There's nothing quite like the smell of a newborn baby, right? For a new mother or father, taking care of this little one is the greatest joy in life. At the same time, it's normal to feel a little nervous and a great sense of responsibility about things like bathing the baby and carefully putting him to sleep. Questions like 'What should I bring for the baby?', 'Am I doing the right thing?', 'Will the baby be in trouble?' come to mind. Don't worry, let's talk about all this simply and clearly. You are not alone, we are all on this journey together.
Are we ready to bathe the baby?
The first thing to remember is that it is not a good idea to bathe your baby in a bathtub right after birth. We need to wait a little while for the baby's umbilical cord to fall off and the wound to dry out and heal. If some male babies have been circumcised, it is also important to wait until the wound has healed.
During that time, can't you keep your baby clean? No. You can gently wipe your baby with a clean, soft cloth soaked in lukewarm water. This is also called a 'top and tail' wash. That means cleaning the face, neck, armpits, groin, and nappy area.
Remember, babies don't need to be bathed every day. Two or three times a week is fine. Bathing too often can dry out a baby's delicate skin .
Okay, so now that the umbilical cord is healed and you're ready to bathe your baby, it's no easy task to bathe a slippery, soapy baby. So, it's important to have these things ready to make bath time a fun and safe experience for you and your baby.
| What is needed | A small description and significance |
|---|---|
| Infant bathtub | This is safer than bathing in a large basin or on the bathroom floor. This helps prevent the baby from slipping. |
| Harsh, unscented baby soap | Babies' skin is very delicate. Harsh soaps and scented soaps can cause allergies on your baby's skin. So always choose an unscented , gentle type. |
| Tear-free baby shampoo | This is important so that even if it accidentally gets into the eye, it doesn't cause any harm to the baby. |
| 4-6 pieces of soft cotton cloth (Washcloths) | Gently wipe the baby's face and body. It's easier on the baby because it's not as rough as a towel. |
| 2-3 large towels | After the bath, wrap your baby up tightly to keep him warm. A towel with a hood is even better. |
| Unscented moisturizer | After the bath, you can apply a baby cream or lotion to keep your baby's skin moisturized. This should also be unscented. |
| Soft hair brush | Use a comb with soft bristles that won't hurt your baby's delicate scalp. |
The shower is over, now it's time for a good night's sleep!
The next thing a well-bathed and clean baby needs is a comfortable, safe place to sleep. The word "safe" is very important here. There are a few things we need to consider when creating a place for baby to sleep.
When you have a newborn baby , it's wise to make the bed in a way that allows you to quickly clean it if it gets wet or dirty during the night. Here's how to make the baby's bed (crib/cot).
| What is needed | How to use and importance |
|---|---|
| 2 waterproof mattress pads | This is placed on the mattress itself. Even if the baby urinates or vomits, the mattress will stop getting wet. The mattress can be kept clean for a long time. |
| 2-3 fitted crib sheets | This is placed on top of the waterproof pad. The most important thing is that it fits snugly against the mattress and is wrinkle-free. |
| 2-3 waterproof sheet savers | This is a small pad that you put on top of the bedsheet, just where the baby's body falls. Imagine if your baby wets the bed at night, you don't have to change the whole bedsheet. You can just remove this little sheet saver and put a new one on. It's so easy. |
What things are not good to keep in a baby's bed?
This is the most important part of this article. We love our babies and want to put many things in their cribs. But some of those things are very dangerous for them.
The only things that should be in the baby's bed are the baby and the tightly fitted bed sheet. Do not place anything else in the bed. This is very important for the baby's safety.
What are these things that are not good to keep?
- Pillows : Pillows are not good for small babies. If the baby's face is buried in the pillow, it can make it difficult to breathe.
- Blankets and Swaddle Blankets: Large, heavy blankets can wrap around a baby's body, covering their face, and increase the risk of suffocation.
- Bumper guards: Although these look nice, the baby's face can get caught in these bumpers and suffocate. So, don't use these.
- Stuffed animals /Toys: Teddy bears and other toys, no matter how cute they are, should not be placed in the crib while your baby is sleeping. These can also cause suffocation.
So what do you do if your baby is cold?
Good question. Even if you're told not to use blankets, you still need to keep your baby warm. The best way to do that is to dress your baby in warm, snug clothing. Or, use a swaddle to wrap your baby tightly. This will help your baby feel safe and warm, and it won't cause any of the same problems as a blanket.
If you have any doubts about something, whether it is safe for your baby, it is best not to use it. Always consult your doctor or midwife.
Take-Home Message
- Avoid bathing your baby in a bathtub until the umbilical cord falls off and the wound is completely healed.
- Bathing two or three times a week is sufficient. Use only mild, unscented products.
- Only the baby should be placed in the crib/cot on a well-fitted bed sheet.
- Avoid placing things like pillows, blankets, bumpers, and toys in your baby's crib. These can increase the risk of suffocation.
- Dress the baby in warm clothes or use a swaddle to keep him or her safe from the cold.
- If you have any doubts, never hesitate to discuss it with your doctor.
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