As a new mother, I was apprehensive about my capabilities as a caregiver. While feeding and burping my baby came naturally to me, bathing my newborn seemed more challenging. However, with expert advice from my pediatrician in Bangalore, I am now a more confident mother with complete trust in my abilities. So, allow me to share my pediatrician’s tips for best bathing practices for newborn care.
If it’s your baby’s first bath at home, it’s a special moment for you all. Anticipating your child’s first reaction to water and also noticing the changing facial expressions can be a joyful moment.
Your baby will most probably still have the umbilical cord stump. So, it is advisable to wait for the stump to fall off before putting your baby in a tub of water.
Start your baby’s first bath experience with a sponge bath. Expect your newborn to cry because the bathing experience is a new concept for your baby. Creating a pleasing atmosphere while bathing your baby can go a long way in soothing your baby’s cries and providing better newborn baby care.
To sponge bath your baby, you will need:
Firstly, it is important to ensure the room and the water are at the right temperature. A cold room can be uncomfortable for the newborn after a bath.
Next, prepare a warm water bath for your baby. Place your baby on the soft cloth or bath cushion, but make sure to hold your baby at all times. Support the back with your arm, while offering your wrist and palm as support for the neck and head. Dab the wet sponge to wipe the skin clean from head to toe.
Add a small amount of baby soap to your sponge or wash cloth and run the cloth over the skin from the neck and below. Remember to clean the creases under the arms and thighs and also between your baby’s toes. Rinse the soap with a clean washcloth. An important tip for new parents: avoid getting the umbilical cord area wet.
Pat dry and wrap your baby with a clean and dry cotton towel before washing your newborn’s hair. You can use a faucet to wash your baby’s hair. Use another dry towel to wipe the hair. Do not use a hair dryer to dry your baby’s hair.
Once the umbilical cord stump falls your baby can now be promoted to a baby tub. Choose a tub with a drain plug. If you plan to use the tub on a countertop, remember to buy a nonslip mat for the tub. The tub bath process is similar to giving a sponge bath to your baby. Make sure you clean the tub after every use, to avoid soap scum and also mold growth.
Your baby is the sleepiest after a good bath and it is best to catch up on your sleep at the same time too.
To avoid skin irritations after bathing, apply a baby moisturizer on your baby’s body. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a chemical-free lotion that suits your baby’s skin. It is advisable to avoid powders unless recommended by your pediatrician. Baby skin is delicate and soft and generally does not require much attention. However, diaper rashes or skin irritations after bathing require special attention. Visit your pediatrician for appropriate advice if you notice any skin rashes.
In my experience, Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Bangalore is one of the best women and child care hospitals in Bangalore. With the best gynecologists in Whitefield and also the top pediatricians in Bangalore, Kinder Hospital is my most preferred hospital for child care. I received world-class pregnancy and delivery care at Kinder Hospitals in Whitefield. On-going pediatric support with immediate access to children’s specialists and also advanced medical care makes it a leading hospital in Whitefield.
My pediatrician’s advice and tips for new parents made me understand that there is no way to be a perfect mother but a million ways to be a good one.
Visit Kinder Women’s Hospital for the best pediatric care in Bangalore.
