New parents are often quite anxious about bathing their newborns for the first time, as their delicate bodies are yet to fully develop their own immunity. While bathing a crying newborn may not be easy, it's not too difficult either. It's also an important time for parents to care for their babies and show their love through gentle touches during bathing, using the right bath soap for newborns.
Tips for bathing newborns that parents should know
Bathing your baby once a day is usually sufficient, but it shouldn't be done immediately after birth. Wait at least six hours to a day before bathing to allow the baby's body temperature to stabilize. Bathing too soon can put the baby at risk of hypothermia and hypoglycemia. The first time a baby is in your mother's arms is a time for bonding. If your baby is breastfeeding now, it will be easier to latch on. Once home, you can only bathe your baby once a day for the first month.
The correct way to bathe a baby
Bathing a baby is not only a way to cleanse away dirt, but also a special time for parent-child bonding. It allows the baby to learn about the gentle touch of the parents and builds a sense of familiarity and trust. Although it sounds like a happy family time, it also comes with the sound of the little one crying. Understanding the proper bathing procedure can help ease parents' concerns in another way:
1. Prepare the environment for bathing your baby. Choose a time in the morning when there is warm sunlight. If you are in an air-conditioned room, turn off the air conditioner and close the windows to prevent strong winds.
2. Prepare the water for bathing. It should not be too warm or too hot. You can use your hand to feel the water to make sure it is room temperature to prevent dry skin.
3. Prepare the necessary equipment for bathing the baby, including:
- Alcohol for wiping the navel
- Boiled water for wiping the eyes
- Gauze for wiping the baby's tongue
- Small cotton balls for wiping the ears and nose
- Towels and swaddling cloths
- Clothing and disposable diapers -
Bathing bag or sponge
- Head to Toe liquid soap
4. Prepare to hold your baby for a bath by holding him on his non-dominant side so that he can use his dominant hand more easily. Most babies tend to tremble, wriggle, and cry, which is normal. If you notice that the tips of your nails are purple, you should finish bathing him as soon as possible.
5. First, wash your baby's face and hair. Slowly remove the original clothes without removing the diaper and wrap the baby in another cloth to prevent the baby from making a mess with poop or pee.
6. Use a soft towel to wipe your face clean. Use Head to Toe liquid soap to gently wash your baby's hair, then pick up your baby and dry him/herself.
7. During the bathing process, change the way you hold your baby by scooping his neck up and supporting him in your arms, and locking his arm opposite your hand. Use your dominant hand to scoop the baby's bottom into the water, only the torso.
8. Rub soap and wash the torso thoroughly, then quickly wipe the arms and back to prevent water from splashing on the baby's face.
9. While holding the baby, use your opposite hand to lock the opposite arm to help push the baby forward before washing the back of the body, then turn the baby back to the original side to check for traces of soap scum and other dirt.
10. Then wrap the baby again to prepare to wipe the eyes, wipe the milk stains in the mouth, wipe the ears and nose dry.
11. It is important not to forget to wipe the baby's navel with alcohol, as the umbilical cord usually falls off within two weeks. This should be done twice a day, in the morning and in the evening when changing the diaper.
12. Before putting on a diaper and dressing your new baby, parents can moisturize their baby's skin with baby oil or baby cream. Choose a hypoallergenic type that is safe for baby's skin.
Which type of soap should you choose for bathing your baby?
A safe and suitable liquid soap for bathing babies is one that is specifically designed for baby bathing.Ā Ultra Mild Baby Liquid SoapĀ Ā is gentle on all skin types with high-quality organic essences of argan oil and honeysuckle flowers, rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, without harmful chemicals that may cause irritation to baby's skin.
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