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ROSEMONT, Ill., July 9, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – For many parents, bringing a baby home is a happy and exciting time. However, this can also be daunting – especially the idea of bathing this fragile little human. Yet with a little practice, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, bathing your baby becomes easier and provides a wonderful opportunity to bond with your little one. According to them, it is essential to follow a few simple steps to keep your baby safe, clean and healthy while bathing.
"Although it may seem intimidating at first, bathing your baby is simple and requires only two to three times a week, provided that the nappy area is thoroughly cleaned at each diaper change," says the dermatologist. Kalyani Marathe, certified physician,, MPH, FAAD. "The first thing to remember is to start with a bath of sponges until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls and heals."
To give your newborn baby a sponge bath, Dr. Marathe recommends the following tips:
- Gather the supplies. You will need a bowl of lukewarm water, a washcloth and a mild, perfume-free baby soap.
- Lay your baby on a flat, comfortable surface. Keep your baby warm by wrapping him in a towel and exposing only the part of his body that you are actively washing. For safety, keep a hand on your baby at all times.
- Start with your baby's head. Dip the washcloth in the bowl of warm water and gently wipe your baby's face and scalp. It is not dangerous to gently clean the baby's stains. Do not forget to clean the wrinkles in the neck and behind the ears.
- Clean the rest of the body. The soap should only be applied to dirty areas; the neck and the layer are usually sufficient. Add the baby soap to the bowl of water and use the washcloth to gently wash your baby. Be sure to rinse all soap after cleaning.
"Once the umbilical cord stump of your baby has fallen, go to the traditional bath," says Dr. Marathe. "However, start slowly – if your baby seems to hate a regular bath, use the sponge bath method for a week or more."
To give your baby a traditional bath, Dr. Marathe recommends the following tips:
- Prepare yourself in advance. Decide where to bathe your baby, such as a sink or a small plastic tub, which can make it easier. Get a washcloth, a mild, fragrance-free baby soap and a baby shampoo if your baby has hair.
- Place your baby in the water. First, fill your baby's bath with lukewarm water. Test the temperature of the water inside your wrist to make sure it is not too hot. Then gently guide your baby into the water, feet first. Most of your baby's body must be well above the water. It is therefore advisable to pour warm water on the body of your baby.
- Start with your baby's head. Use the washcloth to gently wash your baby's face and scalp. Use a baby shampoo once or twice a week to clean your baby's hair.
- Clean the rest of the body. The soap should only be applied to dirty areas; the neck and the layer are usually sufficient. Use the washcloth and baby soap to gently clean your baby. Remember to clean between your baby's fingers and toes. Be sure to rinse all soap after cleaning.
"After bathing, immediately wrap your baby in a towel to warm him up and consider applying a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer, such as Vaseline," says Dr. Marathe. "If you have questions about how to take care of your baby's skin, consult a dermatologist approved by the board."
These tips are illustrated in "How to bathe your newborn, "A video posted on the ADF website and Youtube channel. This video is part of AAD's "Video of the Month" series, which offers tips that people can use to take good care of their skin, hair and nails.
Contact
Nicole Dobkin, (847) 240-1746, [email protected]
More information
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About the AAD
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois. It is the largest, most influential and most representative dermatological badociation. With more than 20,000 physicians worldwide, ADA is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and aesthetic treatment of skin, hair and nails; advocate for high standards of clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and support and improve patient care for a healthier life, skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin) Instagram (@ AADskin1), or Youtube (Academy of Dermatology).
To view this release in a multimedia format, please visit: https://aad.new-media-release.com/2019/bathing_a_newborn/.
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