Bathing a newborn

Small hands, small feet and a delicate body require gentle care. Even if new parents may feel nervous about bathing their baby, with a little preparation it quickly becomes natural and enjoyable, both for the baby and the parent.

Getting ready for the first bath

Prepare both the space and yourself. Stay calm, because your baby feels your mood. Keep the bathing and changing areas close to each other, make sure you are comfortable holding the baby, keep all accessories within reach and adjust the room temperature to about 24°C.

Face, ears, nose and mouth

Before giving baby a bath, clean their face and private parts. Wash the face every day with a moistened compress. For the eyes, use a sterile compress and boiled tap water, wiping from the temple towards the inner corner, with a different compress for each eye. Clean around the nose with a damp compress; healthy noses naturally clear themselves by sneezing. In case of a cold, you can thin the secretions with a physiological saline spray or sea water, then remove the excess with a nasal aspirator. For the ears, only wipe the visible earwax on the outside, without ever inserting anything inside.

When teeth appear, use a small silicone brush and a tiny amount of baby toothpaste. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infections.

If the umbilical cord is still present, keep it dry and clean.

Preparing bath water

The water should be about 37°C, checked with a thermometer or your elbow. Fill the bath halfway. If desired, use a baby wash with emollients. Keep extra warm water nearby to top up if necessary. There's no need to start with a full bath; half is enough.

Bath steps

Support the head, slowly lower the baby into the water, starting with the legs to help them get used to it. Wash in this order: body, neck, armpits, arms, legs, toes, head, hair, then intimate parts, paying attention to skin folds in the groin.

After the bath

Wrap the baby in a hooded towel, pat dry, brush their hair, apply cream or oil if necessary, put on the diaper and then pajamas. Bathing your baby is also a good time for a gentle massage, cuddles, or a lullaby. A regular bath routine helps babies relax and understand that it's bedtime.