Laughter, splashes, and precious moments of bonding will abound during bathtime with your child. However, the frequency of bathing may be confusing to new parents. Does it need to be bathed every day or will that be discomforting to the fragile newborn skin? Let us take a look at professional recommendations and tips on how to bathe your baby without any risks, in a comfortable and happy way. So what is really good for the skin of your baby?
Introduction
The issue regarding the frequency at which you should bathe your baby usually makes parents question themselves. Although bath time is a nice ritual, a newborn baby is way more vulnerable to our skin, and excessive bathing can cause either dryness or irritation. The main point is to maintain the proper balance between cleanness and skin health. Here in this guide we are going to take you through the science, the expert advice, and the practical ideas and suggestions to transform the bath time into a safe and calming experience.
Why Bathing Your Baby Feels Like A Big Question?
The care of babies is associated with numerous firsts and one of the most disorienting is the process of bathing. Babies do not sweat or get dirty doing the normal day-to-day things like adults. Rather, they primarily require soft cleansing to remain clean without damaging the natural skin barrier. Excess soap or water may remove protective oils, whilst insufficient may make them very uncomfortable.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?
The Newborn Stage (0-3 Months)
Babies do not need an everyday bath. Indeed, in most cases, paediatricians prescribe sponge baths until the stump of the umbilical cord falls. Then, it is usually sufficient to wash your infant twice or thrice a week. In between baths, clean their face, folds of the neck, and diaper zone with a moist soft cloth.
Infants (3–12 Months)
When your baby starts to get active by rolling, crawling, or going around, you might think that they need more bathing. Nevertheless, the majority of professionals think that three baths a week can be considered sufficient. Bathing the infants often might lead to dry skin and other skin problems. It might worsen if you use incompatible baby soaps and hot water for babies.
Toddlers And Beyond
At toddler age, your child is probably experimenting with all things, such as food and playground dirt. This may be the time when bathing every day can be more convenient (and even a necessity). Still, brief, warm baths using soft cleansers are the order of the day.
Factors That Influence Bathing Frequency
Skin Sensitivity
Some sensitive babies have dry skin. Should your little one get eczematous or prone to frequent rashes then you will want to reduce bath time and use fragrance-free products that are tested by a dermatologist.
Climate And Season
Sweaty hot, humid weather may make your baby sweat more and necessitate slightly increased frequency of baths. On the contrary, in cold and dry winters, the number of baths should be reduced to avoid further drying.
Activity Level
After babies begin crawling and outdoor play, they might need more baths. Nevertheless, even at that time, bath-to-bath wiping is miraculous.
Parental Routine
Taking a bath with your baby can turn into a matter of routine and less about hygiene. To most families, bath time is a relaxing routine before going to bed and this helps the babies relax.
How To Bathe Your Baby Safely?
Essentials To Keep Ready
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A soft baby towel
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A soft cloth or sponge
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A baby bath seat or tub
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A diaper and a clean change of clothes.
Step-By-Step Bath Routine
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Be ready beforehand - Never leave your baby alone.
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The temperature of the water - targets: lukewarm, about 37 38 o C (98 100 100°F).
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Begin with a tender wash - by your hand, or a soft cloth.
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Use cleanser sparingly - Use only on those parts of the baby that require it most (neck folds, diaper area, underarms).
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Rinse under a lot of water - Make sure that nothing is left.
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Dry the patient gently - Do not rub sensitive skin.
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Moisturise now - Seal in moisture with a lotion that is baby safe.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Bathing Your Baby
Using Hot Water
Natural oils can be removed and discomfort can result with hot water.
Overusing Soap
Baby skin does not require lather-rich cleaning, a light one is sufficient.
Bathing Too Often
Regular washing may ruin the skin barrier and cause skin dryness.
Ignoring The Moisturiser
After taking a bath, always make it a habit to drench your baby's skin with moisturiser
Feel Rooh – Making Bath Time Loving & Gentle
We have a philosophy that bath time should never be harsh, dangerous or sad at Feel Rooh. That is why we have developed soothing dermatologist-tested bath products with kids and babies in mind using skin-loving ingredients. Our line consists of soothing washes, all the way to hydrating lotions, all created to clean your baby without irritation leaving the skin soft, cosy, and safe. Bath time is a process of love with Feel Rooh.
Conclusion
It does not need to be a daily routine of bathing your baby, but a matter of equilibrium, safety and comfort. In the case of most newborns and infants, 2 to 3 baths per week will suffice, with additional wipes in between. Bath frequency is a natural increase with the activity of your growing child. The trick here is soft products, correct hydration and making bath time a time to bond with one another, nourishing the skin and the soul.
FAQs On Bathing Your Baby
1. Should I take a bath every day with my baby?
Nay, no baths need to be daily. Until they are more active, newborns often need two to three sponge or tub baths per week.
2. Can excessive bathing hurt my baby's skin?
It's also a fact that excessive washing will wash away the baby's own oils, causing dry skin and other skin issues.
3. At what time is it best to bathe your baby?
Since a warm bath provides infants with an opportunity to unwind and sleep, evening is ideal for most families.
4. Should I use soap every time?
No, it does not require a soft cleanser on the whole body but only on such areas as the diaper area, neck folds, and armpits.
5. What should I do to make the skin of my baby soft following a bath?
Wipe the skin dry (no rubbing) and put a baby-friendly moisturiser on the skin within minutes of drying off to help trap the moisture.
