Just recently, my sister-in-law gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. However, what preceded this scene was a long week of health complications and emotional ups and downs to bring her baby into this world. As expectant mothers, we tend to think in terms of all about baby, but we aren’t always prepared for when the situation takes a turn for the worse.
Luckily for my sister-in law, the doctors closely monitored her during the days leading up to the birth and now she will have to become well-versed in premature baby care. In the event that you’re needing advice on having a baby and on what to do regarding bathing if your bundle of joy arrives sooner than anticipated, take a look at these seven tips that will come in handy at bathtime for preemies.
1. When Do I Start to Give my Little One Baths and How Often?
Everyone likes to give advice on having a baby and how to take care of it once it’s here, but, as the saying goes, “Mom knows best.” The general rule is that moms wait until the umbilical stump falls off on its own. Once this takes place, mom can gauge how often her baby needs a bath, which is anywhere from 2-3 times per week to once a day. Regarding premature baby care, mom’s may choose to bathe their babies more sparingly so babies are able to keep a stable body temperature as they grow stronger.
2. Washcloth or Sponge?
Whether you decide to use a washcloth or sponge to clean your baby, be sure to use a clean one every time. Specifically regarding premature baby care. Preemies need a clean environment since their immune systems aren’t as developed as their full-term counterparts. Some moms find that they can get in the folds of their baby’s skin much easier with a washcloth, while other moms feel that a sponge isn’t quite as abrasive. Really, it’s up to you, but always aim for what is optimal for your baby’s health.
3. How hot or cold?
What might feel warm to us might feel borderline-scalding to your baby. For premature baby care, making sure we find a happy medium is a must. To put this simply, in order to feel for the water temperature’s adequacy for your little one, hold your hand under the water and sense if it is either too warm or too cold. If you’d like to be extra cautious, try The Infant Baby Bath Floating Toy Safety Temperature Thermometer. This thermometer will be fun to play with during bathtime and will give an exact reading of how many degrees the bathwater is for your baby.
“Because I don’t always know exactly what temperature the water is, I have a lot of reassurance that I won’t put my baby in water that’s too hot now that I use this ‘duckie’ thermometer-It’s great!.” -Jennifer C., Amazon Reviews
4. Tub Safety for Premature Baby Care
This is probably the single most important tip on our list: You must be all about baby at bathtime. This entails no distractions and full attendance to your baby. Premature baby care involves parents being especially watchful of their little one’s health and bathtime is definitely no different. Moms should put phones on silent or, at the very least, make it a point to not take calls during bathtime. You should be near your baby at all times, especially if he or she is in the sitting stage.
5. Which Soap to Use?
There is a wide array of soaps you can use for your baby. However, trends indicate that moms are looking for products that will keep babies moisturized and clean, while staying true to nature. A soap that has all three of these qualities is Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash Gentle Castile Soap for Sensitive Skin. This soap is unscented and contains no harsh chemicals, like parabens. When it comes to premature baby care, this soap is a dream.
“This product is good for any age. I like that I can recognize and understand all the ingredients. An added benefit is that this soap foams, which makes bathtime way easier. I got this as a gift from another mom and I’d do the same for another mom looking for a safe and effective soap.” -Katherine L., Amazon Customer
6. What shampoo to use?
Before I mention which shampoo to use, it’s worth saying that babies don’t need their hair washed often. For proper premature baby care, babies should have their hair washed no more than once weekly since their little scalps don’t produce much oil. As for the particular shampoo, moms love all-natural and Baja Baby Organic Lavender Shampoo and Body Wash can be used for your baby’s hair and body. Again, this product contains no harsh chemicals.
7. Transitioning from tub
This step actually involves some planning. To ensure that your baby isn’t left in the cold, make sure you have everything that you need (clothes, fresh pamper, lotion, booties, blanket, etc.) already laid out nearby. Once you begin to lift your baby from the tub, be sure to support her neck and head as you would cradle her any other time. Have your towel ready to wrap and transport your baby for the premature baby care after-routine.
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