The fragility of the body, the risk of getting cold and falling ill, or the chance of water entering the mouth/nose... All these factors make the routine of bathing a newborn baby a source of concern for new parents. However, with the newborn bathing techniques we are about to share, the bathing routine will become much easier and more enjoyable! Here is everything you need to know about baby bathing...

The fragility of the body, the risk of getting cold and falling ill, or the chance of water entering the mouth/nose... All these factors make the bathing of a newborn baby a worrying routine for new parents. However, thanks to the newborn bathing techniques we are about to share, the bathing routine will become much easier and more enjoyable! Here is everything you need to know about baby bathing...

When Should the First Bath of a Newborn Be Given?

Newborns are covered in a creamy layer called vernix at birth. This yellow or white layer forms during the last three months of pregnancy. Research has shown that vernix contains more than 40 types of proteins, and more than half of these proteins are unique to vernix and found in nothing else. This same study has proven that the vernix layer covering the baby's skin has a germicidal effect. Thus, it is understood that the benefits of vernix, which is a very special structure for the baby, begin even while in the womb. Vernix caseosa protects the baby from various infections and, thanks to its slippery form during delivery, helps the baby come into the world quickly and easily. The benefits of vernix for the baby do not end there. The vernix layer balances the temperature difference between the warmth of the womb and the external environment, preventing the baby from experiencing thermal shock after birth. It also moisturizes the baby’s skin, prevents fluid loss, and helps the skin resist infections.

For all these reasons, the view that newborn babies should not be bathed immediately after birth has emerged. The World Health Organization states that a newborn should not be cleaned for at least 6 hours. After this period, it is suggested that rather than bathing, the baby should be wiped and dried with a damp cloth. In our country, doctors also state that the bath can be given the day after the umbilical cord has fallen, allowing the baby to benefit from the advantages of vernix and preventing the umbilical cord from becoming infected. It is emphasized that baths can be done on previous days, but the umbilical cord should not get wet.

Preparations for Baby Bathing

Washing a newborn baby may initially be intimidating for most parents, but you will understand that this task is actually easier than it seems thanks to the bathing techniques we list below. But first, let’s take a look at the preparations that need to be made...

Washing environment: The environment where the baby will be washed is perhaps the most important factor to ensure that the baby does not get sick. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid drafts in the room or bathroom where the baby will be washed. This means windows and doors should definitely be kept closed.

Room temperature: The temperature of the room is also quite important for the baby's health. The ideal room temperature for bathing is between 22 – 26 degrees Celsius. If the room is cold, a small heater can be used to warm the room before bathing.

Water temperature: The water in which the baby will be bathed should be between 35 – 37 degrees Celsius. The temperature can be checked with a thermometer or elbow. The water should be well-adjusted because if it is too hot, it can harm the baby's skin, and if it is too cold, it can cause the baby to get cold.

Water level: The bathwater should not be too high for safety reasons, and it is recommended to keep the maximum height at 8 – 10 cm.

Baby Bathing Needs List

Preparing the items that may be needed while washing the baby provides great convenience for parents during the bath. Here are some items you might need while bathing your baby:

• Baby bathtub, bucket, basin,
• Thermometer to measure water temperature (you can also check with your elbow),
• Special bath sponge/net for babies or gauze,
• Organic baby shampoo,
• Soft towel,
• Clean clothes for after bathing,
• Baby diaper,

A cotton swab for drying the outer part of the ear.

What Should Baby Shampoo Be Like?

Since newborn babies have very sensitive skin, the choice of shampoo to be used during the bath is very important. Using the wrong or adult shampoo can cause irritation and allergies on the baby's skin. Therefore, it is essential to prefer organic baby shampoo. Shampoos that do not contain harmful chemicals like alcohol, dyes, parabens, and sulfates, have a low foaming rate, are pH-balanced with baby skin, are dermatologically tested, and are hypoallergenic should be used.

Baby Washing Techniques

After completing the preparations mentioned above, you can proceed to the washing stage. While most mothers want to learn how to bathe a baby alone, it should be noted that bathing the baby with two people is much safer and easier.

To avoid startling the baby, facial cleaning can be done before the bath. For this, a damp cotton ball can first be used to clean the eyes, then the nose, ears, and finally the entire face. This way, since the baby won’t have excess water on their face during the bath, they will maintain their calm. It is advisable to change the cotton ball several times during the facial cleaning.

In the next step, the baby's head should be positioned over the parent’s arm, looking upward. Then, the baby should be gently immersed in water starting from the feet. The ears can be covered with the fingers of the hand holding the head. The body should be lightly moistened with the other hand without startling the baby.

Using a small amount of organic baby shampoo, the baby's armpits, neck, torso, legs, and bottom should be washed. During this process, a very soft cloth or baby sponge can be used. However, care should be taken to avoid any harsh movements that could irritate the baby.

After washing and rinsing the body, you can proceed to the head area. For this, the baby should again be positioned face down in the arm. To prevent water from getting in the ears, water should be poured directly from behind the head. After shampooing, it should be rinsed thoroughly, ensuring that no shampoo residue remains.

After the washing process is completed, the baby should be slowly lifted out of the water, thoroughly dried, and dressed without delay. Before dressing, a moisturizer recommended by the doctor can be applied to help the skin relax.

Tips for a Safe and Easy Bath...

• Before bathing, make sure that all preparations are made, the room temperature is set, the water is brought to the ideal temperature, and you have all the necessary items with you.
• Newborn babies’ skin becomes very slippery when in contact with water. Therefore, you should be very careful while holding the baby and ask for help if necessary.
• If you are going to bathe the baby before the cord falls off, you must be very careful not to let water touch that area.
• Do not bathe your baby on an empty or full stomach. The ideal time is one hour after eating.
• Wash your baby's legs and torso first, and wash the head last. This is because babies do not like water on their heads and often cry.
• For any reason, you should never leave the baby alone in the bathtub.
• Bathing babies every other day for the first 6 months is healthy for their development. After the 6th month, a bathing routine can be established based on family habits.