The beginnings of caring for a newborn can be very stressful. Every parent wants to be able to act flawlessly right away, but this is simply not possible. When we are born, we do not receive an instruction manual for the little person. We can predict some things, we can prepare with the help of experienced people, but there are things that will come out in the proverbial wash and we must find our way in the new role as calmly and flexibly as possible. Getting used to a newborn's crying is not easy and often causes anxiety for new parents, but it is worth remembering that just as we have to get to know our baby, he/she also sometimes has to face completely new situations, and crying is a natural form of communication in such moments and does not necessarily mean that we are doing something wrong.
All "first times" are very important (and often stressful). The first walk, the first meeting with the family, and the famous first bath. And while the first two of these do not require special skills, the thought of bathing a baby for the first time terrifies many parents. We assure you that there is nothing to fear! Below we have prepared a little help that will make your baby's first bath a pure pleasure (if not immediately, then certainly over time :)).
Today's recommendation is not to bathe your baby before returning home from the hospital. The newborn is covered with a protective layer of our amniotic fluid and leaving it on the skin prevents it from drying out. Moreover, sinks/bathtubs in hospitals are covered with a lot of strong detergents, which are certainly important for the delicate lipid layer of the newborn's epidermis.
(Stokke foldable bathtub and bathtub insert)
Preparations for the first bath should actually start during pregnancy. This is when you have to decide on the type of bathtub, or maybe you will choose an insert for the washbasin? The choice is yours. It is worth remembering that you must be comfortable and that the bath should take place in the bathroom (it is usually warmer there than in other rooms). Also buy a thermometer to check the water temperature - this will reduce stress during your first baths. The water in the bathtub should be about 1 degree Celsius higher than the child's temperature, but remember that this is an approximate recommendation. It is important that the water is not too warm or icy.
Holding your newborn properly while in the water is a major challenge. Therefore, newborn bathtub inserts are very useful and extremely helpful. Thanks to them, we can be sure that the baby is in a safe position and we do not have to secure him so much, which gives us a little more freedom when washing the little body. When bathing, it is a good idea to wrap your baby in a clean, muslin diaper that can adhere to the body throughout the bath. This will provide you with a sense of security in the new situation.
(Foldable baby bathtub by Puj)
To wash your newborn, use safe cosmetics that are marked "from the first days of life". They are exceptionally gentle and create a protective layer on the skin that prevents the skin from drying out and peeling. At the beginning, let's also remember about the hygiene of the umbilical cord stump. It is best to wash your baby with your hand or a soft muslin diaper. Sponges or washcloths of any kind are not recommended. Also remember to wash your baby's face with water only. Even safe cosmetics for newborns should not get into their mouths, noses or eyes.
(Mushie cosmetics - safe for children from the first day of life)
After the bath, wrap the baby in a towel that you have placed on your shoulder, and be sure to put a hood over the head. This is necessary because we lose a lot of heat through the head, and a child taken out of the water can easily become hypothermic and catch a cold. Dry them gently by placing a towel on the body. After drying, it's time to apply balm or oil - unless we bathed the child in water with oil and the skin is still covered with a delicate film after taking it out of the water.
It may seem that bathing a newborn is a very complicated procedure, but we assure you that it will quickly become something that comes naturally. The most important things to remember:
- the newborn is afraid of large, open spaces - when we put the baby into the bathtub / washbasin, let's lean down low with him, let's not create a large space between our arms and the baby, it's terrifying for a baby who spent 9 months in a tight belly.
- The newborn gets cold quickly - this may also be the reason for crying. For this reason, baths should not last long. Additionally, the close contact of our inclined body will provide warmth. After bathing, remember to quickly dry the child and dress him/her in previously prepared bodysuits and rompers, as well as a thin hat.
- If the baby is very nervous after being taken out of the water and you see that applying lotion will result in all the crying, it is better to give up and dress the baby quickly, thus saving yourself unnecessary stress. Your well-being is also important and affects the baby's emotions.
- Remember that there is no need to bathe your baby every day. This is an old-fashioned custom of creating "evening rituals". It is now common knowledge that frequent washing of newborns and infants has a negative impact on the condition of delicate skin. The evening routine may involve washing the hands, neck and face - done with a damp cloth or cotton wool. We don't have to soak the whole baby unnecessarily for this purpose.
- If you know that your child is hungry and you plan to give him a bath and then put him to sleep… there is a good chance that you will experience a wave of crying. Therefore, it is better to plan a bath for the time between feedings, when we know that the baby is full and therefore calmer.
