Bathing a Newborn for the First Time: A Guide for New Parents

When your baby comes into the world, there are a lot of things to do and milestones to reach at the same time. One of those things is giving your baby his or her first bath. Aside from feeding, it’s important to keep your baby clean, but that doesn’t mean you have to give them their first bath right away. To get the best results, every step needs to be done at the right time.

When a baby is brand new, it can be scary for new parents to bathe him or her for the first time. Here are some ways to make the experience easier and more fun for both the baby and the parent. Bathing a brand-new baby can be one of the scariest things for new parents to do.

In this article, we’ll talk about when to give your baby his or her first bath and what else you should do to make sure it goes well.

When is the best time to give them their first bath?

The ideal time to bathe your baby is between 10 and 14 days after birth when the cord stump has fallen off. Once the cord stump has healed and fallen off, your baby can be placed in a bathtub with warm water no deeper than 2 inches. This will help your baby relax while they become accustomed to their new environment. Before this time, you should only bathe your baby with warm washcloths or sponge baths until the cord stump has fully healed to prevent infections and other issues that may result from water exposure.

How to give a baby its first bath

Getting a baby into the bathtub for the first time can be a daunting experience for any parent. However, it’s important to remember that bathtime can be a fun and enjoyable experience for your baby, too. Here are some tips to help you make sure your little one enjoys their first bath:

The water temperature should never be too warm or too cold. The water should be just right for your baby’s comfort.
Only use soaps and shampoos that are gentle and designed for a baby’s sensitive skin.
When washing baby’s hair, tilt their head back and pour slightly warm water over their head so that soap doesn’t get in their eyes and ears.
Keep one hand on the baby as they are learning how to balance in slippery places, such as the bathtub.
Keep an eye on the time. Infants shouldn’t be in a warm bath for more than 10 minutes due to their small size and inability to regulate their body temperature.
Once out of the bath, wrap the baby in towels or blankets as soon as possible.