Welcome to our guide on newborn care, where we're diving into one of the most common questions new parents ask: How often should you bathe your newborn? Bathing isn't just about keeping your little one clean; it's a chance to bond. If the mother is breastfeeding this can be a great time for the other parent to have “bonding time” with the infant. We will walk you through everything you need to know.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Newborn?
Newborns don't need daily baths. Two to three times a week is enough during the first year. Bathing too often can strip away natural oils that protect against infections and irritants. If you're quick about diaper changes and use those handy burp cloths, you're pretty much already cleaning the important areas like the face, neck, and diaper region.
Here are some tips to make bath time a breeze for you and your little one:
- Choose the right time: Aim for when your baby is awake and content, avoiding right after feedings, unless that is good time for your infant. A calm baby makes bath time much smoother.
- Prepare in advance: Gather all supplies ahead of time - baby tub, towels, washcloth, mild baby soap/cleanser, a fresh diaper, and clothes. Having everything ready prevents frantic searching once the bath starts.
- Water temperature: Use your wrist or elbow to test the water first. It should be comfortably warm, not hot, to prevent scalding or chilling your little one.
- Start with the head: Gently wash your baby's face and scalp with the washcloth first. Use a mild baby shampoo once or twice a week to cleanse their hair. For cradle cap, massage a small amount of mineral oil or coconut oil onto the scalp before bathing, then gently brush the scales with a soft brush or washcloth during the bath. Rinse thoroughly.
- Clean the rest: Use the washcloth and baby soap to delicately clean your baby. Wash the little areas between the fingers, toes, neck, and any place on the skin that can collect moisture and build yeast. You can use soap on the face. Rinse thoroughly after to remove any soap residue.
- Gentle cleansing: Stick to fragrance-free, tear-free baby washes and avoid harsh soaps. A soft washcloth is perfect for lightly cleansing without irritating delicate newborn skin.
- Post-bath care: After the bath, quickly bundle your baby in a soft towel to stay cozy. If you want you can follow up with a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer to lock in hydration.
- Safety first: Never leave a baby unattended in the tub, even for a moment. Have everything you need within arm's reach, so you never need to walk away.
Nurturing Your Newborn with Confidence
Caring for a newborn involves learning and adjusting as you go, and when it comes to bathing, finding the right balance that suits both you and your baby is key. If you have any concerns about bathing your newborn or their skin health, don't hesitate to contact a pediatrician for guidance.
Partnering with Allied Physicians Group for Your Newborn's Care
At Allied Physicians Group, we understand that navigating the first year with your newborn comes with many questions and decisions. That's why our dedicated team of pediatricians is here to support you every step of the way, from answering your questions about newborn care to providing ongoing support as your child grows.
If you're looking for personalized care and expert advice tailored to your baby's needs, find a pediatrician near you. Let Allied be your trusted partner in ensuring your little one's health and happiness from the very start.
Allied Physicians Group is a partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 350 highly trained support staff. We offer pediatric care, family medicine, and other specialties at our practice locations. Allied Physicians Group has office locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange Counties. If you are looking for a physician near you click here, or for more information, please visit: https://alliedphysiciansgroup.com.