Bathing your newborn can feel daunting at first! But with practice, and knowing what a newborn likes when it comes to bathing will make bathtime an enjoyable and peaceful experience for all.
A bath can be used as a tool to settle, soothe and calm your baby, but also as a sensory playful experience. I love using bathtime in place of outdoor play when the weather is either too hot or too cold to go out.
When to bath your baby
You can bathe your baby at any time of day or night. A lot of parents like to use bath time as a part of the baby’s wind down sleep routine, as the warmth of the water can really calm a baby’s nervous system, priming their body for sleep. But a bath can also be done when it works best for the parents. Sometimes you will find you have more time and energy during the mornings, and this can be a lovely time to incorporate a bath routine.
How often to bath your baby
After your baby’s first few days of life, it is generally advised that your baby only needs to be bathed every 2 - 3 days, as they dont get dirty like adults do. Plus you will be regularly cleaning their nappy area during multiple changes per day. Cleaning products are not necessary for very newborn babies, however if you do choose to use a product like a baby shampoo and body wash, opt for natural, gentle and minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation and dryness to your baby’s skin.
After bath routine tips
Following a bath, make sure the environment is warm, and that you are placing your baby onto a nice soft, warm and dry towel. The younger the baby, the more tears when it comes to feeling the cold. This is what tends to stress new parents out the most when it comes to bath time. Once your baby is dry, secure their clean nappy in place, and then rub some baby oil or lotion to help keep their skin hydrated but locking in moisture. Use long, smoothe massaging strokes to further relax your baby.
I love the Shnuggle bath for newborns, as its unique design helps to keep them upright and supported. It is very compact and easy to drain, and can fit in most kitchen sinks. Having a smaller sized bath than a traditional bath is also excellent in terms minimising water wastage.
Joelleen Winduss Paye, IBCLC Lactation Consultant, Midwife & Naturopath
JWP Holistic Lactation Consultant
www.jwp.care @jwp.ibclc