0:00 In this video, we're going to answer the question, "How often should I bathe my 0:10 newborn?" 0:11 In the early weeks of life, the baby doesn't need a bath every day. 0:16 Their skin is still developing, and they don't get dirty the way older children 0:20 or adults 0:20 do. 0:21 A full bath, two to three times a week, is plenty to keep your newborn clean. 0:29 On the other days, you can always do a quick top-and-tail wash, gently wiping 0:34 the baby's 0:35 face, neck folds, hands, and nappy area with a soft, damp cloth. 0:42 So what about their first bath? 0:45 Many hospitals delay the first bath to allow time for the vernix, which is the 0:51 white creamy 0:52 coating on the baby's skin, to be absorbed. 0:56 Pvernix has protective, anti-bacterial properties and helps with temperature 1:02 regulation. 1:03 At home, there's no rush. 1:06 You can wait until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which usually happens by 1:12 seven 1:12 to ten days after birth. 1:15 Until then, stick with sponge baths to keep the area dry and reduce infection 1:20 risk. 1:21 Just use warm water and avoid submerging the baby in water until the stump has 1:25 fully 1:26 healed. 1:30 How should I set up for bath time? 1:34 In summary, it's important to create a calm, safe environment. 1:38 Warming up the room, babies lose heat quite quickly. 1:43 Make sure the room is warm before undressing the baby. 1:47 Use shallow warm water. 1:48 Fill the tub or baby bath, wherever, with just enough water to cover your baby 1:55 's lower body. 1:58 The ideal temperature is between 37 to 38 degrees, close to body temperature. 2:05 Test the water with your wrist or a bath thermometer if you must, just to make 2:10 sure that 2:10 it is relatively warm. 2:14 Have everything ready, you know you're going to have your towels, fresh nappies 2:19 , clothing, 2:20 and anything else you'll need should be within arm's reach. 2:25 Never leave the baby unattended, even for a second. 2:29 Keep it short and sweet with the baths. 2:31 In the early months, baths only need to last five to ten minutes. 2:35 Babies can get cold or overstimulated quite easily. 2:39 When washing the baby, typically start again from the head or the eyes and work 2:44 down to 2:44 the legs, remember to wash between the skin folds. 2:48 In regards to products, plain water is all you need for most baths, especially 2:52 in the 2:53 first month. 2:54 If you'd like to use cleanser, choose a mild fragrance-free product made for 2:59 newborns. 3:00 Avoid the bubble baths, harsh soaps, and adult shampoos as these can irritate 3:04 the baby's 3:05 skin. 3:06 Moisturizing the baby after a bath isn't always necessary, but if your baby has 3:11 dry skin, 3:12 you can always use a gentle fragrance-free baby moisturizer. 3:18 But what if your baby doesn't like baths? 3:23 Many babies cry during their first few baths. 3:26 This is very normal. 3:27 It's a new sensation, and they may feel exposed or cold. 3:31 You can always try one of these tips. 3:34 Keep the bath brief at first and wrap your baby loosely in a towel, gently 3:39 lowering 3:40 parts of their body into the water one at a time. 3:43 Use calm, soothing voice and eye contact. 3:47 Try bathing at different times of the day. 3:49 Some babies prefer morning, others evening. 3:52 If they're overtired or hungry, wait until they're rested or fed. 3:57 So how does bathing change as the baby grows? 4:05 This is not strict, but between zero to two months of age, focus on gentle 4:11 sponge baths 4:12 or brief immersion baths, bathing two to three times a week again is sufficient 4:18 . 4:18 Between two to six months, most babies begin to enjoy the water. 4:22 You can introduce soft washcloths, mild cleanses and even start making bath 4:27 time part of a 4:28 calming bedtime routine. 4:31 Six months and older, as your baby begins solid foods, which is roughly six 4:36 months, and gets 4:37 more mobile, daily baths may become part of your routine, especially after 4:42 meals or messy 4:44 play. 4:45 Bath toys, songs and playtime become more interactive and enjoyable. 4:52 Some final tips, never leave the baby unattended in the bath even for a few 4:56 seconds. 4:56 Always support their neck and back, especially in the early months. 5:01 Watch for signs of dry skin or irritation and adjust bathing, frequency or 5:06 product accordingly. 5:08 Make bath time about connection. 5:10 It's a great opportunity for bonding eye contact, skid to skin touch and 5:13 helping your baby feel 5:14 safe and soothed. 5:22 [BLANK_AUDIO]
