The baby’s umbilical cord will fall off between 10 days and three weeks after birth. The way to bathe a baby before the cord falls when the clip is still on the navel is different from how we do it afterwards.
The reason is that, to avoid possible infections and to keep the navel as dry as possible for proper healing, it is not advisable to immerse the baby’s body in water. Before the umbilical cord falls, it is preferable not to bathe the baby by immersion .
We can place the baby in the bathtub with a little water with baby soap in the bottom, and with a clean sponge, wash the newborn in parts, leaving the genitals for last. The cord has to be specifically cleaned and cured, so there is no need to dwell on it during bathing, but nothing happens if it gets wet and then thoroughly dried.
There are also those who prefer to bathe the baby “dry” (“washing the cat”), on a dry surface (changing table, bed …) and with a damp cloth to clean the baby’s body. If we use a sponge in this case, it should be very slightly soaked if we do not want it to drip.
Bathing the baby by submerging the body in water is not contraindicated, as long as it is a short bath and of course then we dry the cord well.
However, the immersion bath can be delayed for up to two or three days after the cord falls , when the navel no longer shows light bleeding or any discharge and the risk of infection is considerably reduced.
Newborn Bath Tips: First Days
In any case, let’s wash the baby as we wash it, these are the common tips . Starting with the fact that the logical insecurity of the first-timers will disappear immediately if we organize ourselves calmly and face this moment as one more of closeness and attachment to the baby:
- The water temperature must be adequate, between 34-37 degrees Celsius. We can check that it is not burning or cold by inserting the inside of our wrist, the back of the hand or the elbow if we do not have a bath thermometer.
- We also have to take care of the room temperature , which should be between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius, and avoid drafts.
- We must have everything necessary for the bathroom prepared at our fingertips: sponge, towel, soap, clothes, brush …
- We cannot leave the baby alone for a moment.
- Soaps and shampoo should be neutral and slightly scented, but we could bathe the baby only with water, especially in babies with so few days of life.
- The sponge should be natural and special for babies.
- The baby is undressed and the diaper area is cleaned before putting him in the bathtub.
- Bathing your baby in a large bathtub is not advisable for the first few days, as well as being difficult it is dangerous.
- The bathtub or the surface where we are going to clean it must be clean.
- The baby must be held firmly , as well as gently.
- The best posture to bathe the baby if it is done by one person is to hold his back with one arm so that the baby rests his head on the forearm, supporting him by the armpit and shoulder; This way, the other hand is free and the baby is semi-upright.
- The order to follow for washing is from top to bottom, starting with the head and ending with the genitals.
- The eyes, nose and ears have their own cleaning process, so you do not have to insist on them.
- The cord should not be washed or especially wet, nor rubbed.
- If we talk to him during the bath, the baby will be calmer when he hears our voice.
- After bathing, dry the baby’s entire body very well, especially between the folds and the cord area, without rubbing. Drying the delicate area of the cord is done with gentle touches.
- For drying we can use two cotton towels, a larger one for the body and a small one for the head and sensitive areas.
- We remember the tips for dressing the newborn baby, as it is the next step after the bath, before the baby cools down.
- Let’s take advantage of bath time to check the baby to rule out rashes, inflammations or other problems that are otherwise more hidden.
- But above all, let’s take advantage of bath time to enjoy it and make it feel close to us.
- Most babies face this new newborn experience with gusto, but don’t be discouraged if your baby cries in the first few baths, as it stands to reason that the unknown scares him or her. You will quickly get used to it and enjoy it just like us.
Finally, we point out that the bath before the umbilical cord falls is a very special moment of contact between the parents and the baby these first days of the child’s life, so taking it relaxed and enjoying the moment is highly advisable. Of course, also prepare the camera to make it more unforgettable if possible.
In Babies and more | Step-by-step practical guide to bathing your baby
