A guide to your baby's first bath

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I, Resident Doctor Dang Thi Ngoan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist, Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital

Bathing children is a job that many parents appreciate. It's a great time to bond, help your little new family member enjoy the feeling of warm water on her skin. However, this seemingly simple job still makes many parents confused, even worried, especially in the first time bathing their baby.

The timing of a newborn's first bath has changed over the past few years. While most facilities still typically bathe babies within an hour or two of birth, many are changing the timing of their first baths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends giving newborn babies the first bath around 24 hours after birth, or waiting at least 6 hours if waiting is not possible.
Here are some reasons why we should delay baby's first bath:
Body temperature and blood sugar: babies who are bathed right away can be susceptible to colds and hypothermia. Bathing babies too early can also make some babies more susceptible to hypoglycemia. Mother-infant bonding, and breastfeeding: Taking a baby to the bath too soon can disrupt skin-to-skin care, prevent mother-infant bonding, and prevent babies from getting breast milk early. One study found that breastfeeding success in the hospital increased 166% after a 12-hour delay in a baby's first bath compared with babies who were bathed within the first few hours. Retains baby's skin coating (Vernix): a waxy white substance that coats baby's skin before birth, which acts as a natural moisturizer and it may be resistant to bacteria . According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it's best to leave this film on an infant's skin for a while to help keep their delicate skin from drying out. This is especially important for premature babies because their skin is very vulnerable. Note: Babies born to mothers with HIV or hepatitis virus infection should be bathed after the first feed to reduce the risk to healthcare workers and family members.

Newborns don't need a bath every day. At this time, the child rarely sweats or is so dirty that it is not necessary to bathe regularly.
Three baths per week may be enough for babies. Bathing more often can dry out your baby's skin.
Give your baby a partial bath only until the umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens when the baby is about a week or two old. If it's still umbilical cord remains after that time, there may be other problems going on. You need to take your baby to the doctor if the umbilical cord is not dry and falls off on its own by the time the baby is two months old.
Partial baths are the same as regular baths, except that you don't put your baby in the water. Baby sponge bath safety tips:
Prepare supplies before you start bathing your baby. Have a basin of water ready, a damp washcloth coated in soap-free water, a dry towel, and anything else you might need within arm's reach before you start bathing your baby. Place your baby on a flat surface that is comfortable for both you and your baby, such as a changing table, bed, floor, or counter next to the sink. Cover hard surfaces with a blanket or fluffy towel. If your child is on a surface higher than the floor, always use a seat belt or hold one of your baby's hands to prevent a fall. Start washing your face first: use a damp cloth to wash your face, being careful not to get water in your baby's eyes or mouth. Then, dip it in a basin of water before washing the rest of your baby's body and finally the diaper area. Keep your baby warm: during a sponge bath, wrap your baby in a dry towel and expose only the body parts that you are washing your baby. Pay special attention to wrinkles under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and especially in the genital area for girls.

Once the navel area has healed, you can try putting your baby's whole body in the water. Your baby's first bath should be done as gently and quickly as possible. If your baby reacts, continue to bathe the area for a week or two, then try again. Newborns usually show up when they're ready.
Some tips for keeping babies safe when bathing:
Using an infant bath: The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a hard plastic baby bath with a solid surface. ramps and seat belts to keep your baby from slipping. Some parents find it easiest to bathe their newborn in a tub, sink, or plastic basin lined with a clean towel. Avoid using a shower chair. These chairs provide support so that the child can sit upright in the adult bath. However, children can easily slip through. A child can fall into the tub and if the parents don't notice, the child can die from drowning.
Get everything ready before giving your baby a bath: have towels and other bathing supplies within easy reach so you can always be with your baby. If you forget something or need to answer the phone or open the door in the shower, you must take your baby with you. Never leave a child alone in the bath, even for a moment. Most drownings among children in homes occur in bathtubs, and more than half of deaths in bathtubs involve children under the age of 1.
Check water temperature: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the hottest temperature at the faucet be no more than 120 degrees F (about 49 degrees C) to avoid burns. You can adjust the water heater setting to not exceed this temperature. Tap water that is too hot can quickly cause burns so severe that they require hospitalization or even surgery. In fact, scalds are the leading cause of burns in infants and young children. Keep your baby warm in the bath: after you undress your baby, put him in the water immediately so he doesn't get cold. Use one hand to support your baby's head and the other hand to get his feet into the water first. Talk to your baby gently and bring the rest of her body down until she's in the tub. Most of your baby's body and face should be above water level to be safe, so you'll need to regularly pour warm water over her body to keep her warm. Use soap appropriately: soap can dry out your baby's skin. If necessary, you can use a cleanser for heavily soiled areas, using only mild soaps, neutral pH, no additives. Then wash the soap off the skin immediately. Wash your baby's hair 2-3 times a week with baby shampoo or body wash. You may see some scaly patches on your baby's scalp called buffalo poop. This condition is harmless and occurs in many babies. You can remove the scabs with a soft-bristled brush when you're done washing your baby's hair, but you can also leave it alone if it doesn't worry you. It is unlikely to disturb the baby.

Gently clean the baby: use a soft towel to wash the baby's face and hair, be careful not to rub vigorously. Gently massage your baby's entire scalp, including the area above the fontanelle. When you clean your baby's head with shampoo, place your hand over your child's forehead so that the shampoo flows out to the sides rather than into his or her eyes. If some dirt gets in your baby's eyes, use a wet washcloth to wipe with warm water. Then wash the rest of the child's body in a top-down direction.
Keep your baby happy in the bath: if your baby enjoys bathing, give her a little extra time to splash and play in the water. The more fun your baby is in the bath, the less afraid she will be of the water. Bathing is a very relaxing and soothing experience. Newborns don't really need toys in the bath, as just being in the water is fun enough. However, once your baby is old enough to get into a larger tub, toys will help keep them entertained while bathing. Carrying cases, floating toys, even waterproof books will attract your child's attention, while you keep them clean.
Take the baby out and dry: when the bath is over, quickly wrap the towel around the baby's head and body to keep him warm while he is still wet. Gently pat your baby dry and apply a small amount of fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer immediately after bathing to help prevent dry skin or eczema. Knowing these basics can make bathing a newborn a breeze. Just make sure your baby stays comfortable and safe during bath time and don't forget to enjoy all these special moments!

References: babycenter.com, mayoclinic.org, healthychildren.org