How often should babies get a bath
How often should you bathe your baby, from birth through early childhood? | Pediatrics | Your Pregnancy Matters
×
What can we help you find?Refine your search: Find a Doctor Search Conditions & Treatments Find a Location
Appointment New Patient Appointment
or Call214-645-8300
MedBlog
Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters
August 23, 2021
Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters
Jessica Morse, M. D. Pediatrics
One of the most common questions new parents ask has recently become the focus of an ongoing social media debate among celebrity parents, including Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell: How often should I bathe my baby?
Some parents bathe their babies daily as part of a bedtime routine or due to regular baby messes, from extra spit-up to diaper blowouts. 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.
Their skin is still adjusting to the dry air, so it’s perfectly normal. You can prevent further skin irritation by moisturizing your baby with chemical-free lotion and washing their clothes with a gentle, chemical-free detergent before dressing them.
After that first two-week period, it’s OK to bathe your baby a couple times a week. You can follow this schedule through your child’s elementary school years. Of course, you should modify the bath schedule based on your baby’s skin health and your family’s lifestyle.
3 benefits of delaying your newborn’s first bath
- Temperature regulation
During delivery, your baby experiences a sudden contrast in climate as they enter a dry environment from the fluid-filled amniotic sac. This causes their skin to easily dry out, crack, and peel – especially when babies are born further along in the gestation period.
- Prevent dry skin
Your baby will be born with a coating of vernix caseosa on their skin.
This creamy, waxy build-up consists mostly of water, lipids, and proteins and promotes better temperature regulation and softer skin after birth.
Frequent bathing results in drier skin at any age. So, to help prevent dry skin, we wait up to 24 hours before wiping off the vernix caseosa. However, if the mother has an infection that could be transmitted to the baby, such as HIV or herpes, we clean the newborn right away.
- Breastfeeding benefits
Studies have shown that delaying baby’s first bath can also lead to more success with breastfeeding, as it increases skin-to-skin contact between the baby and mother. And by staying warmer longer, babies are less tired and irritated when learning to latch.
Related reading: 5 tips for successful breastfeeding
Newborn bathing tips
During the first two weeks of life, we recommend giving your newborn sponge baths a couple of times a week using room-temperature water, a soft cloth, and a gentle baby soap free of dyes and scents.
Starting with the head and ending with their diaper area, you should lightly stroke their skin, paying close attention to creases, folds, elbows, knees, fingers, and toes.
Carefully avoid the umbilical cord. Keeping it dry will allow it to fall off and heal. If you immerse your baby in water before this happens, the umbilical cord will take longer to fall off or develop an infection called omphalitis, which can spread to surrounding tissues quickly and become dangerous. In rare instances, it can be life-threatening.
Baby bathing basics
After two weeks, you can submerge more of your baby’s body in water, but always keep two key factors in mind:
- Water depth: You only need a few inches of water for the first couple of years. A baby bath seat, while not necessary, can help keep your baby upright and steady. Most importantly, never leave your baby unattended in the bath, whether they’re in the kitchen sink or a full-size tub. They can slip under the water in seconds.
- Temperature: Babies’ skin is sensitive and can burn quickly. Check the water temperature before placing your baby in the bath; it should be 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. We also recommend lowering your water heater temperature settings so if the tap is accidentally bumped or adjusted during the bath, it can’t get hot enough to harm the baby.
If traditional bathing methods prove frustrating for you and your baby, you can try a swaddle bath. Studies have shown it is less stressful for premature infants, and it can ease you into bathing. To perform a swaddle bath, wrap your baby loosely in a swaddling cloth and gently place them in the water, up to their shoulders. Uncover, wash, and rinse one body part at a time to help your baby stay warmer and calmer.
Whichever method you choose, the bath should only last five to 10 minutes. Apply a fragrance-free lotion afterward to help prevent dryness.
Clean and clear – special circumstances
When you’re bathing your baby two or three times a week, skin hygiene is critical:
- Stool can quickly irritate the skin, so change your baby’s diapers frequently, and wipe thoroughly – using a front-to-back motion for female babies.
- While bathing a circumcised male baby, shake the water slightly so it runs over the penis. Do the same for an uncircumcised male, but gently retract the foreskin first – you won’t be able to pull it back very far, so don’t force it or worry you’re not being thorough.
- If your baby has cradle cap, a scalp condition that causes scaly patches to appear on the skin, you can wash the affected area with an anti-dandruff shampoo or gently rub it with a soft brush and baby oil. Use a gentle, circular motion to pull up the skin flakes; rubbing too hard can pull out hair and the underlying layers of skin.
Use the same brushing method for skin rashes, such as eczema or diaper dermatitis. Harsh soaps can cause rash flare-ups, which is another reason to use mild, chemical-free soaps and bathe your baby less often. After cleaning the affected areas, apply a thick layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to moisturize the skin and protect it from further irritation. Use more than you think you need; most new parents don’t use enough.
Create your own routine
As your child gets older, their bathing cadence can continue to be around three times a week. The older they get, the more they tend to run around and get dirty or sweaty, so bathing frequency should vary based on their activity level.
Some families prefer to create a bedtime routine for their baby as soon as possible, and this typically includes a bath, followed by a feeding. For other families, bath time is a bonding experience or a fun way for their child to play. If daily baths (or showers for older children) work best for your child and lifestyle, be sure to sufficiently and consistently moisturize their skin.
One thing we always emphasize with new parents: Whether your child is 6 months or 16 years old, do what works best for you. What matters is that they’re safe and clean. Other than that, no two families’ bathing habits need to be the same.
Want to feel more prepared for childbirth and baby-care basics? Call 214-633-6640 to enroll in prenatal classes today.
To request a new patient appointment, call 214-645-8300 or request one online.
Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Jessica Morse, M.D.
December 6, 2022
Eyes and Vision; Pediatrics
- Jessica Thayer, M.
D.
November 29, 2022
Cancer; Eyes and Vision; Pediatrics
- J. William Harbour, M.D.
September 21, 2022
Pediatrics; Women's Health
- Nirupama DeSilva, M.
D. - Jason Jarin, M.D.
August 31, 2022
Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Becky Ennis, M.D.
July 19, 2022
Pediatrics
- Tanya Martinez-Fernandez, M.
D.
July 13, 2022
ENT; Pediatrics
- Kenneth Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
June 23, 2022
Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Jamie Morgan, M.
D.
June 14, 2022
Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters
- Michelle Caraballo, M.D.
June 7, 2022
More Articles
How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?
Few things are more nerve-wracking than bathing a newborn. Not only can they feel impossibly fragile, you may worry about whether they’re warm or comfortable enough and if you’re doing a sufficiently thorough job.
Whether you’re bathing your first baby for the first time or are on baby number three, you may still have newborn bathing questions, the most pressing being, “How often should I bathe my baby?”
While longtime best practice has been to bathe baby right after delivery, newer research suggests that delaying the first bath may be beneficial.
A 2019 study including nearly 1,000 babies found that waiting at least 12 hours after birth may promote breastfeeding. Additionally, another 2019 study including 73 infants suggested that a bath after 48 hours helps keep newborns at a steady temperature and aids skin development.
At any rate, it’s likely that the nurses will give baby their first bath, but you can always watch what they do and ask for tips for bathing at home.
Once you get home, you’ll want to bathe your newborn one to two times per week until their umbilical stump falls off. Until this happens, don’t submerge their body in water. Instead, use a warm washcloth and give them a gentle sponge bath starting with their head and face and working your way downward.
If baby spits up or dribbles milk as they feed, you can wipe them down a little more frequently, taking particular care of their face and neck areas. If the mess is coming from the other end, you may need to give a bath to clean up diaper blowouts as well. But unless there is a mess, they really don’t need a daily bath at this age.
During the early months of your baby’s life, you’ll want to continue bathing them one to two times per week. Once they no longer have their umbilical stump, you can begin giving them more traditional baths.
To do this, fill a baby bathtub partway with warm water and let them sit and splash as you wash them all over with water and a gentle baby soap. You can use damp washcloths to cover them and keep them warm during the bath. Again, you can start with their face and head and work your way downward.
Another way to bathe baby at this age is to bring them into the bath or shower with you. If you choose to bathe or shower with your little one, it can help to have a set of hands to pass your baby to when you’re ready to get out of the tub.
They can be very slippery, so it’s important to be extra cautious.
It’s also important to remember that adults generally prefer much warmer water than babies do. Aim to keep the temperature lukewarm, and your babe will likely be happy for the bath time cuddles.
As your little one grows, you may want to change up their bath routine a little bit. At this age babies still only need a bath one to two times per week, but if they seem to enjoy the water or like splashing as they get clean, you can consider bathing them more frequently.
Many parents also take advantage of diaper and outfit changes to give their baby a quick wipe down and make sure that all their important parts are clean. If you do choose to bathe your little one more than twice a week, consider using soap for only one or two of their baths to avoid drying out their skin. After bath time, you can moisturize baby with a gentle, fragrance- and dye-free lotion.
Once baby becomes mobile and starts eating solids, you may decide you need to begin bathing them more frequently.
While they still only really need one to two soapy baths per week, you can either give them a sponge bath or put them in the tub to soak and rinse off more frequently as messes arise.
You might also find that bath time is a pleasant way to calm baby down before bedtime. If this works for you, it’s perfectly OK to make a bath part of your calming nighttime routine at this age.
While it may feel odd to bathe your baby so infrequently, babies simply don’t need to bathe as often as adults. They don’t sweat or get dirty in the same way as older people, and their skin is much more sensitive than that of adults. Frequent bathing can actually do more harm than good.
To avoid drying out baby’s skin and worsening conditions like eczema, bathe your little one to two times per week and wash them with a mild, fragrance- and dye-free soap. When you get them out of the bath, pat them dry before applying a dye- and fragrance-free baby moisturizer and promptly dressing them.
If your little one has a known skin condition, consult their pediatrician to make a plan for exactly what products and routines you can follow to help them stay comfortable.
Bathing a baby is a delicate process. You want to be sure that your little one is getting squeaky clean, but you also need to be sure that you’re being gentle and that baby is comfortable. Check out the tips below to make bathing an easier and more effective process:
- Start at the top. Experts recommend starting any bath by gently washing your little one’s hair and face. After that, use a washcloth to work your way downward, soaping and rinsing your baby as you go.
- Focus on the folds. Most babies have rolls or folds along their thighs, neck, and wrists. These folds are adorable but can also trap bacteria, dead skin cells, and things like spit-up and dribbled milk. As you bathe your little one, focus on thoroughly washing and rinsing their folds and rolls.
- Don’t forget the hands and feet. Babies tend to suck on their fingers and toes, so it’s extra important to get these parts clean. Use a soapy washcloth and gently spread their fingers and toes to make sure you get their hands and feet as clean as possible.
- Try the sink. If you have a portable baby bathtub, chances are it fits neatly in your kitchen skin. Try giving your back a break by bathing your little one in the sink instead of the bathtub while they’re still young enough to be immobile. Once your little one can roll or scoot, it’s time to move baths into the tub to avoid any accidents.
- Give co-bathing a shot. There’s nothing sweeter than enjoying a nice warm bath with your little one. Once your babe is able to take a real bath, consider hopping in with them and washing and cleaning them from within the tub. If you don’t feel comfortable being nude with your little one, you can always hop into a swimsuit for the occasion.
- Be careful with siblings. If your baby has an older sibling, you may want to save time and energy by bathing them together. Once your little one can sit comfortably on their own, this is usually fine. Although, before your baby is able to sit on their own, you’ll want to skip sibling baths to avoid your baby being bumped, jostled, or splashed as they adjust to the water.
- Aim for mild products. When selecting the soap, shampoo, and lotion you’ll use for your baby, aim for products that are dye- and fragrance-free. While scented bubble bath products might be lots of fun for a toddler, they can dry out or irritate an infant’s skin and should be avoided. Whatever you choose, be consistent and do your best to avoid trying out new products if the ones you have work well and don’t irritate your baby’s skin.
Remember to never leave baby in the bath untended, even briefly.
In the first year of your baby’s life, you really only need to bathe them once or twice per week.
Start with sponge baths until their umbilical stump falls off and then begin bathing them gently in the sink or tub. As they grow, babies may require more frequent baths as they get messier or start having fun in the tub.
As long as you use gentle products and don’t notice any issues with your baby’s skin, you can indulge their bath time joy as they grow!
Error 404 | Regional perinatal center
UPDATED NEWS!
⚡⚡⚡ Opening hours of the Regional Perinatal Center for the New Year holidays.
from 12/31/2022 to 01/08/2023 Administration and outpatient departments are closed.
04.01.2023 - working day in the consulting and diagnostic department (appointments with an obstetrician-gynecologist and prenatal screening - by appointment). nine0009
Inpatient and emergency care for patients will be provided in full.
On-duty teams have been formed at the Perinatal Center, schedules for the duty of doctors, nurses and administration have been approved.
01/09/2023 is a working day.
⚡⚡⚡
Due to the end of the financial year, bank cards on December 30, 2022 are not accepted as a means of payment. We offer to pay in cash. nine0009
⚡⚡⚡ Partner births are temporarily suspended
In accordance with the letter of the Department of Health and Pharmacy of the Yaroslavl Region dated December 15, 2022 No. 19-9010/2022 -04 / 41-4516-2022 due to the excess of the epidemiological threshold for ARVI among the population of the Yaroslavl region on the basis of clause 10.
5 of the Resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor for the Yaroslavl Region dated December 05, 2022 No. 21 "On the announcement of the epidemiological rise in the incidence of influenza and SARS among the population of the Yaroslavl region" in order to prevent the nosocomial spread of respiratory viral infections for the period of circulation of influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses of non-influenza etiology, a ban was introduced on visits to structural units of hospital-type institutions by visitors. nine0041 Based on the foregoing, the presence of relatives during the delivery of a pregnant woman (partner birth) is equated to visiting patients in structural units of a stationary type.
Removal of restrictions will be possible with the improvement of the epidemiological situation for influenza and SARS in the Yaroslavl region.
⚡⚡⚡
Memo for medical workers on the differential diagnosis of COVID-19 with influenza and SARS, determining the tactics of managing patients, including children, the elderly and pregnant women with the algorithm of actions of medical workers providing medical care on an outpatient basis , including at home, to patients with acute respiratory viral infections and Leaflet for the public (link) on the prevention and treatment of seasonal influenza, COVID-19, RS infection and other acute respiratory viral infections (letter of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated November 28, 2022 No.
30-4 / I / 1-20344)
------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ---------
⚡⚡⚡
Given the epidemiological situation, there is currently a restriction on visits to inpatient departments of the Perinatal Center. nine0009
⚡⚡⚡ Information for accompanying persons
Due to the increased risk of the spread of COVID-19, persons accompanying patients from outpatient departments are not allowed to stay in the building of the Perinatal Center. Entrance to the building of the Perinatal Center is allowed only for accompanying disabled patients and patients with disabilities.
⚡⚡⚡ Information for infertile patients requiring ART
In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated July 31, 2020 No. 803n “On the procedure for the use of assisted reproductive technologies, contraindications and restrictions on their use”, which entered into force on January 1, 2021, the presence of indications for ART programs is carried out by the attending physician.
He also draws up a referral for infertility treatment by IVF.
To obtain a referral, you need to consult a reproductive health specialist at the Department of Reproductive Health of the Regional Perinatal Center, who decides on referral to the IVF program. Recording by phone reception (4852) 78-81-96.
⚡⚡⚡ Memo for citizens about actions in the case of asymptomatic or mild course of a new coronavirus infection and acute respiratory viral infection (download full memo, download short memo)
9000, as often at what time, what temperature should the water be
When can I bathe a newborn after the maternity hospital?
WHO recommends a newborn's first bath at least 24 hours after delivery. The infant is born covered with primordial lubrication, or vernix, a mixture of sebum, epidermal exfoliation, and remnants of vellus hair that protects its skin in the womb. Vernix has an antimicrobial effect and helps to maintain the balance of fluid on the skin surface, so it is important not to wash off the film on the first day.
nine0009
After discharge from the maternity hospital, you can bathe the baby on the same evening - however, if you spent a lot of time on the road, returned late and were tired, you can safely postpone the procedure until morning.
The umbilical wound of the baby heals within a few days and is not a contraindication for water procedures, so do not be afraid of the bath and clean the baby with wet wipes - this method does not replace a full bath. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. nine0009
How to bathe a newborn baby?
We figured out when you can bathe a newborn after the maternity hospital - now it is important to understand the algorithm of actions. The rules for bathing newborns are simple, but at first you can reread them before the procedure in order to remember all the details of caring for a baby at home.
When is the best time to bathe a newborn?
There is no clear rule at what time it is better to bathe a newborn baby up to 1 month old.
Some prefer to bathe the baby in the morning when he is in a good mood and ready for a new day. Others take it in the evening, before feeding, as warm water relaxes and soothes the baby. If, after bathing, on the contrary, he falls asleep for a long time, transfer water procedures to the morning. The main thing is to teach him to swim at the same time, daytime or evening, to develop a routine. Also, do not properly wash a newborn baby immediately after feeding or when he is hungry. nine0009
How to bathe a newborn?
As a rule, bathing a newborn baby for the first time at home is recommended in a bath, it is more convenient and safer. A two-month-old baby can splash in an adult bath, which must be thoroughly washed before each procedure for hygiene reasons. What to bathe in is not so important for the newborn himself, so focus on your comfort.
The most important rule is to follow safety precautions. The child should not be left alone in the bathroom even for a few seconds.
While he is in the water, an adult holds him constantly with at least one hand in order to react in case of a sudden movement of the baby. Before bathing, prepare a towel, clean clothes, soap, shampoo, and other necessary items at arm's length so as not to go for them. nine0009
How many degrees should the water be for bathing a baby?
The optimum warmth of water for an infant is around 37°C, according to its body temperature, so that it does not freeze or overheat. Get a water thermometer and don't rely on folk methods like checking your temperature with your elbow. The technique is much more reliable! Feelings can deceive you by several degrees, and for the delicate skin of a child, such a difference is critical.
Parents are worried about how many degrees of water should be for bathing a newborn, but the temperature in the bathroom itself is no less important. It should be warm and humid here, up to 24 ° C. When you have undressed the baby, immediately immerse him in water so that he does not have time to freeze.
nine0009
Newborn bath products
Pediatricians believe that bathing a newborn baby with plain water is sufficient. If necessary, you can connect to help special tools that are suitable for babies. They have a delicate composition that takes into account the characteristics of the skin of the crumbs.
You can pay attention to a cleanser that does not contain soap, fragrances. Lipikar Syndet AP+ Lipid-replenishing cream-gel for face and body gently cleanses without stinging eyes and softens the skin. nine0009
How often should you bathe a newborn with detergent? No more than 1-2 times a week to keep the hydrolipid mantle of the baby's skin.
How to properly wash a newborn?
How to properly bathe a newborn baby in a bath to cleanse the delicate skin of impurities?
- Have your baby's towel, bath products, diaper and clean clothes ready and put them near the tub. Ask the second parent or someone close to insure you the first few times to feel more confident.
nine0138 - Draw water. Before immersing the baby, additionally check the temperature, even if it was checked a couple of minutes ago.
- Slowly lower the baby into the tub, starting with the feet. For the first time, act as carefully as possible so that the baby is comfortable and pleasant - this is how you form a positive reaction to bathing.
- Check the position of the baby: head and neck on your left forearm, with the same hand supporting the shoulders. The bath with a slide simplifies the task, in it the child automatically takes the desired position. nine0138
- Gently rinse face, head and body with right hand. Rinse every skin fold and area behind the ears where dirt accumulates. Lastly, clean the perineum, both in the boy and in the girl.
How long can I bathe my baby?
The optimal duration of the first bath is about 5 minutes, then the time can be increased to 10 minutes or more. The duration of water procedures depends on the nature of the baby, but usually at 3 months, children like to splash in the water for 20-30 minutes and have fun with their favorite toys.
The kid himself will tell you how long to bathe him: when signs of fatigue appear, it's time to dry off and sleep! nine0009
How often should a newborn be bathed?
The opinion of doctors about the frequency of bathing a newborn varies. Some believe that a bath can be taken every day, others that three baths a week are enough, until the baby crawls, actively collecting dust and bacteria from the floor and other surfaces. Bathing too often dries the skin and disrupts the formation of a natural protective barrier, too little leads to the accumulation of microbes in the skin folds, rashes and irritation. How often to bathe a newborn baby up to a month old, when and at what age to start bathing daily, you decide - watch the baby and his reaction to water procedures. nine0009
What to do after swimming?
Now it's clearer how to bathe a newborn, but what to do next? When you get the baby out of the water, it is important not to let him freeze - to do this, immediately wrap him in a warm towel and take him to the changing table.
