever surface you choose, prioritize safety and stability.

2) Fill Your Baby’s Bathtub with Water
The second step involves filling the bathtub with water. For bathing your newborn, you only need two to three inches of water. Maintain the water temperature at approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, similar to the human body. Aim for a range between 90°F and 100°F and use a thermometer to confirm the precise temperature.

3) Gently Place Your Newborn in the Bath

Bathing Your Newborn: A Step-by-Step Guide

Initially, giving your newborn a bath might seem daunting, but with time, it will become as routine as changing their diaper.

As reiterated earlier, until your baby's umbilical cord stump naturally falls off, stick to sponge baths. The following steps outline how to bathe your newborn once the umbilical cord is no longer present:

1. Securely Lower Your Baby into the Bathtub: Gently lower your baby into the bathtub, ensuring one hand supports the back of their head and the other cradles their bottom. Always let your baby ease into the water, avoiding a headfirst entry. Placing a towel at the tub's bottom can add softness and prevent sliding.

2. Consider Bathing in the Sink: Alternatively, bathing your baby in the kitchen sink is an option, using a sink insert for infants up to six months. This provides a cushion against the sink's hard sides, offering comfort and practicality.

3. Monitor Your Baby Closely: Keep a watchful eye on your baby during bath time. While some newborns naturally enjoy the water, others may need time to acclimate. Adjust your approach based on your baby's comfort level.

4. Lather and Rinse Carefully: Due to their delicate skin, be gentle when applying cleansing products and shampoos. Use an ultra-soft washcloth or your hands, and use a small plastic cup to rinse your baby, ensuring no soapy water enters their eyes or nose.

5. Start with the Head and Face: Begin by washing your baby's head and face to minimize the risk of soap getting into their eyes. Use a washcloth, your hands, or even cotton balls for this sensitive area.

6. Address Specific Concerns like Cradle Cap: For conditions like cradle cap, consider specialized products like the Cradle Cap Duo, which gently exfoliates the scalp and reduces the likelihood of recurrence. Apply the product to wet hair, massage, and rinse carefully.

7. Wash Limbs and Torso: After addressing the head and face, focus on washing your baby's arms, legs, tummy, and back. These areas are generally less sensitive and easier to clean.

8. Attend to Easy-to-Miss Places: Pay special attention to adorable folds and rolls, ensuring you wash areas around your baby's neck, wrists, knees, elbows, behind the ears, and between fingers and toes. Thoroughly clean the genital and diaper area, leaving it for the last to prevent spreading bacteria.

9. Pat Your Newborn Dry Gently: After bathing, place your baby on a clean, soft towel and gently pat them dry, following the same order as when washing their body. Quick drying is recommended, especially if your baby feels cold initially.

10. Apply Moisturizing Lotion: Complete the bathing routine by applying a safe, gentle, moisturizing lotion like Mustela's Hydra Bebe Body Lotion. This protects your baby's skin from excessive dryness and offers long-lasting moisture. For eczema-prone skin, consider Stelatopia Emollient Cream or Stelatopia Emollient Face Cream. Additionally, soothe your baby with Melting Massage Balm, a 100% natural balm perfect for baby massages.

Finish by dressing your newborn in a warm outfit and putting on a new diaper. Congratulations, you now have a clean and adorable baby!