Best time to bathe newborn for the first time

Mothers always face a challenge when choosing the right time to bathe their infants, especially during the transition between seasons, for fear that the child will be exposed to any disease, especially colds, which may affect his immunity. In the following lines, the"Dalili Medical" website  presents the ideal time to bathe the infant: Is it in the morning or evening?

**How ​​to care for the eyes of a newborn:**

If you notice secretions or discharge in the child's eyes, you can clean them using a sterile gauze soaked in cooled boiled water (warm). Wipe the eye from the inside out in one motion without pressing hard, while gently massaging the protruding part near the nose, known as the "eye socket", at a rate of five to ten times a day. A doctor should be consulted in the event of redness, severe discharge, or swelling in the eye.

**How ​​to care for the ears of a newborn:**

Avoid inserting any foreign body into the child's ears for cleaning purposes. It is sufficient to gently wipe the back of the ear and the outer earlobe.

**How ​​to care for a newborn's nose:**

A newborn's nose can be moistened using saline drops. The mucus that appears on the outside can be cleaned using a soft cotton tissue. If the nose is severely blocked, it can be cleaned after moistening it using a nasal aspirator, taking care not to apply excessive pressure.

**How ​​to care for a newborn's mouth:**

If the tongue and oral mucosa are in their normal state, there is no need to care for the mouth. However, if necessary, you can wipe the inside of the mouth once using a medical gauze soaked in cooled (warm) boiled water. If fungi (oral thrush) appear in the mouth, the mouth and nipple should be cared for using medications prescribed by the doctor.

**How ​​to care for a newborn's genitals?**

A newborn needs special care, as he can wet his diaper 6 to 8 times a day. Some babies defecate once a day, while others may defecate after each feeding. If the diaper area is left wet for a long time, the baby may develop diaper rash. Therefore, it is recommended to change the diaper every 3-4 hours, and it is best to do this after each feeding. When changing the diaper, the baby's bottom area should be cleaned with water and cotton and dried well. For female babies, cleaning should be done from front to back. It is preferable to leave the baby's bottom area open for a short period after changing. In case of a rash, ointments or creams recommended by the doctor, such as those containing zinc oxide, can be used. In the first weeks, a white fluid may appear in female babies, which is normal. As for male babies, pulling the foreskin back during cleaning is considered incorrect.

**How ​​often should a baby bathe?**

To avoid drying out the baby's skin, it is preferable to bathe him two to three times a week. On days when he does not bathe, a quick wash can be done between diaper changes. Each bath should not exceed 5 to 10 minutes, especially for babies with sensitive skin.

**What is the best way to hold a baby during a bath?**

When bathing in a tub, you should be very careful about how you hold the baby to make it easier to control him and prevent him from slipping, and to provide him with comfort. Use your arm to firmly support the baby's head and neck, and use the other arm to insert the baby's body into the tub and massage him with a sponge. Be careful and quick at the same time to avoid the baby feeling cold.

Bathing a newborn baby can be stressful for the mother, due to the baby crying or the mother's anxiety about this task. Therefore, we have provided you in this article with the correct way to bathe newborns, which makes this task easier for the mother and makes the baby feel comfortable and enjoyable. To get baby bathing tools and supplies, you can visit the baby bathing tools section in Qatar Mums store.

**Before the umbilical cord falls off, you can follow the following steps to clean your baby's body:**

1. Hold your baby on your knee or place him on a diaper changing mat.

2. Take off all his clothes except for the jacket and diapers, and wrap him in a towel.

3. Soak a cotton ball in water (make sure it is not too wet) and gently wipe around your baby’s eyes from the nose outwards.

4. Use a fresh cotton ball to clean around your baby’s ears, but do not use it inside the ears.

5. Avoid using cotton swabs to clean inside your baby’s ears.

6. Wash the rest of your baby’s face, neck and hands in the same way and dry gently with a towel.

7. Remove the diaper and wash your baby’s bottom and genitals with a clean cotton ball and warm water.

8. Dry carefully, including between the skin folds.

To help relax your baby, you can talk to him while you wash. The more he hears your voice, the more he will get used to listening to you and understanding what you are saying.

**What are the requirements for a newborn’s first bath?**

Here is a list of products to prepare before starting your baby’s first bath at home.

- **Large towel**: Wrap your baby in it after the bath (make sure it is washed and ironed before first use). You can also choose a special baby towel with a sewn cover. A bamboo fiber facility is a good option, as it absorbs moisture well and remains soft after washing, unlike cotton, which can become rough after several washes.

- **Cloth diapers**: to be used to wrap the baby during bathing, or you can use a special bath mat. They can be made of sponge, but they must be disinfected regularly, and it is not preferable to use one mat for more than three weeks to avoid the growth of bacteria.

- **Eye pads**: and baby bath cosmetics, whether liquid, emulsion or wash bar, should be intended for babies from day one.

- **Baby oil**: and an anti-irritant cream or ointment to apply to the baby's bottom.

- **Clean diaper and clothes**: in addition to a soft hairbrush for babies (if the baby has thick hair).

- **Ear cotton swabs**: should be

They are intended for children, with a stopper, to clean the ears from the outside.

- **Wet wipes**: In case the baby's diaper is dirty when undressing.

- **Lubricating emulsion**: If the baby's skin is very dry, you can add it to the bath. Regarding the use of potassium permanganate crystals or starch, it is preferable to consult the pediatrician or midwife.

**Where should the bath be placed?**

The first bath of a newborn does not have to be in the bathroom. There may not be enough space, and it may be useful to have another person to help, especially at first. A table in a room or a special frame for the bath can be used. It is important that the place is stable and that the parent can have close contact with the baby. The room should be warm and free of drafts.

**Liquid, emulsion or washboard?**

Baby bath cosmetics must adhere to the appropriate standards. When preparing the bath, follow the instructions on the package (amount of water, liquid, appropriate proportions, etc.). It is preferable not to use cosmetics to wash children excessively, as excessive foam may have a cooling effect on the child, and it contains detergents that may harm the skin.

Some products can be used with a pump, such as liquid soap, which is a suitable solution when you need to wash the child yourself. Avoid using products that contain olive oil to wash the hair, as they may make the hair greasy.

**Bathing a newborn with starch - is it safe?**

With the increasing interest in natural ingredients, questions are raised about the use of starch, usually potato starch, in bathing the newborn. Starch is believed to soothe irritation of sensitive skin, but caution should be exercised, as its use may exacerbate some skin changes. So, if you are unsure of the cause of the irritation, it is preferable to consult a doctor before using starch.

**Bath water temperature**

The temperature of the baby's bath water should not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), as babies at this age are more sensitive to temperature changes. Babies and adults have different physiological characteristics when it comes to temperature regulation, so it’s important that the water temperature is slightly warmer than your baby’s body temperature. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting the water heater to the lowest setting, no higher than 120°F (49°C), to protect your baby from accidentally getting too hot.

**How ​​to Bathe Your Baby Safely After the Cord Is Cut**

It’s best to avoid bathing your baby right after feeding or when he or she is hungry or tired.

Make sure the room you’re bathing in is warm.

Make sure you have everything you need on hand: a clean wash basin filled with warm water, two towels, a clean diaper, a new change of clothes, and cotton wool.

Don’t add any liquid detergent to the bath water; plain water is best for your baby’s skin in the first month.

Hold your baby on your lap and start by cleaning his or her face.

Then wash his or her hair with plain water.

After gently drying his hair, you can remove his diaper to wipe away any dirt or waste.

Gently lower your baby into the bowl or bath, using one hand to hold his upper arm and support his head and shoulders, while using the other hand to gently wash him with water without splashing.

Make sure to keep your baby's head out of the water.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a minute.

Lift your baby after the bath and dry him, focusing on the folds of his skin.

After that, you can massage your baby, as massage helps him relax and sleep.

Avoid using any oils or lotions until your baby is at least a month old.

If your baby seems afraid of bathing and starts crying, try bathing him. Make sure the water is not too hot, and ask someone else to help hold your baby while you get in and out of the bath.

**The harms of not bathing your baby**

The baby is more likely to develop infections and various skin problems, especially in hot weather. Not getting your baby used to water may lead to fear of it in the future. In addition, not exposing your baby to water regularly may weaken his immunity, as his body becomes unaccustomed to the changes between water and air, making it easier for him to get sick after bathing and before putting on clothes.

**The best time to bathe your baby**

There is no specific time that is considered the best for bathing your baby, as you can do it at any time of the day. However, it is preferable to choose a time when you are comfortable and not tired, making sure that the time is free of interruptions, so that you can devote time to your baby without any mistakes. It is also preferable not to bathe your baby if he is hungry or immediately after breastfeeding. If your baby enjoys bathing and feels relaxed, you can bathe him in the evening as a way to help him sleep.

**The number of times to bathe your baby per week**

It is not necessary to bathe your baby daily, as bathing him two or three times a week is sufficient to maintain his cleanliness, especially in winter. Bathing your baby after vaccination can help relieve fever and pain, but be careful not to touch the injection area to avoid increasing pain.

You can also wash your baby's face, neck, hands, and genitals carefully daily without giving them a full bath. Daily cleaning steps include:

1. Place your baby on your lap or on a clean towel after removing all of his clothes, leaving his diaper on.

2. Dip a piece of cotton in warm water, taking care not to overwet the baby.

3. Gently wipe around his eyes from the inside out, using a new piece of cotton for each eye, to prevent the transfer of microbes from one eye to the other in the event of a bacterial or viral infection.

Use a new piece of cotton to clean the area around your baby's ears, and avoid trying to clean them from the inside.

Wash the rest of your baby's face, neck, and hands in the same way, then dry them gently.

Remove

In the diaper and wash the baby's genitals with cotton and warm water, then dry the area carefully.

Dress your baby in clean clothes.

**Bathing the baby in the bathtub**

Many mothers wonder if it is safe to bathe the baby in the bath, and the answer is yes! You can use a bathtub designed for infants. It is preferable to start using it after the umbilical cord falls off and the circumcision and navel are completely healed. It is advisable to choose a thick plastic tub that is suitable for your baby's size, and avoid using seats or rings designated for the bathroom at this stage, as they are intended for older children who are able to sit on their own. If you find it difficult to bathe your baby on your own, you can ask your partner or a family member to help you. Here are the steps to follow to bathe the baby in the bathtub:

1. Fill the bathtub with a few inches of warm water, about 5-7 cm, making sure that the water temperature is between 17 to 37 degrees Celsius, and does not exceed 48 degrees Celsius. You can use a thermometer to check the water temperature.

2. Make sure to support your baby’s head with your hand throughout the bath.

3. Cover your baby with a warm cloth to maintain his temperature.

4. Start by wiping your baby’s face with water, then gently wash his hair using water and shampoo, keeping your hand on the baby’s forehead while rinsing the hair to avoid getting foam in his eyes.

5. Dip the sponge in water and baby soap and start wiping the area behind his ears, neck, arms, and feet, paying special attention to the diaper area and any areas with folds.

Wash your baby’s body with warm water to remove the soap.

Gently dry your baby with a warm towel.

You can use after-bath products such as moisturizing lotion and baby powder.

Dress your baby in a fresh diaper and clean clothes.

Some babies may feel comfortable with warm water, while others may continue to cry during the bath, in which case you may need to remove them from the tub to calm them down and then return them to complete the bath.

It is important to note that bathing a baby does not require much time, as five minutes are enough to clean your baby and finish the process before the water in the tub cools down.

Baby Sponge Bathing

Baby Sponge bathing is the first choice when bathing newborns.

Baby bathing is usually done initially with a soft sponge until the umbilical cord falls off and the circumcision wound heals in males. You should choose a warm room with a temperature of no less than 21 degrees Celsius, and use a flat surface such as a table covered with a thick towel. Here is a list of products you will need during the bath:

- Soft sponge or clean cloth.

- Bath towel.

- Baby soap.

- Clean diaper.

- Clean clothes.

- A small bandage or gauze and petroleum jelly, if the child is a male and has undergone circumcision.

- Warm water.

Here is a rewrite of the text:

**How ​​to Sponge Bathe a Baby:**

Before you start, make sure that all the necessary supplies are available near you, so that you do not have to leave the baby alone, as he should not be left even for a second.

Use a thick towel to lay the baby on, and choose a warm and comfortable place for you and your baby.

Start by removing the baby's clothes and wrapping him in a towel, so that only the part of him that you will clean is visible each time.

Start by wiping the baby's eyelids with a piece of cotton soaked in water only, making sure to wipe from the inside of the eye to the outside, and use a new piece of cotton for each eye. After that, gently wash the baby's face, avoiding putting anything in his ears or nose.

Dip the sponge or clean piece of cloth in warm water and soap, and start wiping small parts of the baby's body, starting from the area behind the ears, then the neck, elbows, knees, and between the fingers and toes. Pay special attention to areas with visible folds such as behind the ears, under the arms, and around the neck.

After that, rinse the sponge with water to remove the soap, and wipe the baby's body with it again to remove any traces of soap.

Note: You can dispense with soap in this step and just use warm water.

Wash the baby's head at the end of the bath to avoid him feeling cold, and use only water to wash his hair without the need for shampoo in the first days after birth, by tilting the baby's head back slightly, then gently wiping his head with the sponge.

Finally, wipe the baby's belly with soft and gentle movements, then move on to cleaning the genital areas. For females, the genital areas are washed from front to back, taking into account that some vaginal secretions may appear in the first days after birth, and it is not necessary to remove them completely.

If the baby is a male and has not yet been circumcised, do not approach the foreskin area, and if circumcision has been performed, it is recommended not to wash the head of the penis until the wound heals.

Gently dry your baby with a towel without rubbing the skin.

Apply petroleum jelly and a bandage to the circumcision area.

Dress your baby in a new diaper and clean clothes.

**Bathing your baby for the first time**

In the past, nurses in maternity hospitals would take newborns for a bath immediately after birth, but current recommendations suggest waiting at least a few hours before bathing your baby for the first time. The World Health Organization recommends delaying bathing your baby for at least 24 hours after birth. This is because newborns are very sensitive to cold, and bathing them can reduce cold stress, as the newborn’s body tries to maintain a warm temperature when exposed to cold, which can eventually lead to low blood sugar levels. Therefore, delaying your baby’s first bath helps to:

- Reduce the rate of hypothermia.

- Prevent low blood sugar.

- Preserve the vernix layer, a thin, white, waxy, cheese-like layer that is found on the

On your baby’s skin, it helps maintain body temperature and acts as a barrier against infection.

**Important tips for keeping your baby safe during bath time:**

- Support your baby’s head and neck with your non-dominant hand, and use your other hand to clean. If you’re right-handed, cradle your baby with your left hand and use your right to hold a towel.

- Don’t rely solely on baby tubs to keep your baby safe. Some of these tubs have a pad and cushion that may give the impression that babies are safe in there hands-free, but they don’t prevent slipping and can pose a suffocation hazard if your baby slips.

- Never, ever leave your baby unattended in or near the water. At least one hand should remain on him or her at all times.

- If possible, have an adult helper during bath time. Four hands are better than two.

- Make it quick. You may want your baby to stay in the tub, but it’s best to get him or her cleaned up quickly. Efficiency is key to keeping your baby comfortable during bath time. Doctors recommend that your baby's bath should not last more than five minutes, as the water can get cold after that and become uncomfortable for newborns.

You can help keep your baby warm by keeping him or her clothed while you prepare the tub water. Don't undress him or her until it's time for the bath.

.