It’s time for bathy bathy! Undress baby, splash warm water with a bit of soap in a sponge and that’s it, you’re good to go! Uhm. But really, that’s just not it.
Baby’s first bath time can be as exciting and daunting for new parents. But we’re here to help you out!
So, being in a room most of the time, your baby doesn’t really get dirty (that much). Mommy, there’s no need to bathe your baby every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom carefully instead. This is often called "topping and tailing" or non-bath days. For busy parents, that surely is a yay! You may also do daily spot-cleaning in areas that get particularly sweaty, oily, or dirty, such as behind the ears, in the neck folds, in the creases of the groin, and in the diaper area.
Now, if you think that baby is ready for a daily bath, make it predictable and comforting by following a regular routine. Have everything you need to hand before you start and make sure the bathroom is warm. If your baby screams every time you try to put her into the water, it either means that she is hungry, the water is too hot or cold, or you have a baby who doesn’t like to be alone in the water. Her security may be threatened.
Should bath time be in the morning? That's up to you! Choose a time when you're not rushed or likely to be interrupted. Some parents opt for morning baths, when their babies are alert and ready to enjoy the experience. Others prefer to make baby baths part of a calming bedtime ritual. If you bathe your baby after a feeding, consider waiting for your baby's tummy to settle a bit first.
Baby’s skin, especially a newborn’s, is sensitive, and all soaps are mild irritants. The function of soap is to suspend particles and oils on the skin surface so that they can be more easily removed from the skin with water. Limit the soap’s time on the skin to less than five minutes to avoid drying or irritating the skin. Wash it off as soon as possible and rinse the skin well. The truth is, choosing bath soap is a matter of trial and error, once you’ve found the perfect soap that is “hiyang” for baby, you just unlock the gentle way to keeping your little one’s skin super soft.
First, bear in mind that bathing is not primarily cleaning time.
It’s much more than that. It’s a chance to play, learn, grow and bond with your baby. Also, there is no right or wrong way to bathe a baby; just pick one that works for you with a minimum of hassles.
