Bathing a newborn can be intimidating. It's not something most newborns or parents enjoy right away. Our specialists assist new parents day in and day out with bathing their wiggly toddlers and slippery newborns. We hope these tips for bathing your newborn will make the entire experience more enjoyable, less stressful, and overall just a little sweeter!
Until your newborn's umbilical cord stump has fallen off the only bath your baby will need is a wipe-down with a warm wet washcloth! At some point after that, you'll begin giving your newborn a traditional baby bath.
Here are our top tips for bathing your newborn!
1. The 3 T's of Bath Time: Temperature, Touch, and Time
Temperature should be right around 100 degrees F (38 degrees C)!
Newborns chill easily. Turn off any fans in the room. The room should not be too drafty or cold. No heat is needed in Florida unless you are currently experiencing true "winter" here.
Before your baby is born, to avoid burns, adjust the thermostat on your water heater to 120 F (49 C) or slightly lower.
Always test the water temperature before placing your baby in the water and never allow the water to run directly onto them.
Touch, keep one hand on baby at all times, every time! It only takes a second for an accident to happen and newborns are especially likely to slump over.
Time their bath to last no more than 10 minutes from undressing and redressing!
Newborns have very short cycles of sleep and wake windows. Newborns can be content and enjoying themselves one moment and the next thing you know they will be sleepy and over it quickly.
2. Gather Your Supplies First
Once you've decided where you'll bath your newborn you gather your supplies and make sure they are all within arm's reach. Remember "Touch" from the 3 T's of Bath Time
Bath Supplies:
timer (10 minutes start to finish)
tub of choice
a cup for pouring water
baby wash/soap of choice
water
1 washcloth
1 small swaddle to keep them wrapped while bathing
towel
Dressing Supplies:
diaper
clothing
socks
cotton ball for wiping/drying ears
lotion
brush
3. Keep Calm
Newborns have just spent the last 40 (ish) weeks in a dark warm space listening to swishing sounds and their mother's heartbeat. Finding themselves naked under bright lights and air can be a lot to experience. If your newborn is like most newborns they will cry. When this happens, you need to stay calm! Panicking doesn't help anyone and you are more likely to forget one of the 3 T's of Bath Time, touch! So stay calm!
Follow up bath time with skin-to-skin with your baby!
Not only does skin-to-skin feel good, but it lowers cortisol levels that have risen during stressful situations, increases oxytocin production (the love hormone), helps regulate your baby's body temperature, and also promotes healing! You and your baby will enjoy this time, and if you need a break, now is a great time for your partner to tag in while you step away for a break, a shower, or even just a few moments to nap!
We hope you find our tips for bathing your newborn useful and if you are seeking a loving support team who helps with baths, bedtime, dinner, soothing, feedings, sleep, and routines, reach out to us today! We would love to be the support you desire!
Authored by Elizabeth Luke
Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, Elizabeth is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart for helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading the healthiest lives possible! Contact us today for day, night, and live-in support!Â