How Often Should You Bathe Your Newborn?
Bath time is a cherished ritual for many parents, but it's important to know that daily baths are not recommended for newborns. At Mama's Minies, we understand the significance of maintaining your baby's delicate skin and ensuring their well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss the optimal frequency for bathing your newborn and provide expert advice on the matter.
When To Bathe a Newborn for the First Time: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is advisable to wait at least 24 hours after birth before giving your newborn their first bath. In case a full day is not possible, waiting a minimum of 6 hours is recommended. At Mama’s Minies, we prioritize your baby’s health and understand the benefits of delaying the first bath, which include:
- Helping regulate your baby’s body temperature and preventing hypothermia.
- Stabilizing your baby’s blood sugar levels.
- Enhancing breastfeeding success, especially if you will be nursing.
- Promoting bonding between you, other caregivers, and your baby.
- Moisturizing your baby’s delicate skin.
- Preserving beneficial bacteria on your baby’s skin.
We encourage you to communicate with the hospital staff in advance to address any concerns you may have regarding the delayed bath policy.
How to Give a Newborn a Bath: Upon returning home, you should stick to sponge baths until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off, which typically takes a couple of weeks. Additionally, sponge baths are recommended until circumcision incisions have healed.
How Often You Should Bathe Your Newborn: Experts generally agree that bathing your newborn three times a week is safe and sufficient. However, at Mama’s Minies, we understand that every baby is unique, and there is no rigid rule for bathing frequency. The AAP advises that three baths a week should be ample for a newborn. Nevertheless, if you prefer to bathe your baby less frequently, that is perfectly acceptable too. As a general guideline, bathe your baby when they are visibly dirty or if you notice any “cheese” accumulating in their skin folds.
Dr. Grant, a renowned pediatrician, suggests, “While there may be instances where babies may require an extra bath due to unique messes as they grow older and become more mobile, following the general rule is sufficient, as long as the diaper area is appropriately cleaned at each diaper change.”
Cleaning Your Baby Between Baths: Similar to how you maintain personal hygiene even without a shower, certain areas of your baby’s body require daily attention, irrespective of a full bath. At Mama’s Minies, we emphasize the following practices:
- Ensure thorough cleaning of the diaper area, especially after bowel movements or soiled diapers. Use unscented wipes and wipe from front to back, carefully checking the folds for trapped stool.
- Regularly apply baby-safe lotion. Daily application can help prevent eczema outbreaks and can be incorporated into the bedtime routine. This is particularly beneficial for babies who have shown signs of eczema or have a family history of the condition.
The Bottom Line: In conclusion, bathing your newborn no more than three times a week is considered healthy. Remember to diligently clean the diaper area during each change and apply moisturizer daily. At Mama’s Minies, we prioritize your baby’s comfort and well-being, ensuring that your bathing routine is safe and nurturing for your little one.