How Often Should Babies Bathe?
With the arrival of the newborn, many parents have the doubt of how often babies should bathe. The first thing you should know is that, unlike older people, they do not need a bath every day.
In fact, the skin of many babies can react with a rash or dryness if that happens. However, one thing you do need to do is make sure that the diaper region is always clean.
The general recommendation is that, until the baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off, wash it with a soft sponge or cloth instead of putting it in the bathtub. Then, when the cord has healed, the baby needs a bath once or twice a week.
When the baby learns to crawl and really gets dirty, you can introduce daily baths, even if they are not necessary yet. Of course, you should always use a moisturizer as soon as the little one gets out of the bath to avoid possible reactions on their delicate skin.
On the other hand, we recommend choosing a good time for the baby’s bath; preferably one that you are happy with. At the same time, you need to make sure that the room is warm and prepare all the necessary utensils in advance: a container of warm water, a towel, cotton wool, a fresh diaper and, if necessary, clean clothes.
How often should babies bathe?
Bathing your newborn baby for the first time is one of the most enjoyable, and for some, one of the most unsettling times of parenthood. Although parents may be nervous at first, they will soon become confident and competent as they learn what works best for them and the little one.
In the first months of the baby’s life, it is recommended to bathe them 1 or 2 times a week. However, you should always take care of and clean her face, hands, diaper area, and creases under the armpits every day.
Also, you should know that for some parents, the daily struggle to bathe babies can be difficult: they will do anything to avoid getting into the bathtub. Instead, other children really enjoy this moment.
When is the best time to bathe babies?
When it comes to timing, almost any time of the day can be the right time for a baby’s bath. The only thing you should take into consideration in these cases is to avoid bathing just before or after meals; doing it with a full belly could cause spit-up in the little one.
You also need to give your baby time to bathe, so you don’t need to rush. Remember also not to leave the baby unattended even for a second to take care of something else.
So if you plan to bathe the baby, remember that it is important to have full availability to monitor the baby at all times. In the event that you need to get out of the bathroom, you should always take it with you to avoid any kind of unexpected incident.
Tips for bathing babies
Given its importance, this list of tips that should be taken into account when bathing babies can be very useful:
- The proper water temperature for a bath is lukewarm.
- The duration of the baths should be 5-10 minutes.
- Use mild, fragrance-free soaps to prevent your baby’s skin from drying out.
- Apply small amounts of soap and wash the little one with your hands.
- Don’t let your baby sit and play in the bathtub if the water contains soap.
- Use the soap at the end of the bath, not at the beginning.
- When the bath is over, rinse the little one with warm water to remove all the soap from his body.
- Petroleum jelly is a wonderful moisturizer, especially when applied just as your child comes out of the bathtub with skin still damp.
- Avoid using fragranced creams, coloring agents, preservatives, and other chemicals.
- Do not use products that contain alcohol.
Finally, remember that the frequency of the baby’s bath should gradually increase to avoid possible alterations in its delicate skin. If you follow these tips, baths with your baby will be very special moments for you!
