March 15, 2022

Baby's First Bath Safety

Safe Bathing Tips for Infants

Your baby is finally home! Time for all the firsts.

First sleepy naps.

First couch snuggles.

First baby bath.

Besides keeping your little one clean, bath time is a great chance to bond with your baby. But before you can make it fun, you need to make it safe.

Kindhood's got your back! Here are the basics you need to know to safely clean your infants.

BATHING BASICS

3 times a week is fine! Babies don't move a lot, and too many baths can dry out their skin.

Gather and arrange supplies pre-bath. Have your bath area set up with damp washcloths, dry infant towels, and fresh diapers within reach.

Practice "Touch Supervision" at all times! You should always be touching your baby with at least one hand. While you may be tempted to video the occasion, put your phone away if you are the only adult present.

Water should be warm, not hot. Always turn the cold water on first and off last so you limit the risk of scalding.

Follow these basics whether you are giving your infant a sponge bath or a fuller bath. Newborns should only be given sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off and the naval heals. This process usually takes one to two weeks. The timeline can also be impacted if your baby is circumcised.

The key is to wait until everything heals before moving from sponge baths to the real deal!

SPONGE BATHS 101

Choose a setting! Pad a flat surface with a soft blanket for your baby. Anywhere works, just make sure you use a strap / hand to keep the baby safe if it's up high.

Head to toes. Dip your towel into warm water then wash the face first, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Then dip the cloth in the water basin to wash the rest of the body. Finally, clean the diaper area, wiping from front to back.

Bundle the baby! Wrap the rest of the body in a dry towel, exposing only the parts you are actively washing. Babies get cold!

Clean the creases! Pay special attention to the creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and by the genitals.

INFANT BATH 101

Gentle and short! Once your baby's bellybutton is all healed, you can give them an infant bath. Your first ones should be short to help your baby adjust.

Decide on sink or infant tub. Babies are itty-bitty and fit in a sink-lined towel perfectly. If your sink isn't a good fit, though, you can buy an infant tub (should be made after 10/2/17). Avoid bath seats - they tip over and can harm your baby!

Low water levels! Only add 2 inches (5 cm) of water, no more. Support your little one's head and neck with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant one to guide your baby's body into the water, starting with the tiny toes.

Easy on the soap! While bath time is often associated with bubbles, be careful what you introduce to a newborn's sensitive skin. Warm water is usually best. If the baby is soiled enough to warrant soap, use a mild, neutral pH soap without any additives or scents.

Cup the face! When rinsing the (mild, unscented) shampoo from your baby's head, cup your hand across their forehead to protect their eyes.

No matter what kind of bath you are giving, it is really important to dry your baby immediately afterwards! Babies can easily catch a chill, so bundle your little sweetie in a soft towel, preferably one that includes a hood for their heads.

For antimicrobial, super soft, and quick-drying infant towels, look no further than our Kindhood shop! We designed them with the best in mind for your babies, and they'll look cute to boot.