Bath Routine for Your Baby
Bathing your newborn baby can be a nerve-wracking experience for parents. Whether it’s your first baby or your third one, you may still feel as anxious as you handle your fragile precious one. There are many things to keep in mind when bathing your baby, and an important one is considering the right newborn bath schedule. Here’s a recommended bath schedule for your newborn baby:
First Month
Bathing babies right after delivery has always been a common practice for parents for years, but studies suggest delaying the first bath since it may provide some benefits.
According to a 2019 study, waiting at least 12 hours after delivery before bathing your baby promotes breastfeeding. Another newer research found that bathing your baby after 48 hours helps keep your baby’s normal temperature and aids in skin development.
The most recommended newborn bath schedule during your baby’s first months is bathing 1-2 times per week until the umbilical stump falls off. In the first month, don’t submerge your newborn’s body in the water. You can simply use a warm washcloth and give them a gentle sponge bath from head to toe. You may need to clean your baby when they dribble milk or when they need diaper cleanup, but there’s no need for a daily bath in the first month unless there is a mess.
1-3 Months
Once your baby’s umbilical stump falls off, you can start giving them a traditional bath. Fill your baby’s bathtub halfway with warm water and have your baby enjoy the water in the tub as you wash them. You can use a damp washcloth and gentle baby soap for easier wash and rinse.
If you can, you can also bathe with your baby in the shower. This will not only create a fun and exciting time with your baby, but it also helps you handle your baby better during bath time. Just make sure to keep the water temperature lukewarm as you bathe with your baby since babies prefer warmer water.
3-6 Months
As your baby grows, they will most likely enjoy splashing water during bath time, so it’s ideal to consider bathing them more frequently at this age. However, keep in mind that your baby’s skin is delicate. So if you bathe your baby more than twice a week, only use soap when necessary to avoid drying out their skin. You can also use a gentle, chemical-free lotion to moisturize your baby’s skin after bath time.
6-12 Months
Once your baby starts eating solids and becomes more mobile, you can start bathing them much more frequently. While you may think of bathing your baby every day at this age, it’s still not recommended to bathe them on a daily basis. This is because baby skin is sensitive, and excessive bathing can cause skin dryness and other skin conditions. You can, however, give your baby more bath time, but don’t use soap as often as every day.
Bath time is a fun and great way to calm your baby. Just make sure you follow the recommended newborn bath schedule to avoid causing harm to your baby’s delicate skin.
