Amidst the adjustments that come along with the birth of a child, there are many new behaviors that must be established. One of the most pivotal of these behaviors is the newborn bath. Cleanliness is just as necessary for little ones as it is for adults. What most parents aren’t aware of is that there is more than one type of newborn bath. Below you will find information on some newborn bath types.
Womb Bath
There is no shortage of evidence that babies respond positively to environments that recreate the womb. That love for the familiar is the basis behind this type of newborn bath. During a womb bath, your baby is submerged up to their shoulders in water with the use of your hands. Make sure the water is between 98-99 degrees Fahrenheit to approx the body temperature of a human body just like when they were in the womb. The Tummy Tub womb mimicking bathtub was created in Europe to create the womb effect. Womb baths should only be given after baby’s umbilical cord stump has fallen off.
Sponge Bath
Therefore, until a baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off, they should only be given a sponge bath. For this type of newborn bath, you need a container with warm water, mild baby soap such as Honest Co. or Burt’s Bees, a washcloth, and a hooded towel. Baths can be given on a changing table, carpeted floor, or counter next to the sink. Make sure the room is warm since your baby is not submerged in a sponge bath. For the sake of safety, make sure you have everything you need in arms reach, do you always have one hand on baby.
Standard Bath
The standard bath is what you typically think of when someone mentions bathing a baby. The Puj or the Blooming Bath is both great for use in the sink because they are compact for tight spaces and can be stored easily. You can also use a padded mat on the bottom of the tub instead of a plastic bin like tub. The container should be filled with 1-2 inches of water; so your child is in the water, but their face is not.