How To Bathe Your Newborn Baby
Chris Hinde
Bath or no bath for your baby just after he sees the light of the
world entirely depends upon your decision. Traditionally
immediately after their birth, the babies were handed to their
parents; but nowadays the scene has changed. They are wiped down
before they get into the welcoming arms of their mom or dad. But
it is totally up to your will to bathe him or not.
Vernix, the greasy film that enwraps your baby’s body acts as an
effective moisturizer for the baby’s soft and vulnerable skin.
This greasy moisturizer if not wiped off, is again absorbed. This
reabsorbing act of the vernix prevents the baby from dry patches
on skin. Now it is seen that this vernix layer can be found in
more amount on pre-term baby than on one that is full-term.
A baby while staying in the womb is surrounded by amniotic fluid.
For this reason, a waterproof material is a necessity and vernix
plays the role of this essential material aptly.
Now coming back from the hospital the parents are the ones
responsible for bathing the newborn baby. The task is not that
easy, especially for the new parents. They are generally tensed
to give their baby a bath.
The first thing to worry about is determining the temperature of
the water. But before that arrange for all the accessories, such
as towel, changing mat, new nappy, clean dress, for the bath.
Then put the baby in a suitable place.
At first fill the tub with cold water. Then mix that water with
hot water. Make sure the water temperature is proper for your
baby by dipping your elbow into it. This testing by dipping of
the elbow is an effective one as the elbow-skin is quite
sensitive.
Undress your baby and wrap him in a soft towel. Run some water
with your hand gently over his head. Avoid shampooing your baby
as generally the chemical of shampoo is a problem for the babies’
delicate scalp.
After you are done with it, lower the baby with care into the
water by putting his neck in your elbow’s crook and your hand
while holding one of his leg’s back. Now another thing to
remember - in case you are southpaw, put the neck of your baby in
your right elbow’s crook and wash him with your left hand while
holding his right leg with your right hand.
Cup a little water in your hand and sprinkle it on your baby’s
body. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing his body since they are
absolutely unnecessary. A newborn baby does not accumulate that
much dirt. Bathe him for some minutes, otherwise he will catch
cold. Dry him and dress him - your baby is fresh after his first
bath
About The Author: Chris Hinde is an author and mother. See more
of her articles at
http://www.babycribbedding.info
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