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Author: Karen McCumiskey, MS, RNC, Perinatal Education Coordinator, Good Samaritan University Hospital
A newborn’s skin is delicate and sensitive—up to five times thinner than an adult’s skin. Caring for your baby’s skin is easy if you remember to be gentle and basic. Generally it is best to use products that are hypoallergenic or made especially for babies. Avoid products with fragrances, chemical or dyes that could be irritating to your baby’s skin.
Despite what many parents think, babies don’t need to be bathed every day. Each time you feed and change your baby you are cleaning the areas that get dirtiest—their mouth, face, neck and diaper area. Usually babies only need to be bathed two to three times a week. More frequent bathing can dry out their skin. Patting dry and applying a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion immediately after bathing can help prevent dry skin or worsening baby eczema.
Baths can be given any time of day. Many parents prefer to bathe their baby in the evening as part of the bedtime ritual. This works well especially if bath time is relaxing and soothing for the baby. Find whatever time is most convenient for you.
Sponge baths are given at first until the baby's umbilical cord falls off (around one to two weeks), and a baby boy's circumcision heals, to prevent infection. Once this happens, you can try placing your baby directly in the water. First baths should be gentle and brief and can be a pleasurable experience for you and your baby. However, some babies protest the first few times. If this happens, talk softly or sing to your baby. If they still seem miserable, go back to sponge baths for a week or two. Then, try the bath again. Your baby will make it clear when their ready.
Most parents find it easiest to bathe a newborn in a bassinet, sink or plastic tub lined with a clean towel. Fill the basin with two inches of water that feels warm—not hot—to the inside of your wrist or elbow. If you’re filling the basin from the tap, turn the cold water on first (and off last) to avoid scalding yourself or your child. The hottest temperature at the faucet should be no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burns. You may need to adjust your water heater.
Make sure that supplies are at hand and the room is warm before undressing the baby. If you’ve forgotten something, or need to answer the phone or door during the bath, you must take the baby with you. So keep a dry towel within reach. Never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for an instant.
If your baby enjoys their bath, give some extra time to splash and explore the water. The more fun your child has in the bath, the less they'll be afraid of the water. As they get older, the length of the bath will get longer until most of it is taken up with play. Bathing should be a very relaxing and soothing experience. So don’t rush unless the baby is unhappy. Avoid bubbles and scented soaps as they can be drying and irritating to your baby’s delicate skin.
Many babies have rashes and bumps that are normal. Some rashes may be a sign of a problem or infection. Diaper rash can be irritating to the baby and needs to be treated. Expose the diaper area to air as often as possible and us an oil-based barrier ointment to prevent further contact with urine or stool. If you have concerns about a rash, or your baby is uncomfortable or has a fever, call your baby's doctor.
Powders are not generally necessary and must be used properly. When using any powder, put the powder in your hand and then apply it to the baby's bottom. Shaking powder into the air releases dust and talc which can make it hard for the baby to breathe.
Baby clothing can be washed with general laundry using dye free, fragrance free detergent. Some babies have sensitive skin and need baby laundry detergent.
Get a step-by-step guide to giving your baby a sponge bath and tub bath from Stanford Children’s Health.
See the following articles from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for additional information:
Call (866) MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362) to find a Catholic Health physician near you.
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