If you’ve ever had an extended stay in a hospital and were given a sponge bath, you know how nice and relaxing and comforting it can be. After days spent laying in a bed without the ability to shower and barely brush your teeth, it’s almost luxurious to be gently cleaned and dried and you feel so much better, so nice and fresh afterward. Giving a sponge bath to your baby can provide the same feeling of comfort and relaxation, especially if they aren’t ready for a full emersion bath quite yet. The care and attention that is all about baby will be what counts the most.
The first weeks of your baby’s life are focused on learning all about baby and part of that is baby care week by week bath time. When a baby is first born their skin is very delicate. There is a reason for the phrase, baby-soft. Sponge baths are about the baby getting the proper care to keep them healthy, but they can also be a soothing and enjoyable experience for your baby. In the list below you’ll learn all about baby bathing and tips and suggestions on how to give your baby a sponge bath.
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It’s Not About the Equipment
There are many different ways you can go about giving your baby a sponge bath when you first bring them home from the hospital. In the stores there are shelves full of different portable tubs, washcloths, bath toys, shampoos, and body washes and all different types of towels for after the bath. Those aren’t the most important things. The most important thing to remember is that bath time is all about baby enjoying the soothing touch of mom or dad.
Best Time to Bathe Your Baby
While adults need to bathe frequently, babies’ skin is different and doesn’t need to be completely cleaned daily. Usually, two to three times a week will be enough, excluding those hopefully rare messy feedings or diapers! There is no right or wrong time of day to give your baby a bath, but it is a good idea to make sure your baby is happy and content when you bathe them. A bath before bed is also all about baby being soothed and can help them fall asleep. There are many bath soaps and shampoos on the market that incorporate the soothing scent of lavender to help relax them and get them ready to drift off to sleep.
Taking Care of Baby’s Skin
One of the first things to know about baby care week by week bath time is when to give your newborn a full bath. Until the baby’s umbilical cord falls off or a baby boy’s circumcision heals, it’s important not to submerge them in a tub of water. There is a risk of infection. That is why sponge baths are so important in those early days. Bathing should be all about baby enjoying the soothing warmth of water and touch. With a washcloth gently wiped between all the little creases and folds to make sure any milk or other debris is wiped away.
Supplies for Giving Baby a Sponge Bath
As we learn all about baby bathing, one of the first things we need to consider is what supplies are needed. You’ll need a tub or sink where you can bathe your baby. There are lots of options on the market depending on your preference. It’s important to find a tub that will support your baby’s head but also be comfortable for the child and easy to move. Giving your baby a bath is all about baby staying happy and healthy. A great option is the Angelcare baby tub support which allows you to bathe your baby in the bathtub and yet still stay out of the water. You can also set a towel in the bottom of your tub to keep the baby from slipping. You will also want to have a washcloth, soap, towel, a clean diaper and clothing close at hand.
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Preparing to give baby a sponge bath
Once you have your supplies ready you will need to run the water. It’s important to make sure the water isn’t too warm. A good test of the temperature is to use your elbow to check the water. There are also bath toys you can use that will change color if the water is too warm. The toy may say hot or change color if the temperature is too warm. Make sure baby is secure on the towel or the bathtub support. It’s important to never leave baby unattended ever during bath time. This is all about baby staying safe and secure as you get everything ready for their bath.
Steps for Giving Baby a Sponge Bath
You should start washing the face first, wiping the eyes from the corners out and then moving on to the rest of the face. Milk can get in the creases of baby’s neck so be sure to wipe under all those baby chins. This is all about baby getting wiped down. As you wash the rest of the baby’s body you can use a gentle soap. Finish up by washing the baby’s hair, making sure you support their head as you do. It’s a good idea to use a towel to dry and cover each body part as you go to retain warmth. The last step is to wrap up your little bundle and give them a snuggle.
All About Baby Skin After a Bath
Newborn baby skin needs lots of TLC. There are lots of lotions available for all skin types that you can use on the baby. Make sure the products are specifically made for babies though, since adult products might be too harsh or cause a reaction in babies. Some babies might also suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap. Use a small baby brush to gently exfoliate baby’s scalp as you brush their hair. Remember this is all about baby being soothed and relaxed and this gently motion can be relaxing for them.
Other Tips for Giving Baby a Sponge Bath
A few other tips to make sure baby’s sponge bath is all about baby finding comfort while getting clean, make sure the room where you’re bathing the baby isn’t too cold. If you choose to use powder after giving a bath, make sure that you put it on your hands as you do not want your baby to inhale any of the power. Some suggest that the use of baby powders could lead to issues later in life. To be on the safe side, you may want to avoid powders. Using lotions after a bath can have the double benefit of keeping your baby’s skin from drying out and also the massaging motion has been shown to calm and soothe babies.
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