How to Bathe a Newborn Baby: Key Newborn Care Tips

New parents often find caring for a newborn confusing. There is a fear of getting something wrong, but also a sense of excitement. Newborn care cannot be done carelessly, and bathing is no exception. It is one part of newborn care that deserves careful attention.

How to Bathe a Newborn Baby

1. Umbilical Cord Stump

Bathing is part of newborn care aimed at keeping the baby clean. But it can also be one of the trickier tasks. It is best to hold off on bathing until the umbilical cord stump has healed. That does not mean the area can be skipped, though. In fact, it should be cleaned regularly.

The cord needs attention from the very beginning because this area is highly prone to infection. So whenever it gets wet, wipe it dry right away with sterile gauze or a cotton bud. Even after the cord falls off, keep cleaning the area gently and carefully.

2. Eyes, Nose and Ears

Don't neglect the eyes, nose and ears in newborn care. For the eyes, gently wipe with a cloth dipped in warm water. Move the wipe from the inner corner outward. For the nose, clean away any mucus or discharge.

The ears also need to stay clean. Note that you should not clean the ear canal with a cotton bud, since it can push wax deeper inside. You can clean the outer part of the ear with a dampened cotton bud, wiping gently.

3. Skin

A baby's skin is more sensitive than the skin of older children or adults. So when you apply soap to the whole body, do it very gently. Make sure to use products formulated specifically for babies. Also, don't bathe your little one too often.

4. Hair

You probably know that washing a newborn's hair is part of newborn care, too. The hair and scalp need attention as well. You can wash your baby's hair twice a week, rinsing slowly with water so the suds don't get into the eyes. If the scalp develops crusts, loosen them with baby oil, then wipe gently with a cotton pad.

When caring for your little one, nothing should be done carelessly, and you should give the very best. The same goes for the products you use, especially those that touch your baby directly. You can rely on products from Mitu Baby, which are specially formulated for newborn babies.