Daily bathing is an essential part of newborn care. With their rapid metabolism, newborns sweat easily and eliminate waste frequently. Their delicate skin is highly susceptible to irritation from these bodily fluids. If not cleaned promptly, accumulated grime becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially leading to skin infections. Therefore, regular bathing is crucial.Generally, bathing can begin on the second day after discharge from the hospital. In winter, bathe once daily; in summer, bathe 1-2 times daily. Regular bathing promotes blood circulation, aids skin respiration, and uses water pressure and temperature to strengthen the body, supporting the newborn's growth and development.
Before bathing a newborn, prepare all necessary items: a small tub, washcloths for body and hair, tear-free shampoo, baby wash or soap, lotion or powder. Also have post-bath essentials ready—a large towel, clean diaper, clothing, and swaddle blanket.Next, adjust the room temperature to 25°C–30°C. Prepare bath water at 38°C–40°C—it should feel warm but not hot to the touch. Test by dripping water onto the back of your hand; it should feel slightly warm but not scalding. Alternatively, dip your elbow into the water; it should feel comfortably warm, not hot. Once preparations are complete, begin bathing.
Start bathing from the head: Gently wipe the baby's eyes with a damp washcloth,
then clean the face using an S-shaped or figure-3 motion, followed by the ears, behind the ears, and around the nose.
Avoid using shampoo before the baby is one month old.
Instead, gently comb the baby's hair with your fingers while rinsing with clean water.
Don't forget to clean the neck area with its many folds.
For the chest and abdomen, simply cup water in your palm to wash.
Have daddy gently hold the baby's hands and legs to help mommy wash from top to bottom.
If using soap, be extra careful to prevent the baby from slipping.
How to wash the back?
Place baby face-down. Mom should gently draw circles with her palm. After a few circles, the back is clean.
Special reminder: When rinsing soap suds, prevent foam from entering baby's eyes.
After washing the back, turn baby over to clean the lower body. Cleaning methods differ for boys and girls:
For girls, pay special attention to cleaning around the labia. For boys, focus on washing behind the testicles.
All done?
Daddy should use prepared clean water to gently rinse away all soap residue from the baby's body.
Mommy should dry the baby's hair with a towel, then quickly wrap the baby in a large towel handed over by Grandma.
The final touch is left to Mom:
Gently and thoroughly dry every part of the baby's body with the large towel, then apply a thin layer of baby-specific moisturizing lotion. Job done!