WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

My Baby's First Bath: What to Think About

My Baby's First Bath: What to Think About
So, you're getting ready for your baby's first bath! It's an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of their bathing routine. Here are some important things to think about to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your little one.
Preparing the Bathing Environment
Before giving your baby their first bath, it's essential to create a safe and comfortable bathing environment. Here's what you need to consider:
  • Temperature: Make sure the room is warm, around 75°F (24°C), to keep your baby comfortable during and after the bath.
  • Supplies: Gather all the necessary bathing supplies, including a baby bathtub or basin, mild baby soap, soft washcloths, towels, and a clean diaper.
  • Water Level: Fill the bathtub or basin with a few inches of lukewarm water, around 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) deep. Test the water temperature with your elbow or a bath thermometer to ensure it's not too hot or cold.
Handling Your Baby Safely
When it comes to bathing your baby, their safety is of utmost importance. Here are some tips to handle your baby safely during bath time:
  • Supporting the Head: Always provide proper head and neck support for your baby. Use one hand to cradle their head while supporting their body with the other hand.
  • Gentle Movements: Handle your baby with gentle and slow movements, ensuring they feel secure and comfortable in the water.
  • Secure Grip: Maintain a secure grip on your baby during the bath. A wet baby can be slippery, so it's essential to have a good hold to prevent accidents.
Washing Your Baby
When it comes to washing your baby during their first bath, simplicity is key. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
  • Sponge Bath: For newborns, a sponge bath is often recommended for the first few weeks until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Use a soft washcloth or sponge to gently clean your baby's body, avoiding the umbilical cord area.
  • Mild Soap: Use a mild, hypoallergenic baby soap or cleanser to clean your baby's skin. Make sure to choose products specifically formulated for newborns to prevent skin irritation.
  • Focus on the Essentials: During the first bath, focus on cleaning the diaper area, folds of the skin, and gently wiping their face with a damp cloth. Avoid getting water or soap in their eyes or mouth.
Making Bath Time Enjoyable
Bath time can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your baby. Here are some tips to make bath time enjoyable for both of you:
  • Soothing Environment: Create a soothing and calming atmosphere during bath time by dimming the lights, playing soft music, or using a gentle white noise machine.
  • Singing and Talking: Sing or talk to your baby throughout the bath to provide comfort and reassurance. Your soothing voice will help them feel secure and loved.
  • Cuddle Time: After the bath, wrap your baby in a soft towel and cuddle them close. This cozy moment helps them feel warm, secure, and loved.
Learn more
T
Tredaja
12 Jan 2024

gave my baby her first bath tonight. what do you guys use in your babies hair just to keep it moisturized after a bath?? its been almost 3 years since I had to worry about newborn hair & skin 😭

3 comments
K
Kerrie
I love her hair and shes soooo adorable omggg ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tredaja
thank you so much love 🥹🩷
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tampa
11 Dec 2023

Soooo apart of my birth plan is to delay cord clamping, and first bath! So many positive reasons why 😊🫶🏽

3 comments
J
JENNIFER 💜💋
Omg ! Same here. I want to bath my own baby and delay his cord cutting 😍
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tampa
Being alil more educated on birth this time around makes it seem like a whole new experience
27 Mar 2024

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M
Maysa
8 Dec 2023

First bath at home, babygirl always makes these funny ass faces 😂. Her dad unfortunately left my mini-fridge open so about 4-6oz of my milk was no longer drinkable 😐. I ended up just pouring some into her bath. What else do y'all use your non-drinkable breastmilk for?

2 comments
M
Maysa
She's so cute 😂
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nique🌈🤱🏽🙏🏽
Mainly baths for my dear whittle won..I use in his diaper rash(yeast) and his face asleep cap too and both are gone..
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hannah
7 Nov 2023

I’m so scared to give birth, every time I start to think about it I almost send myself into a panic attack. I’m absolutely terrified. This is my first baby, so I have no idea what to expect. Some words of encouragement would be great! #36weeks

4 comments
Z
Zoria
Me too girl 😭👏🏾!
27 Mar 2024

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C
Crystal
Same here! I’m 38 weeks today and am not sure what to look for when it comes to knowing when I’ll be in labor etc. it’s so different for everyone that it’s impossible to feel secure in knowing how things are going to play out. All I can say is you’re not alone. I’m also very nervous and scared but excited at the same time. You’re going to be just fine! Once our babies are in our arms I’m sure we’re going to look back and feel silly for worrying so much ❤️ hang in there. You’ve already made it this far
27 Mar 2024

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A
Avrionna
5 Sep 2023

So tonight before my fiancé left for work I was in the bath an baby girl started to cry and he decided to come in and say since she was born she ruined everything!😭😡so I had to hop out of the bath to take care of her but I will never forget what he said about her I wanted to up and leave with her as soon as he said that!

7 comments
M
Mook
Wow I don’t even know what to say 🙏🏾
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ashley
I'm so sorry he said that. Men don't think about the effect their words have on situations. Wow!
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amauri
4 Sep 2023

For first full on bath , I think I'm going to pump and put the milk in. Have any of you done so ?

10 comments
D
Diammond
I got go to my wic office in morning so I cab get babygirl milk on her wic xard ND pick up my pump ND I'm start tomorrow with breast pump ND feeding babygirl breast milk throughout day ND formula throughout night
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amauri
good luck on your breast feeding journey. I pumped almost 3 oz..last night..I hope it's like that every time. She still takes the boob. You'll only probably need one bottle until your milk supply increases before you can start offering baby food. You have a plan so that's good.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
11 Jun 2023

My baby’s been pooping for like 10 minutes. I want to take our bath so we can go to sleep but if she poops in the bath I might lose my mind 😆🙃.

4 comments
J
Jessica
Well there’s poop all over the bed now 😭 I should have just let her poop in the bath 🥲
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sydni
Better than on YOU
27 Mar 2024

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J
Joanna
7 Mar 2023

My baby is 1 week old when did you all take your baby their first bath. It’s freezing here in Cali and I’m a little scared to bath her lol.

6 comments
J
Jalay
When the umbilical cord comes off, we had the heater on in the house so it was warm for her and used warmish water. I think she was like 9 days.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Joanna
She still has hers I forgot to fold the diaper one night while changing her and I think she some how pulled it but it’s still there Awwh I felt so bad.
27 Mar 2024

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E
Estefania Cano
1 Feb 2023

what do I need to bring to the hospital for my baby? diapers? Wet wipes? Or does the hospital provide them? I would also like to know if they do the first bath there or I must bring shampoo etc. it’s my first baby🙏🏻

5 comments
C
Celeste
Depending on the hospital, is if they take a bath either way tho They clean them up and supply dippers etc.🙂
27 Mar 2024

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E
Estefania Cano
It will be in an atrium hospital, I'm already 38 weeks and I'm taking care to bring everything I need😿
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hope
7 Nov 2022

Just checking. My back was killings me soo I jumped in a warm Epsom salts bath and baby boy was doing somersaults! Most active I’ve ever felt him fir about 5 minutes or so and now he’s calmed down. Do you think my water is too hot? Is it just new to him? Does anyone else experience extra movement in a bath??

1 comments
A
Alice
Too hot of water can be bad and linked to cause neuro tube defects. Like hot tub hot. A warm bath shouldn't harm you or baby in any way
27 Mar 2024

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