Bathing your newborn may be a little daunting at first but it’s important to help keep their skin clean and free from irritants. Here are some useful tips to help you bathe your newborn.
Bathing
Ask for help with bath time, especially the first few times, until you’re more used to it.
- You may find it easiest to use a baby bath or a clean washing-up bowl to bathe your newborn. The water temperature should be warm, not hot, as your newborn baby’s skin is very delicate.
- You can use plain water or Oilatum® Soothe & Protect Baby Bath Foam which contains ultra gentle, effective cleansers and is suitable for babies from day one.
- Always mix the water well to ensure there are no hot patches before you put your baby in the water.
- Once undressed, lay your baby on a changing mat and clean their face with a soft towel. Gently pat dry, then, wash their hair with plain water, carefully supporting them over the baby bath or bowl, then dry their hair gently. Ask a family member or friend to help at this point.
- Remove their diaper and lower your newborn into the water using one hand to support their head and shoulders. Carefully swish the water over your baby.
- Gently pat skin dry with a warm, soft towel after their bath to help prevent dryness and discomfort.
Drying and moisturising
Your newborn’s skin is especially delicate because the skin’s barrier is still developing throughout the first year of their life. Always dry your baby’s skin after bathing but take care not to rub it. Gently pat skin dry with a soft, warm towel and carefully dry between the skin folds and creases. Smooth on a moisturising lotion before putting on a diaper and dressing baby in cotton sleepwear, ready for bed. Cotton is a natural fabric and can help keep your baby’s dry skin comfortable.