Generally, a bath 2-3 times per week is enough to keep your newborn baby's skin clean. If they like to be bathed, it's fine to bath them more frequently. Sometimes baths can dry your baby's skin so only use a small amount of soap or baby bath wash.
Too much bathing can decrease babies' natural bacteria count and make them more susceptible to infections and rash, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The AAP advises, however, that it's best to bathe babies at least three times a week.
How often does my newborn need a bath? There's no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby's skin.
But for most families, bathing the baby two to three times a week is plenty after the first couple of weeks of life. In fact, we recommend delaying your newborn's first full bath for at least two weeks. Newborns shed about three layers of skin within their first week, which often surprises new parents.
There is no set age when you should give your baby a bath. Babies get cold quickly, and that's more risky for them than being a bit dirty. If you're anxious about bathing your little one, you don't need to put them into a bath until you feel confident about it.
Only give your newborn sponge baths until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens by about one or two weeks of age. If it remains beyond that time, there may be other issues at play. See the baby's doctor if the cord has not dried up and fallen off by the time the baby is two months old.
It's best not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired. Make sure the room you're bathing them in is warm. Have everything you need at hand: a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.
Generally, a bath 2-3 times per week is enough to keep your newborn baby's skin clean. If they like to be bathed, it's fine to bath them more frequently. Sometimes baths can dry your baby's skin so only use a small amount of soap or baby bath wash.
Common bacterial infections for newborns include Group B Strep and E. Coli which can lead to pneumonia and meningitis. By delaying the first bath, you are allowing the vernix to continue working as a safety net for your little one's immune system.
Bath time might be part of your nightly ritual, but doctors actually don't recommend daily baths for babies. Excess exposure to water can zap their skin of moisture and worsen conditions like eczema. Then again, not bathing your baby often enough can also aggravate eczema, plus lead to other infections.
Few activities can be as soothing as taking a bath—and that's especially true for little ones. After coming out of a warm bath, a baby's body temperature starts to cool, which can help your infant fall asleep more easily.
Delayed first bath for at least 24 hours may reduce infant mortality and hypothermia. Delayed bath for at least 6 hours may prevent hypothermia and hypoglycaemia and improve EBF rates at discharge.
When burping your baby, repeated gentle patting on your baby's back should do the trick. Cup your hand while patting — this is gentler on the baby than a flat palm. To prevent messy cleanups when your baby spits up or has a "wet burp," you might want to place a towel or bib under your baby's chin or on your shoulder.
Hiccups are normal and usually don't hurt your baby. In younger babies, hiccups are usually a sign that they need to be seated upright during or after feeding, that feeding needs to be slower for them, or that they need more time before or after feeding to relax.
If you bathe your baby three to four hours after she eats, she may be getting so hungry (and cranky) that she has no patience for the bath. On the other hand, if you bathe her right after she eats, the jostling may make her spit up. Aim for a bathtime between an hour and two hours after a meal.
Moisturising your baby
Apply a thick, non-fragranced moisturiser all over daily at the first sign of dryness. Thicker creams are more effective than lotions. Apply moisturiser more often if the skin always seems dry. Avoid moisturisers containing botanicals, food and fragrance as these may disrupt the skin barrier.
When can my baby go in the shower? Once your baby is past the newborn stage, you can bring them in the shower with you to get clean. It's best not to shower with a newborn baby, since they need their head supported at all times and it's harder for them to regulate their body temperature.
In this case, put your baby in a baby seat and bring the seat into the bathroom. Place it where it will not be splashed with hot water. Be sure you can still see your baby through the shower door or around the curtain. Remove any dangling plants or cords that may be within your baby's reach.
As a parent, you are trying to figure out how to do the things you once did with ease while making sure your child is safe. Don't be afraid to take care of yourself. This begs the question, can I bring my newborn in the bathroom while I shower? The answer is yes.
Wash baby's face gently with a wet washcloth. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth (no soap) to clean your baby's eyes and face. Wipe from the inside of each eye to the outside. Make sure you get any dried secretions out of the nose and eyes.
You can shower with your baby as soon as their umbilical cord falls off and as often as two to three times a week. Just make sure the water temperature is correct and you have all everything needed at hand. It is better to have a partner or adult nearby to keep your baby extra safe.
There are no rules on when you should burp your baby, some babies need burping during their feed, some after. Look for clues – if your baby seems uncomfortable while feeding, have a little burping break. If they seem fine while feeding, wait until they've finished. Your baby will let you know!
What happens if a sleeping baby doesn't burp? If you're concerned about what happens if your baby won't burp after feeding, try not to worry. He'll likely be just fine and will end up passing the gas from the other end.