Bathing of Newborn

For first-time parents, bathing their newborn is an exciting event for everyone involved. Many parents worry about doing something wrong. Typical questions arise, such as: How warm should a baby's bath be? Does the water need any additives? When can you start bathing babies? And how often should babies be bathed?

Bathing a baby might sound complicated, but it really isn't. There are a few basic rules. If you follow them, you can't really go wrong!

Contents:

1. The first baby bath
2. Tips for baby bathing
3. How to hold your baby correctly
4. To towel dry or blow dry?
5. Frequency of baby bathing

The time has come – your baby's first bath is imminent. First and foremost: The regular bathtub is off-limits! Instead, use a baby bath or a bath bucket. Gather all the necessary items in advance so that you never have to leave your baby unattended.

What you'll need are one to two soft washcloths and, if possible, a pre-warmed, soft towel for drying. If your infant already has hair on their head, also have the baby brush at hand.

Checklist: What do I need to bathe my baby?

• Baby bath/bath bucket
• 1-2 soft washcloths
• Pre-warmed, soft towel
• Possibly a baby brush

Location:

The room where the bath takes place should be comfortably warm. The same goes for the bathwater: For your little one, a water temperature of 37-38° Celsius is ideal. This ensures they neither get too cold nor scalded. Fill the bath so that your baby's shoulders are covered. Remember to clean your baby's bottom beforehand if needed, to prevent any germs from entering the bathwater!

Timing:

If you're wondering when is the best time to bathe your baby: Choose a time when you can fully dedicate yourself to the task. It should become a lovely ritual for both you and your baby, and should never become stressful. Ensure your baby is in a good mood. They should neither be hungry nor freshly fed.

The water temperature for bathing your baby should be between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius.

Place one arm under your child's head and upper back, gently grasping their shoulder with your hand. The other hand supports the bottom as you lower them into the water. Afterwards, use this hand for washing.

Start by gently cleaning your baby's face and neck, then work your way downwards. Pay attention to skin folds and hard-to-reach areas, such as behind the little ears. Finally, wash your child's nappy area.

Very importantly: Never take your eyes off your baby while they're in the water!

Baby Bathing: For How Long?
The bathing fun should not last longer than 5 minutes in the first few weeks, as there's a risk of the baby getting too cold.

If the bathroom is comfortably warm, it's recommended to dry the baby with a soft towel and the loving hands of the parents. The reasons are numerous:

1. Physical touch from the parents' hands offers the baby more security and comfort than an inconsistent draft.
2. A hairdryer can emit very hot air, increasing the risk of burns.
3. Especially older hairdryers can blow dust particles into the air, which can be counterproductive for the healing process if the baby has open areas or a sore bottom.

Therefore, it's advisable to skip the hairdryer and instead prefer traditional towel drying.

Always thoroughly dry your freshly washed treasure. Moisture, for example in skin folds, can quickly lead to sore skin in babies. Be gentle in your approach. Avoid rough rubbing and instead pat gently.

Some infants are prone to dry skin or suffer from what's called nappy rash, which means sore areas in the nappy region. In both cases, it's beneficial to moisturise your baby after the bath. Only use skin care products that are tailored to the sensitive skin of babies.

Take this opportunity for a baby massage as well. It's not only good for your little one but can also positively influence the bond between the two of you.

How often you should bathe your baby depends on the child's age. It's best to bathe an infant once or twice a week, but definitely no more than that. Babies don't sweat and generally don't get dirty. Moreover, their skin is very sensitive, so excessive care can be harmful to the baby.

The general rule is: Observe your child! If you notice that your baby feels uncomfortable during the bath, give them a bit more time and clean them with just a washcloth for a few more occasions.