Bath Time ˚∘○˚
Bathing your baby for the first time can feel a little intimidating. Ive had the pleasure of watching over several first baths, and they have become some of my favorite moments as a postpartum doula.
Most important is finding a bath tub that works for you. There are lots of great options out there- the most important aspect of a baby tub is support to keep the baby at an incline.
I recommend having at least two washcloths, one to place on the baby’s midsection to keep them warm and one to wash with.
When looking at baby soap and lotion options, check that they are gentle, hypoallergenic, and that they have a transparent ingredient list that you feel comfortable with. I generally suggest fragrance free, but some come with light fragrances that most babies are okay with. I leave that to your discretion! Popular brands that I have personally worked with are- Pipette, Honest Co., and Aveeno.
The bathwater should be around 100 degrees fahrenheit. It will feel slightly warm to the touch, definitely not hot. I am a big fan of the ducky temperature readers, it takes all the guess work out so you know the water is perfect for the baby.
Here is my step by step guide for bath time! Keep in mind, you don’t want to give your baby a bath until their umbilical stump has fallen off and healed.
Gather all of your supplies- two washcloths, towel, soap, lotion, temperature reader, rinse cup, fresh diaper, diaper cream, and clean clothes.
Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water.
Undress your baby, and wipe the diaper area with a wet wipe if needed.
Lower the baby into the tub and place one wet washcloth over their abdomen. You can periodically pour water over the washcloth to keep them nice and warm.
With the other washcloth you can start with the face and work down. Its not necessary to use soap on the baby’s face, a wet washcloth should do the trick. Once you have cleaned the face you can add a little soap to the washcloth to clean the rest. Pay extra attention to the neck and other rolls!
Take the rinse cup and wash the soap away and wrap them in a towel. You can also take this time for some skin to skin if you like.
Lay the baby down on the changing pad, I like to keep the towel mostly covering them, or even grab a dry one to replace the damp one, and use your lotion of choice.
Put on diaper cream, fresh diaper and new clothes. You did it!
Cradle cap is super common and usually resolves on its own. There are some options for at home treatment too. Before bath time you can use an oil ( I like coconut oil) and rub it in the affected area. Let it sit for 15 ish minutes. Frida sells a soft silicone brush you can use to gently exfoliate the area. There are also gentle washes you can purchase specifically targeted for cradle cap.
Babies do not need to have a bath everyday, three times a week is more than enough. There is no ideal time of day to give a bath, in my opinion. Some babies are stimulated by bath time, some are relaxed by it. You will find the time that works best for you!
