When to start using soap on newborn

Bathing your baby | Ready Steady Baby!

Bathing your baby's a lovely way to spend time together and bond with them.

It’s natural to feel a bit worried if you’ve never done it before, though.

Confidence will come

Some people find they’re so careful it takes ages to give a bath in the first few weeks. This is completely natural and you’ll get more confident as the weeks go on.

Don’t worry too much if your baby doesn’t like having a bath at first – some babies don’t. They should get used to it and start to enjoy it more after a few weeks.

Start a routine

Whether it’s a bath, a top and tail or a nappy change, try and keep to the same routine each time you do it. This helps your baby learn what’s happening and feel safe.

Talk to them at each step and tell them what you’re doing so they can pick up the routine.

Before bathing your baby

Before you give your baby a bath:

get everything ready and make sure the room's warm and free of draughts
get out a towel, a fresh nappy and some clean clothes
check the water's the right temperature and your baby's awake and ready
wash your hands

Filling the bath

When filling the bath:

put cold water in the bath first, then add hot - test the temperature with your elbow, it should feel comfortably warm
fill it to about 8 to 10 cm of water so they can move their arms and legs about

Putting baby in the bath

To put your baby in the bath safely:

lower them into the water on their back
support their head, shoulders and back with both hands

If you use your bath you’ll need to lean over your baby, which isn’t very comfortable. Usually it's easier to use a basin or a small baby bath on the floor. When they’re bigger and you’re feeling more confident, you could try a slightly deeper bath.

Bathing your baby

To bath your baby:

keep one hand under their head and shoulders to support them
use your free hand to wet their body - if they only have a little hair, rinse their head by pouring some water over it with your hand
rub over the skin gently with a clean cloth

Dry your baby in a large, soft warm towel, put on their nappy and dress them.

Using soaps and shampoos

Only use plain water for newborn babies.

You can start using unperfumed baby bath from about 4 to 6 weeks, but be careful to only use a little so you don’t damage your baby’s skin.

Babies with longer hair may need a drop of mild shampoo on wet hair, lathered and rinsed off.

Washing between the folds

Some babies have folds of skin, especially round their neck, thighs and wrists. Milk can get trapped there which can irritate the skin, making it sore.

Clean inside these folds gently.

Washing the birth stump

The stump of the umbilical cord usually falls off by itself after around 10 days, leaving a perfect tummy button. Don't worry if it takes a little longer or seems a bit smelly. Let the water wash gently around it to remove any discharge.

Topping and tailing your baby

You don’t have to bath your baby every day – instead you can give them a quick top and tail.

Topping and tailing is a quick alternative to a bath and you can do it once or twice a day.

What you'll need

To top and tail your baby you'll need:

cotton wool or two soft clean cloths
a bowl of warm water
a fresh nappy
clean clothes if you need them
a bin, bag or bucket for waste

How to top and tail your baby

To top and tail your baby:

Wash your hands
Undress your baby on their back and leave the nappy on - if they’re very young they may be more comfortable if you wrap them in a towel to keep warm
Wipe their face, neck and ears with cotton wool or a soft cloth dipped in warm water and dry them with cotton wool, a cloth or a soft towel
Wipe their underarms and dry them
Take the nappy off and, if they’re a very new baby, wash off any discharge that’s come from the stump of the umbilical cord
Wash their genitals and bottom – for girls, wipe with a clean wet cloth or cotton wool from front to back
Pat the skin dry
Put on a fresh nappy and dress them

Be gentle when cleaning your baby's genital area - never try to pull back a baby boy’s foreskin.

Your baby's finger and toenails

Keep fingernails and toenails neat and trimmed, as your baby might scratch the skin on their face.

Use special baby nail scissors with rounded edges and don’t cut too far down.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap's a common scalp condition in babies. It shows up as scaly, greasy patches on their scalp, a bit like bad dandruff.

It’s nothing to worry about – in fact it’s a sign that your baby’s skin is growing.

Try rubbing baby oil or vegetable oil into your baby’s scalp to loosen the scales, and then rinse it off. If the scalp looks red or seems infected, get advice from your midwife, health visitor, family nurse or pharmacist.

Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.

Bathing Your Baby - HealthyChildren.org

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By: Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, FAAP

Bathing your baby is an experience many parents treasure. It's a great time to bond, distraction-free, as your tiny new family member enjoys the sensation of warm water on their skin. Yet this common parenting ritual often comes with questions, and sometimes anxiety, about when and how to do it well.

Here are some frequently asked questions from parents about topics related to baby bath timing, frequency, safety, and more.

When should newborns get their first bath?

The timing of your baby's very first bath has changed over the last few years. While most institutions used to bathe babies within an hour or two of birth, many are changing their policies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying baby's first bath until 24 hours after birth—or waiting at least 6 hours if a full day isn't possible for cultural reasons.

Note: Babies of mothers with HIV or the Hepatitis viruses will still be bathed after the initial breastfeed in order to decrease risk to hospital staff and family members.

How often do babies need a bath once they are home?

Newborns don't need a bath every day. They rarely sweat or get dirty enough to need a full bath that often.

Three baths per week during baby's first year may be enough. Bathing more frequently can dry out your baby's skin.

Can my baby have a bath before the umbilical cord falls off?

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. Learn more here.

How to give a sponge bath

A sponge bath is like a regular bath, except you don't put your baby in the water.

When is my baby ready for a regular bath?

Once the umbilical area is healed, you can try placing your baby directly in the water. His first baths should be as gentle and brief as possible. He may protest a little. (If this happens go back to sponge baths for a week or two, then try the bath again). Babies usually make it clear when they're ready.

Remember…

Knowing the basics can make bathing your infant a breeze. Just make sure your baby stays comfortable and safe during bath time―and don't forget to soak up all the special moments that come with it!

Additional Information:

Infant Water Safety: Protect Your New Baby from Drowning
5 Bathroom Safety Tips for Infants & Young Children
Baby Birthmarks & Rashes

About Dr. Navsaria:

Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD, FAAP is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and is director of the MD–MPH program there. He has practiced primary care pediatrics in a variety of settings and is the founding medical director of Reach Out and Read Wisconsin. Dr. Navsaria regularly writes op-eds on health-related topics, does radio and television interviews, and frequently speaks locally, regionally and nationally on early brain and child development, early literacy, and advocacy to a broad variety of audiences. Follow him on Twitter @navsaria, Facebook, and visit his website www.navsaria.com.

Last Updated: 3/3/2020

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2019)

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Newborn personal care

Aug 20, 2020

Peace of mind, only peace of mind

You just came from the hospital, in your arms is such a tiny and fragile baby, and, oh horror, he has to be washed. And then the grandmothers add fuel to the fire:
“The first time is very important: if he gets scared, then he will be afraid of water!” And so, with shaking hands, you carry the baby into a bath with potassium permanganate, make the water hotter so that the newborn does not freeze ... Stop.
First of all, calm down: newborn children read the emotions of close adults in a matter of seconds, and your panic and fear will be transferred to the baby. Inhale-exhale, we leave the child to dad and go to prepare the baby for a bath. By the way, for the first time, you should definitely enlist the help of relatives: watch the newborn while you pour water, give a towel or help throw it on the baby - it will be better if dad or grandmother are in the wings for these actions. So everyone will be calmer and more comfortable.

What should be on hand:
• Bath.
• A slide with a diaper or a hammock for bathing a newborn. This is a very convenient and irreplaceable invention. You don't have to bend over to hold the baby in the tub. The baby will just need to be put on a soft slide. Your hands are free - you can safely wash your baby.
• Water thermometer.
• Baby soap.
• Soft towel.
• Special children's bathing products and herbal kits - at the discretion of the parents.

Newborn's first bath: where to start
Bathing for a newborn is not only and not so much a way to become clean, because such a baby simply cannot have strong pollution. This is, first of all, a pleasant soothing procedure that reminds the baby of the glorious days in the womb, where the child spent nine months in the aquatic environment. In the water, he feels comfortable, bathing has a positive effect on the physical and emotional development of the baby.
The first and most important thing that you can not do without when bathing a baby is a bath. Sometimes parents prefer to immediately accustom a newborn to an adult bath, but at least for the first couple of months it is better to use a small baby bath. First, it is safe and hygienic. Secondly, the baby will be more comfortable in a small bath than in a large space. Do not forget that he lived for a long time in his mother's cramped tummy and the space still scares him. Thirdly, it will be more convenient to fill a small bath with warm water, even if the hot water supply is turned off.
The bath must first be washed with ordinary baby soap: various "adult" cleaning products should not be used. Then you need to fill it with warm water: 35-37 degrees. Water should be comfortable, not hot.
If the child turns red while bathing, it means that the water was too hot, and this can adversely affect the well-being and mood of the baby. To measure the temperature, if there is no special thermometer at hand, the “elbow method” is used: they determine by touch how comfortable the water is.

Do I need to boil water and add potassium permanganate to it?
Just a few decades ago, the correct answer to these questions was unequivocal: yes. Modern pediatricians are more loyal: it is not necessary to boil water at all. This is only appropriate for bathing children whose umbilical cord has not yet fallen off. By the way, earlier doctors advised to wait until the navel falls off and only then wash the baby. Today, opinions on this issue differ: some experts advise waiting until the navel falls off, others argue that there is nothing wrong with bathing a newborn with an unhealed umbilical wound.
The addition of potassium permanganate to water is also considered a relic of the past: the product greatly dries delicate baby skin, and an excessive concentration of the solution can even cause a burn.
As for all kinds of means for bathing children: it is quite possible to do without gels and foams, especially in the first months of a baby's life. Many parents are in a hurry to fill the house with dozens of bottles and tubes with the inscriptions “no tears” and “0+”, but at first it is enough to wash the baby with ordinary baby soap 1-2 times a week. The rest of the time - bathe in plain tap water. Later, of course, you can buy fragrant foaming products: with the right approach to buying and carefully studying the composition, they will not cause harm.
Some pediatricians advise bathing a newborn in a decoction of herbs - valerian, motherwort and chamomile - so that the child sleeps better and is calmer. With harmless, at first glance, herbs, you need to be careful: they can cause an allergic reaction, especially in very young children who are not even a month old. If the allergy does not manifest itself, sometimes you can practice bathing in herbs. Most likely, there will not be a magical effect from valerian or string, but it will not cause harm either. But, in any case, this issue should be discussed with the baby's doctor.

How often and how long to bathe
The very first bath of a newborn should be short - 5-10 minutes is enough. The older the child becomes, the more time he can spend in the bathroom: the baby is more and more interested in what is happening around, so he is happy to flounder in the water, examine toys, is surprised by the splashes and is delighted that they can be made by actively moving his arms and legs . There are no clear boundaries on how much time a baby should spend on water procedures: be guided by the well-being of the child and make sure that he does not freeze.
Up to six months, children are recommended to bathe every day. Then - a day later. At the same time, you should not wash your child's hair with soap often: it is enough to do this a couple of times a week.
Relatives of the old school sometimes advise young parents to warm the air in the room where the newborn will bathe. It comes to the fact that moms and dads put a heater in the bathroom so that the baby “was warm”. Of course, you can't do that. Small children do not tolerate heat well, and at best you will end up with a lethargic, sad and red child. And at worst, you risk earning health problems in the baby and forever discourage him from swimming.

When should I bathe: in the morning or before bed?
The answer to this question is purely individual and depends on the characteristics of a particular child. Bathing invigorates some babies: in this case, water procedures should be carried out in the morning. For other newborns, spending time in the bath is a way to calm down and relax, some babies even fall asleep during pleasant moments in warm water. Of course, in this case it is better to wash the baby in the evening, before going to bed.
An important point: in no case do not leave the child alone in the bathroom for a second. Even if it seems to you that the child is still very small and will not be able to roll over. Children are often unpredictable, and their skills sometimes appear suddenly, and in order to choke, a few seconds are enough. Alas, there are many cases when children died in the bathrooms, left alone there. We do not want to scare you, we just urge you to make it a rule: while the newborn is in the bathroom, do not leave him unattended.

Another frequently asked question by parents: does a newborn need a washcloth? It is better to wash a very small child simply by hand. The skin of a baby is very delicate, so it is better not to use a washcloth, even a special baby one, for the first time. Later, as the child grows older, you can try to gently wash it with a washcloth-mitten. In this case, you can not use force and rub the skin of the baby. Movements should be light and accurate.

Error 404 | Regional perinatal center

Dear patients!!!

⚡⚡⚡ Closing for scheduled disinfection of obstetric hospitals of the Regional Perinatal Center is scheduled for the period from 08:00 October 17 to 08:00 October 31, 2022.

During the closing period, the following will be admitted:
- pregnant women and women in labor up to 33 weeks 6 days inclusive,
- gynecological patients for planned surgical interventions.
High-risk pregnant women in terms of 34 weeks or more, as well as gynecological patients for emergency care, during the specified period, are hospitalized at Clinical Hospital No. 9.

Reason: Order of the Department of Health and Pharmacy of the Yaroslavl Region dated October 11, 2022 No. 1277.

P.S. In December 2022, there will be no closure for disinfection.

⚡⚡⚡

Given the epidemiological situation, there is currently a restriction on visits to inpatient departments of the Perinatal Center.

. dated November 25, 2021 No. 12752p-P12, regular meetings of citizens with experts on problematic issues of reproductive health continue.

Meetings are held every Saturday on the Reproductive Health channel, which is available at the links:

https://rutube.ru/channel/25385590/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEP5EFRcqul2Ae6Y6RbGuA

https ://vk.com/popsovet.

Questions to experts are accepted by e-mail: [email protected].

Schedule of the educational project "Reproductive Health" for August - December 2022

No.	Date	Time	Expert	Subject name
1.	13.08	10-00	O.M. Drapkina A.B. Hecht	Obesity as an interdisciplinary problem. Prevention and correction of eating disorders. Proper nutrition and psychological aspects of women's health disorders.
2.	20.08	10-00	O.I. Apolikhin	Modern possibilities of drug and surgical treatment of disorders of male reproductive health. Assisted reproductive technologies for male infertility.
3.	27.08	10-00	M.F. Ippolitova	Pregnancy, childbirth and abortion in adolescents. Features of preventive examination of minors. Modern methods of contraception for adolescents and youth.
4.	3.09	9-00	L.V. Adamyan	Uterine fibroids: asymptomatic, symptomatic. family forms. Possible options for examination and treatment.
5.	10.09	10-00	A. B. Hecht (R.G. Akzhigitov)	Sequelae of COVID-19 in women (post-COVID syndrome).
6.	17.09	10-00	A.D. Kaprin	Prostate cancer and stereotypes of male reproductive health. The possibilities of modern medicine and the right attitude to one's health.
7.	24.09	10-00	E.E. Voronin L.Yu. Afonina	HIV, hepatitis and pregnancy. Prevention of HIV and hepatitis among young people.
8.	1.10	10-00	I. V. Soldiers	Benign dysplasia of the mammary glands. Precancerous diseases and risk factors for the development of malignant neoplasms of the breast. What you need to know: simple answers to women's questions.
9.	8.10	10-00	N.V. Mokrysheva	“Letters to my son”: what endocrine aspects of reproductive health do we need to tell teenagers about
10.	15.10	10-00	A.D. Kaprin M.V. Kiseleva	Reproductive health of cancer patients: opportunities to become parents are real.
11.	22.10	10-00	A.B. Hecht	Prevention of postpartum depression, including during periods of limited social contact. Postcovid syndrome.
12.	29.10	10-00	N.V. Mokrysheva	Family planning for diabetes and thyroid disease: what to look for.
13.	5.11	10-00	A.A. Steam horse	Oncology and pregnancy: preservation of reproductive function, preparation and management of pregnancy in oncological diseases.
14.	12.11	10-00	A.A. Olina E.V. Uvarova	Teenage pregnancy: abortion cannot be delivered. Where to put a punctuation mark or what to do in a difficult situation?
15.	11/19	10-00	L.V. Adamyan	Modern aesthetic and plastic gynecology. The unity of beauty, sexuality and psychological comfort.
16.	11/26	10-00	O.I. Apolikhin	We are what we eat. Nutrition and male fertility. What and how to eat, drink to maintain fertility?
17.	03.12	10-00	N.V. Dolgushin O.I. Apolikhin A.A. Olina	Medical genetic counseling for pregnancy planning. Assisted reproductive technologies, family assistance programs. Inefficiency of ART and ways to overcome it.
18.	10.12	10-00	N.G. Mokrysheva	Beyond genes: the role of parents in childhood obesity. The impact of obesity on the somatic, psychological and social well-being of children and adolescents.
19.	17.12	10-00	Final event	New opportunities in medicine and reproduction ( genetics, immunology, cell technology, endocrinology, reproductive surgery, gynecology, urology, oncology ).

⚡⚡⚡ Partner birth has resumed.

GBUZ YaO "Regional Perinatal Center", based on letters from the Head of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the Yaroslavl Region dated March 21, 2022 No. 76-00-04 / 41-1099-2022, dated 04.20.2022 No. 76-00-04 / 48-1632-2022 and dated 07.01.2022 No. 76-00-04 / 41-2515-2022, informs about the possibility of partner childbirth from 03.23.2022, subject to the following conditions: the partner has a QR code about vaccination, as well as a PCR test made no later than 48 hours before delivery (!!!express test is not accepted).

On the basis of clause 811. Decree of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated January 28, 2021 No. 4 “On Approval of Sanitary Rules and Norms SanPiN 3.3686-21 “Sanitary and Epidemiological Requirements for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases”, who is present at partner childbirth, is obliged to provide the result of an examination for tuberculosis (fluorography of the chest organs) not older than 1 year.

In addition, the future father needs to have a passport, a change of shoes (clean rubber slippers), a change of clean clothes (t-shirt and pants), a pair of clean handkerchiefs, a pack of wet antibacterial wipes and a small bottle of drinking water.

⚡⚡⚡ Instruction for citizens on actions in case of asymptomatic or mild novel coronavirus infection and acute respiratory viral infection (Download full memo, download short memo)

⚡⚡⚡Information for accompanying persons

Due to the increased risk of the spread of COVID-19, persons accompanying patients in outpatient departments are not allowed 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 patients with infertility who need ART

In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation of July 31, 2020 No.