1. Prepare the bathroom and necessary items before starting
The baby's body cannot regulate body temperature as well as adults, so preparing a bathing space is extremely important to prevent the baby from catching a cold.
Bathroom space: The bathroom or bedroom where the baby is bathed must be completely sheltered from the wind. In winter, parents should turn on additional heaters about 5-10 minutes in advance to warm the space.
Prepare supplies: Clean clothes, diapers, small bucket towels, large cotton towels, medical cotton, 70-degree alcohol (for umbilical cord care) and physiological saline must be arranged right at hand. Avoid running to get supplies while bathing your child.
2. Check the temperature of the bathwater accurately
Water that is too hot can cause burns to the delicate skin of children, conversely, water that is too cold will make babies susceptible to colds and bronchitis.
Ideal temperature: Bathing water for infants should be kept stable at 37 degrees Celsius (equivalent to the baby's body temperature).
How to check: Parents should use a specialized bath water thermometer to get the most accurate results. If not available, you can check by dipping your elbow into the water; if you feel lightly warm and comfortable, it meets the requirements.
3. Follow safe bathing procedures and times
For newborns, bathing needs to be done quickly, gently and follow the principle from the cleanest place to the dirtier place.
Bathing time: Each bath for the baby should only last from 5 to 7 minutes. The most ideal time of day is when there is warm sunlight (about 10am - 11am) or before the baby goes to bed at night (about 3pm - 4pm). Absolutely do not bathe when the baby is just full or when the baby is too hungry.
Step order: Wipe your eyes, face, and ears with a damp bucket towel first, then wash your hair and dry your hair immediately. Next, proceed to bathe the whole body from the neck, armpits, hands, chest, abdomen down to the feet and private area.
4. Clean the navel area and skin care after bathing
The navel of a newborn is a very sensitive area and easily infected if not properly cared for after exposure to water.
Umbilical cord care: When bathing, parents do not need to completely abstain from water for the umbilical cord, but absolutely do not soak the baby's umbilical cord in water for too long. After taking the baby out of the basin, use a clean cotton swab to gently pat and dry the umbilical cord area from inside to outside, leaving it open and ventilated for the umbilical cord to fall off quickly and naturally.
Keep warm and moisturize: Dry the baby's body with a soft cotton towel immediately, paying attention to carefully wiping the skin folds on the neck, armpits, and groin. Parents can apply a little more tea tree oil to the soles of the feet and back to keep warm or massage with a gentle moisturizer specifically for infants.
